How does Priestley express ideas about Eric Birling in ‘An Inspector Calls’ Essay

Erics DrinkingOne explanation for Erics drinking mayhap is the hypocrisy of his family, and Eric feels he has to join in with the male dominated culture in society. For example when Gerald suggests he is going to be careful Eric expresses his amusement Eric suddenly guffaws. His parents look at him this is the strongest suggestion yet that Eric is aware of Geralds affair, if not the exact specifics. When asked by Sheila what was causing his amusement Eric replies I dont have it off really. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh this shows how Eric defends the male and shows how Eric has to defend the male power not the female power. This could suggest that the hypocrisy of Gerald who is extremely esteemed by his family had led to Erics frustration and led him on a path to alcoholism.Evas Sacking + CapitalismEric clearly shows much to a greater extent sympathy to Priestleys views than that of his pay back. Discussing Eva Smiths death, Eric suggests Why shouldnt they try for higher w ages? We try for the highest possible prices? you said yourself she was a good prole this shows how Eric is apparent motioning not only the decision making of his father but also Mr. Birlings view on society. Mr. Birling is a bemoan advocate of everybody looking after himself but when a lower class workers attempts to improve their life changes Mr. Birling is contradictory and fires Eva. Showing how Erics rhetorical question of Why shouldnt they try for higher wages? shows how Eric is almost representing Priestleys views of the selfish, aggressive form of capitalism, which Mr. Birling represents.AffairWhen Erics affair comes to light, his choice of actors line leaves ambiguity to the reader about the nature of Erics affair. Did Eric force himself upon Eva? Or was Eric showing sympathy and attention to an innocent girl? Eric states to the inspector She wasnt the rough-cut sort. But well, I suppose she didnt know what to do by suggesting she wasnt the usual sort suggests that i t is Eva innocence and desperation that causes Eric to be attracted to Eva, this could lead us to have sympathy for Eric. As if here were to see Eva not purely as a prostitute but also as somebody who push aside change and reform shows a more sympathetic side to Eric that every iodine can change.However the ambiguity comes from the statement well, I suppose she didnt know what to do this sounds strongly like rape from Eric. That he has clearly forced himself upon her with Eva not knowing how to react. Again highlighted in the following remark Yes, I insisted it seems again suggesting how Eric was the one dominating the situation. Although Erics guilt is evident when he tries to express doubt on his wrongdoing with the quote it seems showing how Eric is not comfortable with the sin he has committed.If this were to be the case it paints a much darker picture of Eric suggesting he had no genuine car for Eva, but was only interested in the need to sate his sexual desire.Sexism/Prosti tutionErics relationship with Eva continues to lack any real substance and highlights Priestleys thoughts that woman have little choice about their choices in order to survive. As Eric continues to describe his relationship with Eva he describes And this time we talked a bit for a couple to only talked a bit is hardly a romantic statement, and suggests that Eric pretty much had sex with Eva straight away. The fact that Eric also couldnt remember her name or where she lived shows how from Evas point of view Eric was mortal who was abusive with her, and didnt seem to look after her. The only reason for Eva to continue to associate with Eric would be because of the extreme poverty she faces and showing how despite the unfathomable way she is treated she has no choice but to accept the dominance of men.Learning His LessonAfter the Inspector has left, Priestley does give the reader an opportunity to take a more optimistic view about what Erics future may hold. After his mother has conde mned Eric outraging Im absolutely shamefaced of you Erics react shows a sign of maturity and of a genuine capacity to change responding, Well, I dont blame you. But dont block off I am ashamed of you as well yes both of you the fact that Eric is now admitting shame on himself could suggest he is now in the honk of mindset to change his ideals and values. The way Eric also condones his parents also sounds remarkably mature saying But dont forget I am ashamed of you as well this shows how Eric is condemning his parents in a very authoritative way, and turning the tables on his parents using mature demeanour.Eric continues to ridicule his parents, particularly expressing doubts over his fathers viewpoints. In one of his final lines Eric remarks You told us a man had to make his own wayand then one of those cranks walked in The Inspector (laughs bitterly.) I didnt notice you told him its every man for himself the way that Eric uses repetition of his fathers notion about every man for himself shows how Eric ridicules Mr Birlings views on Priestleys behalf to show how many of the beneficiaries of capitalism believe in that principal except those who need to be looked after the most. The message from Priestley that no matter how flawed or wealthy the character everybody has the ability to change.