How Is Priestly Presented In An Inspector Calls

In an Inspector Calls, J B Priestley represents Eric Birling as someone who fights against the social norms of society, such as patriarchal ideology, in which his father Arthur Birling shows and represents within the play. He symbolizes a beacon of hope for society, prompting change through his new ideas and understanding of responsibility. Despite his initial hatred for his family's success and his irrelevancy, along with inhibiting toxic masculinity traits towards his sister's marriage, Priestley uses Eric to represent the good in society at the end. Initially, Eric is presented by Priestly as half-assertive, half-shy, a man "not quite at ease" in his early twenties. It is also established that Eric has a drinking problem, when Sheila mentions Eric is "squiffy," during the …show more content…
During his confession, his mentioning of Eva Smith being "good sport" emphasizes his view upon women, and their lowly purpose in satisfying Eric. It also mentions that when Eric wasn't allowed into Eva's lodgings, he "threatened to make a row." This suggests that Eric might have forced himself unto Eva, causing her to have a pregnancy. Furthermore, Eric's lack of care for Eva can be seen when he mentions that Eva didn't want him "to marry her." This suggests the fact that Eric didn't actually love her, and Eva was worried Eric's lack of love and caring treatment would affect the baby in a negative way. However, over time, his acknowledgement of the incident can be seen broadening. This can be shown through his sudden regret for his actions, which can be shown through his phrase "oh my god! How stupid it all