How can I improve this essay on Eric Birling?

How does Priestley present Eric Birling in an inspector calls?
At the beginning of the play, in the stage directions Priestley describes Eric as being 'half shy, half assertive', highlighting how he is a neurotic and an unstable character. The noun 'half' displays how he doesn’t know himself and is confused about his own character, highlighting his immaturity and lack of self-understanding. The contrast between 'shy' and 'assertive' emphasis his confusion and uneasiness, which could suggest that he is full of secrets and guilty of something. Eric's nervous behaviour could've formed from Mr Birling's constant disapproval. Eric doesn’t share his fathers 'hard-headed' attitude to business therefore Mr Birling belives that his 'trouble is- [he's] been spoilt' and had an easy life being the boss's son. The contrast between Eric and his family highlights his aloofness and detatchment.
Eric Birling is presented as puerile and immature. At the beginning of act when Sheila revealed to Mrs Birling about Eric being an alcoholic and the father of Eva Smith's baby, he responded by accusing her of betrayal, 'You told her. Why, you little sneak!' . His juvenile nature can be identified through his instant reaction to insult Sheila, calling her a 'sneak'!'. The use of the exclamation mark in his speech reveals his helplessness and true powerlessness. The pronoun 'you' highlights his need to search for others to hold liable because he can't cope with the disrespect and betrayal. He has the arrogance of a child therefore he finds solace in in blaming other's so that he can reduce the blame on himself. His lack of responsibility displays everything that Priestley believes is what is wrong with the Edwardian ruling class.
At the beginning Eric was part of the 'chain of events', as he raped Eva Smith and got her pregnant and treated her 'as if she were an animal, a thing, not a person'. Eric abused his power of a working class girl, highlighting his limited sense of social responsibility. Eric Birling displayed an acute sense of responsibility as he was concerned enough to give her money, which he was 'borrowing' from his father. However, by the end of the play Eric take full responsibility for his actions and like Sheila he felt very guilty about what he did. He is ashamed of his parents' inability to admit their own responsibility. Priestley uses Eric to show how the younger and future generations are prepared to change their ways for the future of society and abandon his parents traditional capitalist views.

Reply 1

lilycomptonx

9

This is good but to improve there's a checklist to include to get a good grade when answering any 'An Inspector Calls' questions.
* context - stereotypes
* speech quotations
* stage direction quotations
* language analysis
* single word analysis
* character's contribution to the text
* link to the deadly sins
* link to the reaction of both audiences (1945 and 2018 (or whatever year))
* links between characters
* numerous adjectives to describe the character
* mature discourse markers
* links to other parts of the text
* link to socialism vs capitalism
* mention the playwright's views/purpose
* discussed the genre of the play
* comment on a structural feature of the play
* discussed how the play was performed

Also when writing about characters there are a few structure layouts:
* Intro, Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, conclusion
* Intro, character being one way, character changing (or not changing), character being different way (or not being different), conclusion

Reply 2

soundgirl

12

Original post by lilycomptonx

This is good but to improve there's a checklist to include to get a good grade when answering any 'An Inspector Calls' questions.
* context - stereotypes
* speech quotations
* stage direction quotations
* language analysis
* single word analysis
* character's contribution to the text
* link to the deadly sins
* link to the reaction of both audiences (1945 and 2018 (or whatever year))
* links between characters
* numerous adjectives to describe the character
* mature discourse markers
* links to other parts of the text
* link to socialism vs capitalism
* mention the playwright's views/purpose
* discussed the genre of the play
* comment on a structural feature of the play
* discussed how the play was performed

Also when writing about characters there are a few structure layouts:
* Intro, Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, conclusion
* Intro, character being one way, character changing (or not changing), character being different way (or not being different), conclusion

hiya, can u please explain what you mean by "mature discourse markers", thank you x

Reply 3

lilycomptonx

9

My teacher said they’re higher level ‘linking words/connectives’
E.g. moreover, nevertheless, consequently
These help to show the examiner you’ve constructed your writing well.

Reply 4

circleofsighs

14

the way i structured my essays: (9 in lit!)
-one topic per paragraph, reference to multiple points in the play. long paragraphs!
-always think WHY

Reply 5

xxhappymxx

1

Your essay is generally really good, you gave given me a clear point and then given evidence to support your idea. In order to make it better, it might be a good idea to use a contextual point as well. For example, you can refer to how Eric's awkwardness was unusual for a middle-class male his age. And the fact that he calls his sister a few names like a 'sneak' etc, shows his lack of manners that a normal middle-class person would have.

Reply 6

josh32487

1

hey i need help . I'm predicted an 8 in english lit but I'm really struggling in ideas about eric. can you please write a sample eric essay so i can see what to write thank. it would be much appreciated

How can I improve this essay on Eric Birling?

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