Eric is the rather spoilt, immature son of Mr and Mrs Birling. His first lines in the play clearly demonstrates this:
As you can see above, he tries to blame his mother - "you haven't made it any easier for me, have you, Mother?" - Here, Eric is reinforcing his immature nature, as he is trying to not take responsibility for his own actions. Also, the fact that he says "I didn't even remember" also highlights that he is child-like as he can't even remember the event.
Eric can be described as the misfit in his family. He doesn't follow his father's hard headed business nature and he isn't socially acceptable (due to his drink), like his sister and mother. He is weak-willed, and always looks for the easy way out. His father is aware of his behaviour, however his mother remains some-what ignorant of her sons faults.
Key quotes about Eric from his family:
- "Just keep quiet, Eric, and don't get excited" - Mr Birling recognises hat Eric has had too much to drink and might easily say something he shouldn't - he's aware of Eric's drinking
- "Besides you're not the type - you don't get drunk" - Mrs Birling is showing her ignorance of her son's extra-curricular activities
- "Your trouble is - you've been spoilt" - Mr Birling making excuses for his son
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