Question paper: Paper 2 Modern texts and poetry – June 2018- JB Priestley: An Inspector Calls

Introduction

Eric Birling, a character in J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls,” changes from a carefree, inebriated young man to a regretful, responsible adult. This essay will look at how Priestley portrays Eric as a character who evolves throughout the play in terms of how he views himself and other people.

Eric’s Initial Behavior

Eric is portrayed in the play’s first act as a character who is unhappy with his privileged way of life. He is portrayed as a heavy drinker who is always drunk during the first act. Eric frequently acts rashly and carelessly, and he dismisses his family’s worries about his drinking habits. For example, when his father,