Eric Quotes Act 1 (2nd Quote)
English Lit: AQA GCSE An Inspector Calls, topic 5.4.2
Eric - Key Quote (Act 1)
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’ Here's an analysis of this key quote from Act 1:
Socially aware and socialist
- Eric is the first one to suggest that lower-class people should be treated better (despite him treating Eva so poorly).
- It is obvious why Eric and his parents do not share a close relationship - their personalities are so different, and Eric obviously leans more towards socialism than capitalism.
- This could be why he is so uncomfortable being in their company. He seems to be tired of their judgements around lower-class people and seems to be the most socially aware member of the family at the start of the play.
Goes against social norms
- He openly contradicts his father in front of people – a serious social faux pas (mistake or not polite) at this time.
Test yourself on Eric Quotes Act 1 (2nd Quote)
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’
What does this quote not suggest about Eric?‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’
How does Eric go against social norms in this quote?