Top Grade Analysis of Eric in An Inspector Calls (Mr Salles)

[@Will-ht2ny]

So, so helpful. Thank you - you're a genius!

[@lyu676]

I have my literature mock tomorrow and i found out more than i ever knew in 15 minutes. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! You really helped me a lot, and showed this character in another even more interesting way. It seems that if I'm going to watch you, I'll increase my grades for sure.

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Thank you!

[@jillcarter3078]

On th Capitalism as theft page, I think Mr Salles means Eva's earnings, not Sheila's. Great video though!

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Thanks Jill, you are correct!

[@Divijcool]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish i just about to mention that kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvYipyMZbyaqMk

[@gracelou7549]

honestly the most helpful grade 9 analysis videos ive ever watched! started at a garde 7, now at a steady 9! thank you!!

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Well done!

[@hollycutland6612]

Hi, this is a great video! I'm a grade 8 student really pushing for a 9 so this extra analysis will be extremely helpful! I'm just wondering that didn't Eva refuse the stolen money anyway highlighting how she has better moral standards than the Birling's so would that also link in to Eric just keeping all of the money?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Good idea

[@everythingtv4875]

thank you! this helped so much in my mocks

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Glad it helped!

[@habsa-m6w]

Thank you. This was very useful

[@diyaash4918]

Hi sir, could you please mark this In the play an inspector calls, Eric is presented as a conflicted character who symbolises hope for the younger generation. Yet, due to his conflicted nature, perhaps he indicates that all upper class men are the same- and will not change In the opening stage directions of the play, Eric is described as ‘half shy, half assertive.’ This piece of information was intentionally placed so early on in the structure of the play to give the audience an immediate impression that Eric is a character who is unsure of himself. The use of the repetition of ‘half’ illustrates that Eric has not fully formed yet- meaning that he is open to change in this play. Additionally, the oxymoron clearly presents Eric to be a contrasting character who is internally conflicted. This is further demonstrated as it seems as though Eric is not comfortable in the company of his soon to be brother in law and his own father. While being overly excited, Eric forgets the company he is in and has to ‘check himself,’ ensuring that he doesn’t say anything out of line. This subtly hints that he is a secluded family member, and is unlike them. The ideologies of capitalism have been enforced on him by his parents- he knows only this- demonstrated by the long speeches by Mr Birling as he speaks about ‘higher prices.’ The fact that Eric is a secluded family member and is also not fully formed may indicate that he will need to form himself- meaning that his views may contrast with them. This foreshadows his interactions with the Inspector, as he rejects capitalism and forms as a socialist character. Additionally, the idea of Eric being a family member who is unlike the rest of them is demonstrated by the fact that he is unable to express his issues with his father; ‘you're not the kind of father a chap could go to.’ Birling is a cold capitalist, who has not nurtured Eric into being a man who is able to share his struggles with him. Indicated by the noun ‘kind,’ Birling fails to meet the requirements of a father that Eric could go to when he’s in trouble. However, there are fathers who manage to build this relationship with their son. This clearly contrasts to the initial description of the seemingly perfect family who are ‘pleased with themselves.’ The birlings attempt to mask the issues they have by portraying themselves as the ideal family- this is illustrated by the lighting. They live in self deceit as the lighting is ‘pink and intimate.’ This connotes the rose tinted spectacles they decide to see the world in- and allow the world to view them in. They create a fake impression of reality, as they build an image, ignoring the internal conflict going on with their own son who is not comfortable with the family he was born in to Furthermore, Eric's conflicted nature is again illustrated, as he teaches his family values which he has learnt to be so opposed to. Towards the end of the play, we can see his assertiveness being released as he begins to question his father’s doings rather than being a secluded family member who sticks to himself. Whilst being ‘nearly at breaking point,’ Eric tells his mother ‘then you killed her- she came to you to protect me. And you turned her away.’ The use of the hyphens illustrates that Eric is struggling to form a sentence. However, his anger and sadness has channelled into grief- therefore he is determined to teach her the lesson of social responsibility. Demonstrated by the adverb ‘nearly,’ we can see that Eric has held himself together with purpose. His aim is to teach his mother the lesson he had learnt, although he is on the verge of breaking down. This symbolises hope for the younger generation, as Eric attempts to teach his mother the values that he has now learnt. There is a change amongst the younger generation, and Eric is now aiming to do the same for the older generation. Priestley intentionally has done this to illustrate that there is hope for a change within us all- to become more socialist, caring for the wellbeing of others. This would be a message to the audience that we, too, must learn what Eric is teaching. The audience could have made an impact from Eric’s lesson as the general election took place in 1945. Many of those in society had the political power to select a political party who valued the well being of everyone- from any social standing. However, although Eric may seem as though he has undergone change, it could be argued that he hasn’t. From the initial stage directions, there were many references to alcohol; ‘decanter of port,’ ‘port glasses’ This gives the audience the initial impression that the Birlings are of a family who consume a lot of alcohol. However, out of all the characters, Eric is the only one who is associated with alcohol- foreshadowing that he perhaps has an involvement with it, which is unlike others. Sheila describes him to be ‘squiffy.’ By aligning him with alcohol, in the early stages of the play, this foreshadows his drunken actions with Eva Smith. Priestley intentionally aligned him with alcohol as a criticism to the Edwardian etiquette of the consumption of alcohol. His alcoholism is later revealed to have been a cause of his actions in Eva’s death. He later reveals that he was ‘in that state when a chap easily turns nasty.’ The use of the determiner ‘that’ indicates that those around him are aware of what state he is referring to- suggesting that it is so normalised in society. However, he speaks in third person- distancing himself from the terrible action he committed. He attempts to reduce his responsibility as he uses alcohol as an excuse for the implied rape of eva smith, as well as using third person to distance himself from the action. Additionally, ‘chap’ has friendly connotations, suggesting that even if it was him, he is not truly an evil person, as he tries to associate himself with positive attributes. This presents eric as a conflicted character as the audience may believe that he feels morally responsible for his actions, however he is clearly deflecting the blame off himself- someone who truly felt guilt wouldn’t attempt to make any excuses on an action as severe as rape. Eric has realised that his alcoholism has caused Eva’s death. However, while the Inspector was teaching this lesson of social responsibility, it seems as though Eric has truly learnt. However, that may have been an illusion as he was ‘squiffy’ upon the Inspectors arrival. Perhaps once he comes to register his ‘change’ in ideologies, he will realise that he regrets his choices- similar to how he now feels regret for his actions with Eva. Once the alcohol is out of his system, he may align with the capitalist views he originally had. This would confirm the 1945 moscow audience beliefs about capitalism- the upper class are unwilling to change and only act according to what benefits them. The lesson not truly being taught is illustrated by the second death of Eva Smith, represented by the phone call. Eric hadn’t truly learned the lesson the inspector was teaching- as he had many lessons to teach. This included, equality between the social classes, freeing women from oppression, as well as criticising the upper class’ drunkenness. The lesson the inspector taught wasn’t truly learnt by Eric as he tries to justify his actions and, as he learns his actions he is drunk. This drunkenness was a cause of Eva’s death. Priestley is illustrating that even though the actions of the upper class have fatal outcomes, they are still unwilling to change. This is a message to the audience to change the people in power, they would be able to do this as the 1945 election was happening. Priestley intended for them to realise the true evil of the upper class, and vote for a political party which doesn’t place people like the Birlings in power Furthermore, his inability to accept responsibility is demonstrated as his father confronts him about stealing; he responds with ‘not really.’ Although he didn't directly not take responsibility for his drunken actions with Eva, he is now directly refusing to acknowledge a crime he committed. This illustrates that he is a character who is uncaring of morals in society, as he chooses to dictate what is right or wrong, when it is clear that he has committed a crime. This is a message from Priestley to the audience that the upper class are incapable of change, and will never do anything which doesn’t work in their best interest.

[@paige4735]

Omg that’s so good

[@lidadaoud6883]

How do you write like this , its so good !

[@kotryna5979]

Hi! This is really good, but the only problem is your answer length, try to shorten it down a little bit as you may not be able to fit all of this amazing piece of information within the time frame you are given. Other than that, great job!

[@lauren_s57]

Nah I’m stealing some of this I got my exam in two weeks this is amazing stuff

[@lauren_s57]

@@kotryna5979 really? It’s not that long and I have 40 minutes to write the essay

[@LegolasSmith-le8wz]

Hi, this is a great video! I recently used it to prepare for my GCSE mock exam on Eric. Unfortunately, I was predicted a grade 4 :( . Some of the points I included, such as the idea that "capitalism is theft," Eric only taking responsibility because he’s drunk, and his stealing the £50 as a reflection of capitalism being exploitative-and that he could represent the future of capitalism-were marked as incorrect. My feedback stated that while my analysis was insightful, I misunderstood some aspects. They suggested I focus more on how Eric represents the younger generation's potential to bring about change. Was this misunderstanding my mistake, or should I stick to a more straightforward interpretation of Eric?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

This is very sad to read - your teacher is simply wrong to dismiss your interpretation - they can disagree with it, but that is irrelevant to your mark. The question is, did you justify it with evidence - and I can see from your question that you did. The examiners will reward you well.

[@LegolasSmith-le8wz]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish Thank you

[@SawyerC7]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO however i think you refered to eva as shiela at 6:00

[@elishawhite7487]

Sorry if someone’s already pointed this out but there’s a mistake at 5:10. It’s not Shelia but Eva.

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Thanks!

[@prodls3993]

Yh

[@prodls3993]

icl this mans litrally gonna save us for aic

[@amsa12378]

Mr salles i`m having trouble with the"how characters are presented question" in general and can`t seem o get higher than a grade 5

[@ayme5868]

Boa Hancock Same i can’t write fast enough

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Ignore those words. They really mean, why did Priestley create these characters - what is he trying to get us to think about them during the play? How will this help Priestley affect what we believe? Hopefully, my video gives you lots of ideas about that - use them to answer the question.

[@amsa12378]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish Oh thanks so much sir, it really means a lot!

[@naomi5710]

Mr Salles Teaches English is there always a question in that manner? About a character? Thanks

[@thepatienceofpandemoniump2624]

Sir I think there is an error at 3:40 to 6:52.Surely you mean Eva instead of Sheila as she went on strike and got sacked?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Indeed! Well spotted.

[@Will-ht2ny]

Great video, thank you very much!

[@annabelleblack4462]

Hi Mr Salles - just thought of another interepretation for the whole war metaphor, I was wondering if this makes any sense... Could it be that the men going of to war offered social elevation to women such as Eva Smith ( through more importance being put on the value of womens work in factories ) and also social liberation for women such as shelia ( the important role they played in the war effort led them to be granted the vote) ~ ultimately reinforcing the opression men created in society. ...?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes, especially as when the soldiers returned, women lost those jobs

[@parallel4]

at 03:45, is the slide supposed to say Sheila?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes, sorry about that!

[@hollyjames6565]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish isn't it Eva? but overall really great video so helpful!!

[@afkah-w1q]

could you link the dead eric future as the most literal meaning of the inspector's ending speech; eric learnt his lesson in fire and blood and anguish of war

[@khadijahshaffiq3959]

I am a bit confused because normally when I have been told about Eric he is seen as a positive character and a good Change so if I oppose this idea is it classed as incorrect Thank you

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

That is the normal interpretation up to grade 6, as he agrees with the Inspector's message. To get grade 7 and above you have to consider other interpretaions - you can argue against them and decide that he is still ultimately a good person.

[@isfakrahaman4140]

mr bruff quantity>quality mr salles quantity

[@muzz2994]

I’m not too sure how to structure my paragraphs because my English teacher keeps telling to write a page per paragraph and use peteztezr for English literature and I can never finish an essay in 45 mins we are also asked to do long introductions and conclusions and I’m not sure how I can structure it differently but still aim for top marks

[@kizu5451]

a bit late but pretzel is good

[@muzz2994]

@@kizu5451 I’m in year 10

[@sillycrumpet]

@@muzz2994 I use p.e.e

[@ayeshanoor3504]

Is it possible to link both interpretations of eric in one essay or it's more beneficial to just stick to one and develop it into paragraphs?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Either approach is fine, as long as you conclude which interpretation is best

[@michaelwahib5049]

Sir can you please upload more videos on inspector class for the rest of the characters with possibly Edexcel's exam (board it is similar to aqa)

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

There is a new one every Saturday

[@erinmcgarrigle1790]

hi, i found this video so helpful. just wondering if you could make a video on the younger generation as a whole

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

It’s already there

[@emilycheeseman299]

Hey Mr Salles! I’m in year 11 and have my mocks in a month, could you please please please do a grade 9 analysis of Pride and Prejudice? Even though I don’t study An Inspector Calls I’ve still watched the whole series and it’s amazing! Is it possible to do the same sort of thing for P+P? Im at a grade 5/6 and I’m really looking to get an 8/9 thank you!!!

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

I haven't read Pride and Prejudice in years! Not enough students study it to make videos which will get views. Having said that, examiners give much higher marks for answers on that text - they just assume you are smarter because you are studying it! If you get your teacher to email me, I can make a bespoke video for your school. [e-mail]

[@emilycheeseman299]

Mr Salles Teaches English wow I never realised since 80% of my school does P+P over AIC! That may be because I go to a grammar though. I’ll email her and see what she says, thank you so much!

[@crazy8283]

Hi sir, what do you mean by Eva’s second death?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

The final phone call a the end of the play

[@crazy8283]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish Thank you x

[@FireFitt]

THANKS

[@nicolemusic2242]

Mr Salles, please can you clarify what you mean by "this refusal to accept responsibility" on the Capitalism as theft slide, are you referring to the previous slide, Capitalism or something else? Thank you.

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

his theft of £50 from his father's business

[@nicolemusic2242]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish Okay, thank you!

[@neemasjourney1465]

Hi, when you say Eva's second death what does that mean? I thought her only death was her suicide, unless you mean her second death is metaphorical

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes, it is metaphorical, but also the second death in the final phone call

[@thatfatcat420]

sorry a bit confused, please could you clarify what Eva's first and second death are?

[@aoibhin_mcglone07]

my gcse is on eric, thank you so much!! this is the most helpful video ive watched :)

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prodls3993]

u dont know the question dude

[@darceypoland3574]

We do advanced information

[@prodls3993]

@@darceypoland3574 ???

[@zaratsunami4481]

What exam board are u

[@SAsif-vt9ts]

THIS. VIDEO. SAVED. ME.

[@Gh0stZer00]

Yes bro I love you!!!!

[@lacyismysunshine]

So helpful for exams thank you

[@hecticentertainment]

Hi! Say if the question was about Eric learning lessons. Is is appropriate to include alternate interpretations, showing he isn't responsible? Surely this doesn't answer question? Thanks. My question is basically can you include alternate interpretations, that doesn't necessarily answer question directly?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes

[@batullakdawala395]

hello sir your videos have always helped and I have increased my grade so much since last year. I was confused about one thing though, in the start of the video u mentioned that there is no personal pronoun when Eric says "in that state in which a chap turns nasty" but the actual quote starts from " I was..." ? just a small confusion.

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Fair point! But he doesn’t say ‘where I turned nasty’ so his language tries to deflect responsibility

[@calcpost3641]

Sir this analysis is very useful but i am not sue how to make revision resources based on this ?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Write an essay with it

[@prodls3993]

Yo mrs sales last year for Edexel the questions on aic where two themes and usually its on a character or a theme whats the probability of it being on two themes in a row

[@r4byc1]

When offering alternative interpretation is it okay if they almost counteract each other. Such as going with he traditional he is "good" but like an alternative interpretation like the ones in this video?

[@reaInverse]

Can you make one for Sheila

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

There's a new one every Saturday till the characters run out!

[@reaInverse]

Mr Salles Teaches English Ok will look out for that 😃

[@connoramour3673]

How does Eric personify capitalism? I wrote this in my mock exam but they said it was wrong I also wrote about how he stole of Arthur and kepted Eva's money cause it was more than 40 weeks of earning I was just wondering if there is another way I could explain to my English teachers

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Ask the to watch the video perhaps?

[@gurneetark4716]

Hi sir I just wanted to say how much your videos helped me during my GCSEs last year so I wanted to say thanks, and also I was wondering if you would create videos about a level English literature. Such as how you could write essays or how to take your analysis further than people would have done at GCSE. Also I am studding Tess of the d’Urbevilles and waiting for Godot and this is a play that I think you will find interesting even if you don’t make any videos on it even though I hope you will. 😊

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

It's a weird and wonderful play "in which nothing happens. Twice." I am not sure there are enough viewers for A level videos.

[@alaynahurooj1995]

Ah that sucks i would love a level content

[@tobydknsn2789]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish you should make an a second channel for a level content only

[@uwotm8770]

hi sir I think you mean eva and not Sheila on the capitalist vs theft slide

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes! Thanks

[@pompeygod8969]

I hope u get to50k very soon ! 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻💪🏻

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Thank you! I think perhaps Monday. I'm pretty excited.

[@mayakleinberg6013]

at 5:19 you said Sheila but you meant Eva

[@reginaampofo8479]

Can u argue both sides in ur essay ??? Sir

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

Yes, as long as you prefer one.

[@kryptickiddo8481]

Kinda sounds like the guy from grizzly tales for gruesome kids 😂😂

[@mirshathmohamed2814]

No way I remember that show!!!!!

[@chloereed596]

This was helpful. Thanks.

[@felixdevisser1870]

what is the significance of his name. I remember seeing it in a past video but forgot

[@bethscott2687]

If its any help his name means biblically "eternal ruler/ prince" Notable erics of the time: Erich Maria Remarque (1898-1970), German writer (All Quiet on the Western Front) Erich Roth (1910- 1947), Nazi Gestapo member executed for war crimes Erich Ludendorff, German general and one of the most significant commanders of World War I However I wouldn't put this as a main thing in an essay as it is a bit dodgy kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWakooSOpdlgrK8 a good vid on the names

[@azure2339]

Hey there sir I've got a question In regard to the eric stealing the 50 pounds isn't it possible eric gave her extra money to sustain herself when she had the baby in the future and not every week like you suggested. It's a good interpretation but after reading act 3 again I'm not exactly sure what was intended.

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

That is possible

[@mirshathmohamed2814]

Can everything said in this video alone get me a grade 8/9?

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

If the question is in Eric!

[@mirshathmohamed2814]

@@MrSallesTeachesEnglish thanks

[@overpowered5919]

sir can you please make a video on edna as i believe that she is a very interesting construct in the sense the she holds such a small number of lines and is considered a minor character however she could possibly represent the whole lower class domain in victorian society and her words mirror that of the title's-thank you

[@MrSallesTeachesEnglish]

I will get round to this, yes

[@SWIPER369]

STOP WITH TTHE ADS!

[@johnsergie3906]

First one

[@glyningram1513]

Awful video. Riddled with errors.