'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Eric
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and explain the significance of Eric while considering multiple interpretations.
Key learning points
- Eric is established as a moral voice at the start of the play, but lacks the ability to be assertive.
- Priestley uses emotive language to portray the impact the Inspector has on Eric.
- The Inspector appears to be more lenient with Eric and acts as a moral guide.
- It could be argued that Eric is an unreliable narrator when explaining his involvement with Eva.
- Tentative language can be used to explore and develop alternative interpretations.
Keywords
Assertive - confidently expressing your opinions or needs in a clear and respectful way
Lenient - being forgiving or more merciful, showing less strictness or severity in judgement or punishment
Unreliable - not able to be trusted or depended on, often due to inconsistency or inaccuracy
Narrative - a story or account of events, real or imagined, told in a specific order
Tentative - hesitant, or not fully decided, often used to suggest a possibility rather than a definite conclusion
Common misconception
Eric’s guilt makes him fully sympathetic.
Eric's actions and narrative can still be challenged. For example, his attempts to downplay his responsibility may show his moral flaws.
Teacher tip
Consider the reading in this lesson. You may wish to invite your pupils to read the text aloud, which can help pupils establish the contrast in the Inspector's approach towards Eric and the older Birlings.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these answers are true? In 'An Inspector Calls', Eric is...
Q2.Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Eric.
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the name of the bar where Eric meets Eva Smith?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Eric in the stage directions of Act 1?
Q5.Which word beginning with 's' can be used to describe the political ideology of J.B. Priestley?
Q6.What does the term 'characterisation' refer to in a play?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'L' can be described as: 'being forgiving or more merciful, showing less strictness or severity in judgement or punishment.'?
Q2.In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Eric. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Eric?
Q3.What is an unreliable narrator?
Q4.Why might Eric be considered an unreliable narrator in 'An Inspector Calls'?
Q5.Is the answer true or false? Tentative language can be used to provide a definite conclusion.
Q6.Which sentence does not use tentative language?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Eric, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Eric, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.