Half Shy Half Assertive Analysis

Through the stage directions, Priestley reveals that Eric was in his ‘early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’; the asyndetic list here creates the sense that he is overwhelming and overbearing (perhaps alluding to the self-righteous superiority that his bourgeois lifestyle has instilled in him). In addition to this impression is his ‘half shy, half assertive’ nature. The adjective ‘shy’ connotes apprehension and nervousness which juxtaposes the implications of dominance and confidence with the adjective ‘assertive’. The contrast displays the inner turmoil Eric is experience as he is not ‘at ease’ with himself. Rather, Priestley portrays Eric as having a ‘half’ and not fully realised personality that even he himself hasn’t
The illustrative action when his ‘whole manner of handling handling the decanter and then the drink shows his familiarity which quick heavy drinking’ mirrors how Eric has been suffering, alone, isolated, without anyone to sympathize or even notice him; this is the role of his parents. However, Sybil Birling remains ignorant to his drinking habits when she claims ‘you don’t get drunk’ and fails to realize that Eric is an alcoholic. From the beginning it is implied that Eric is drunk, heightening the inclination that Eric is irresponsible and incapable of reformation. It is also apparent that Sheila knows of a drinking habit that the adults don’t recognise as a problem. This is enforced by his actions when he ‘suddenly guffaws’ for no reason.This is because in a society where the upper-class diligently strive to maintain social hierarchy, the focus is not on Eric, it is on gaining power. Priestley may be suggesting that the generational differences might be causing this inner turmoil as the pressure to conform is conflicted with the desire to rebel against the conformity. Although Priestley predominantly and primarily aims to construct a more socialist society, he may be using Eric as a dramatic device to subtly hint at the fact that this fail in upbringing is actually the catalyst to the spread of