Character Analysis: Eric Flashcards
Analyse:
“ defiantly” “ sulking”
Priestley’s use of stage directions have undertones of childishness
Analyse:
“ suddenly bursting out”
speaks in stifled interjections at the beginning of the play. Contrasts to his full speeches in confessional tone at the end of the play, signalling his transformation.
Analyse:
“Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.”
The triplet conveys eric being uncomfortable since he has yet found his authentic identity in life. This is also presented through his stage directions.
Analyse:
“killed”
Eric’s use of language becomes more violent throughout the play especially when attaching his mother. He chooses to say “killed” three times, this is highly shocking for the reader as it greatly contrasts to the innocent and euphemistic language Eric uses at the beginning. Eric’s anger is climatic, since he has held his mom accountable, unrelenting in his pursuit of the truth like the inspector.
Analyse:
“ she didn’t want to marry me.” “ She treated me- as if I were a kid”
Irony in the simile highlighted by the dash, as Eva has reversed the power en them despite her perceived lower status.
Analyse:
,” That’s the hellish thing. Oh my God!”
Colloquial is used when Eric describes what he did to Eva Smith, The exclamation point reflects his anger and frustration over what he had did to her, and his rejection of socially expected etiquette that is embedded in his mother’s values
Analyse:
“the girl’s dead,”
When the inspector leaves ,Eric’s declaration in which he states “the girl’s dead,” emulates the inspector’s harsh commands and aggressive language.This allow the effect of the inspector’s presence on stage.
Analyse:
‘You don’t understand anything. You never did. You never tried’’
Accusatory statements with use of repetitive negatives demonstrate his rejection of his parents’ morals and values.
Analyse:
‘’the fact remains that I did what I did’’
emphatic statement at the end of the play is a testimony to his acceptance of responsibility.
