eric Flashcards
(26 cards)
Who is Eric Birling in the context of his family?
The family bad ‘un who attracts shame, guilt, and scandal
Eric’s character serves as a representation of the darker aspects of family life.
How does Eric feel about his relationship with his family?
Isolated and misunderstood
He expresses that he cannot talk to any of them.
What significant event does Eric commit while drunk?
He forces himself on Eva/Daisy and gets her pregnant
He was so drunk that he didn’t even remember it happening.
What is Eric’s emotional state by the end of the play?
He deeply regrets his actions and vows to remember the lessons learned
His character arc shows growth and self-awareness.
List three characteristics of Eric Birling.
- Irresponsible
- Unloved
- Sensitive
These traits are highlighted through his dialogue and actions.
What does Eric’s alcoholism represent in the play?
The dark side of family life
His heavy drinking is a recurring theme that impacts his actions.
What hints does Priestley drop about Eric’s character?
- Eric is ‘not quite at ease’
- He is described as ‘half shy’ and ‘half assertive’
These hints foreshadow the disruption his secrets will cause.
How does Eric react when Gerald jokes about him?
He acts suspiciously and seriously, stating ‘I don’t think it’s very funny’
This indicates his discomfort and the weight of his secrets.
What does Eric’s behavior suggest about his secrets?
They will disrupt and threaten the Birlings’ way of life
His odd behavior hints at deeper issues within the family.
What potential consequences do Eric’s secrets have for the Birling family?
They could blow up the family’s reputation, Sheila’s marriage, and Birling’s knighthood
The implications of his actions are significant for the family’s social status.
Fill in the blank: Eric’s ‘familiarity with quick heavy drinking’ is shown in the way he pours his _______.
whisky
This detail illustrates his alcoholism and its normalization within his character.
Where does Eric meet Eva/Daisy?
At the stalls bar
This is the same location where Gerald met her while looking for prostitutes.
What behavior is common among Birling’s ‘respectable friends’?
They go to the stalls bar to find women and some engage in assault
Alderman Meggarty is mentioned as someone who assaults young women.
What does the play suggest about Eric’s behavior?
It is normal for a middle-class man
Eric’s lack of self-control leads to serious consequences.
How do Eric’s parents react to the scandal?
They care more about their reputation than Eric’s well-being.
What does Eric’s laugh symbolize in the play?
It disrupts the polite conversation and reveals the underlying murkiness of their lives.
How does Gerald’s treatment of Eva/Daisy differ from Eric’s?
Gerald treats her as his ‘mistress’ and ends the affair without damaging his reputation.
What serious actions does Eric take regarding Eva/Daisy?
He drunkenly gets her pregnant and steals money for her.
What is Eric’s relationship with his father, Birling?
Birling is disappointed in Eric and seems to get along better with Gerald.
How does Eric express his feelings towards his mother?
He shouts at her, saying she doesn’t understand him.
What does Eric say about accepting responsibility?
‘The fact remains that I did what I did.’
What does Eric criticize his parents for?
Pretending that nothing has happened.
Fill in the blank: Eric feels _______ and unsupported.
isolated
True or False: Eric is portrayed as solely a villain in the play.
False
He is also seen as a victim of circumstances.
