Eric Birling Flashcards
What does the quote ‘half shy, half assertive’ show about Eric
something is not quite right, he is clearly uncomfortable in some way
Keywords for Eric
awkward, immature, alcoholic, thief, unstable, irresponsible, unsupported
How is it shown that Eric is alcholic
he could be drunk at the beginning when he ‘suddenly guffaws’ and he ‘drinks pretty hard’
How is Eric shown as suspicious
when the inspector arrives Gerald jokes ‘Unless eric has been up to something’ but he has had a privileged education
Eric’s relationship with Mr Birling
no fatherly affection, care more about hiding the scandal than they do about Eric’s problems
Eric’s relationship with Mrs Birling
poor mother, no idea about his drinking, when she find out what he did she is ‘absolutely ashamed’, he is angry when she turned Eva away getting quite violent with her
Eric’s relationship with Sheila
not very close at the stary, but they share the same view at the end and learn their lessom
Eric’s relationship with Gerald
jealous that Mr Birling has more interest in him than his own son
Eric’s relationship with Inspector
willing to take on the inspector’s views
Eric’s relationship with Eva
abused his power by forcing himself, but he regretted what he did
Eric’s significance in the play
part of the events getting her pregnant, accepts responsibility and feels guilty and wants to change, represents the younger generation
Eric is a symbol of
young men, wealth, change, ignorance
Erics themes are
equality, social injustice, generation gap, morality, responsibility
Eric has the effect of
changing, guilt, blame, remorse, education
Priestley’s message from Eric is
socialism , young men, equality, change, responsibility
