Eric Birling Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does Eric Birling’s stage direction ‘Not quite at ease’ suggest?
‘Not quite at ease’ indicates Eric’s discomfort and unease in his environment.
What does the stage direction ‘Suddenly guffaws’ reveal about Eric?
‘Suddenly guffaws’ highlights Eric’s unpredictable emotional state.
What is Eric’s perspective on wages?
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’ shows Eric’s support for workers’ rights.
What does Mrs. Birling say about Eric?
‘He’s only a boy’ reflects her dismissive attitude towards Eric’s maturity.
How does Mrs. Birling describe Eric’s father?
‘the father was only a youngster - silly and wild and drinking too much’ indicates a pattern of irresponsible behavior in the family.
What does Eric mean by ‘a state when a chap easily turns nasty’?
This phrase suggests Eric’s awareness of his own potential for aggression.
What does Mr. Birling call Eric in Act 3?
‘You damned fool’ shows Mr. Birling’s frustration and disappointment in Eric.
What does the stage direction ‘Nearly at breaking point’ signify?
It indicates Eric’s emotional turmoil upon discovering his mother’s involvement.
What does Eric accuse his mother of in Act 3?
‘You killed her’ ‘ you killed them both’ illustrates Eric’s anger and blame towards Mrs. Birling.
What does the stage direction ‘Threatening’ imply about Eric’s behavior?
‘Threatening’ suggests Eric’s aggressive stance towards Mrs. Birling.
What does Eric say to Mrs. Birling about understanding?
‘You don’t understand anything. You never did’ highlights the generational divide.
How does Mr. Birling refer to Eric in Act 3?
‘You hysterical young fool’ reflects Mr. Birling’s contempt for Eric’s emotional state.
What does Eric express towards his mother in Act 3?
‘I’m ashamed of you as well’ indicates Eric’s disillusionment with his mother.
What does Eric mean by ‘We all helped kill her’?
‘We all helped kill her’ signifies Eric’s recognition of collective responsibility.
What does Eric symbolize in the play?
Eric represents the younger generation’s potential for moral transformation.
How is Eric a victim of his upbringing?
Eric’s strained relationship with his parents suggests emotional neglect in upper-middle-class families.
What social critique does Eric represent?
Eric challenges the complacency of the older generation and embodies Priestley’s socialist ideals.
What does Eric’s emotional breakdown signify?
His breakdown illustrates the personal cost of social irresponsibility.
How does Eric’s alcoholism function in the play?
Eric’s alcoholism symbolizes his internal turmoil and escapism from societal pressures.
What does Eric’s assault on Eva Smith represent?
It exposes the abuse of male, class-based power and the disregard for women’s agency.
