Eric Birling Flashcards Preview

English - An Inspector Calls > Eric Birling > Flashcards

Flashcards in Eric Birling Deck (7)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

“In his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive”

A

Eric is out of place - he does not fit in.

Shy but if he has something to say he isn’t afraid.

2
Q

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”

A

Quick to condemn behaviours of his family.

At some sense with the lower class - he is compassionate.

3
Q

“in that state when a chap easily turns nasty”

A

Here the audience knows for certain he is an alcoholic.

His behaviour is despicable as he takes advantage of Eva.

4
Q

“because you’re not the type of father a chap comes to when he’s in trouble”

A

Eric and his father have a bad relationship.

5
Q

“You don’t understand anything. You never did. You never even tried”

A

Eric to his mother: His relationship with his mother is little better than that with his father.

6
Q

“yes, and you killed her - and the child she was to have too - my child - your grandchild - you killed them both”

A

Eric acts in an extreme and violent manner, putting the blame on to his mother - this could also be an explosion of emotions that have been built up for Eric towards his mother.

7
Q

“Not likely to forget”

“It’s the same rotten story whether it’s been told to a police inspector or to somebody else”

A

Eric is willing to accept responsibility and he is prepared to change.