power and influence eric birling

Question 1

What does Eric Birling imply with the phrase ‘I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty.’?

Answer 1

Euphemism

Hints at sexual coercion; abuse of gender and class power.

Question 2

What literary devices are used in ‘You killed them both – damn you, damn you –’?

Answer 2

Expletive / Repetition

Emotionally lashes out; shifts blame before accepting it.

Question 3

What does Eric mean by ‘The fact remains that I did what I did.’?

Answer 3

Blunt tone

Accepts responsibility despite his privileged position.

Question 4

What accusation does Eric make with ‘You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to…’?

Answer 4

Accusation

Criticises his father’s emotional powerlessness.

Question 5

What does ‘She didn’t want me to marry her… and all that.’ suggest?

Answer 5

Dismissive tone

Eva rejected dependency; resists Eric’s control.

Question 6

What does the phrase ‘We did her in all right.’ convey?

Answer 6

Colloquialism

Bitter admission of shared guilt.

Question 7

What is the significance of ‘I insisted on giving her enough money.’?

Answer 7

Defensive tone

Tried to repair his mistake with financial power.

Question 8

What does Eric express with ‘I’m ashamed of you as well—yes, both of you.’?

Answer 8

Accusation / Emotive language

Rejects his parents’ moral authority.