Eric Flashcards
Give a quote were Eric shows he womanises
“Well I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty- and I
threatened to make a row”
How does Eric attack his mother?
As his attack on his mother continues, his language becomes more violent as he repeats ‘killed’ three times. The effect on the reader is highly shocking as this language completely contrasts
with the polite, euphemistic language of earlier in the play.
How does Priestly present a semantic field
Priestley effectively uses the semantic field of heaven and hell
when Eric describes what he did to Eva Smith: ‘that’s the hellish
thing. Oh - my God!
Give analysis for “(shouting) And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her- and
that’s what matters-”
When the Inspector leaves Eric emulates the Inspector using the
Inspector’s harsh, commanding language. Priestley does this so
the Inspector’s presence is felt on stage and a reminder to the
audience to look at their own conscience. (“the girl’s dead”)
Give a stage direction for Eric
“In his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive”
Analysis for “he could have kept her
instead of throwing her out”
Eric has the most active social conscience. This demonstrates that there is potential/hope for the future. At the end of the play Eric shows remorse and his acceptance is evidence of his moral fibre.
Analysis for “I
wasn’t in love with her or
anything”
Through Eric’s treatment of Eva is a abhorrent picture of the upper-class emerges. They are shown to be callous and cold. However, Eric illustrates the capacity to change – despite your past errors and your family’s beliefs you can change. His transformation is more realistic – as at first he blames his mother for her death and then finally comes round to accepting responsibility.
How is eric shown as weak?
On the other hand, he is presented as quite a weak character and is the most emotional and
demonstrative of all. This leads the
audience to question whether he can change his ways for good or is he too weak and dependent on his
parents?
What does Priestly say about wealth through eric?
When Eric gives Eva stolen money, Priestley could be commenting that wealth does not replace
goodness and integrity – there needed to be a more even distribution of wealth so people like Eric become socially aware.
