Eric

Question 1

Act 1 (stage direction)

Answer 1

“(Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive)”
- Hints he has some internal conflict and feels some discomfort
- The contrast between the 2 suggest he is struggling with something which we later find out (eva situation) - he feels guilty

Question 2

Act 1

Answer 2

“What about war?” (interrupts his dad)
- Eric’s questioning of Mr. Birling’s confidence about avoiding war shows his awareness of the social and political issues his father ignores. It highlights Priestley’s criticism of the older generation’s complacency and ignorance of the dangers before World War I.
- Eric questions his father confidence about avoiding war
- Shows eric’s awareness of social political issues and mr birling doesn’t have this awareness
- It highlights Priestley’s criticism of the older generation’s ignorance of the dangers before World War I.

Question 3

Act 2

Answer 3

“He’s been drinking too much for the last two years” (Sheila about Eric)
- his excessive drinking suggest he is struggling with something and the drinking is his coping mechanisms

Question 4

Act 2

Answer 4

“If you’d had any sense of loyalty” (Mrs. Birling about Eric)
- Line is ironic because mrs birling doesn’t know she is talking about her son
- Comments on loyalty when she doesn’t have any
- Foreshadows eric’s relationship with eva

Question 5

Act 3

Answer 5

“You killed her. You killed her!” (says to mrs birling)
- Very angry as his mum is being arrangement and not admitting she is wrong
- Repetition
- Explanation mark
- Has an outburst
- Shows Erics emotional climax

Question 6

Act 3

Answer 6

“I didn’t know it was you”
- Revals how ashamed and confused eric is about his actions
- He didn’t understand how serious this situation was and how it involved his family
- Suggests Eric is disconnect with his family and doesn’t feel like he can talk with them