Eric

Question 1

“i was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty”

Answer 1

• lack of responsibility for himself
• tries to downplay actions as he’s young - “chap”
• “easily” make it seem less serious than it actually is

Question 2

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

Answer 2

• lacks self-assurance conveying mystery
• asyndetic list conveys an overwhelming nature alluding to his social class
• juxtaposing qualities ‘shy’ and ‘assertive’ showing complications in his confidence and his inner turmoil
• ‘half’ shows he has not found himself

Question 3

“(miserably) could I have a drink first?”

Answer 3

-Drink usually to feel braver or less anxious
-Clearly Eric is struggling and is in way over his head
-Eric is deeply unhappy as he knows he will soon have to relive his experience with Eva/Daisy
- afraid of confrontation

Question 4

“Then - you killed her. She came to you to protect me - and you turned her away”

Answer 4

• so upset with Mrs. Birling he cant get his words out properly
• “you killed her” is a blunt and blaming phrase that he repeats
• all family loyalty has been discarded
• so full of rage that he cant even express what hes thinking

Question 5

“takes decanter and helps himself”

Answer 5

• uses alcohol to escape lack of affection from parents
• numbing pain with alcohol
• suffering alone without support
• parents prioritise social class, not their kids