Eric Flashcards
Who is Eric Birling?
Eric Birling is a character in J.B. Priestley’s play ‘An Inspector Calls.’
What is Eric Birling’s relationship to Sheila Birling?
Eric Birling is Sheila Birling’s brother.
What is Eric’s social status?
Eric is a wealthy young man from an upper-middle-class family.
True or False: Eric Birling is the youngest member of the Birling family.
True.
What significant event does Eric participate in during the play?
Eric participates in the events leading to the suicide of Eva Smith.
Fill in the blank: Eric struggles with issues of ______ and ______.
guilt and responsibility.
What does Eric reveal about his drinking habits?
Eric admits to being an alcoholic.
How does Eric’s attitude change throughout the play?
Eric becomes increasingly aware of his family’s moral failings and expresses guilt.
Multiple Choice: What does Eric do when he first learns of Eva Smith’s death? A) He is indifferent B) He feels guilty C) He blames others
B) He feels guilty.
What is Eric’s initial reaction to the Inspector’s questioning?
Eric is defensive and tries to protect himself and his family.
What does Eric say about his relationship with Eva Smith?
Eric confesses that he had a romantic relationship with Eva and got her pregnant.
True or False: Eric accepts full responsibility for his actions by the end of the play.
True.
Fill in the blank: Eric’s character serves as a critique of ______ and ______.
capitalism and social responsibility.
What does Eric’s character symbolize in the play?
Eric symbolizes the younger generation’s potential for change.
How does Eric view his parents’ attitudes towards social issues?
Eric is critical of his parents’ lack of social responsibility.
Multiple Choice: Which character does Eric have a conflict with during the play? A) Gerald Croft B) Inspector Goole C) Mr. Birling
C) Mr. Birling.
What does Eric’s relationship with Eva highlight about class differences?
It highlights the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy.
True or False: Eric is portrayed as a completely villainous character.
False.
Fill in the blank: Eric’s character arc shows a transition from ______ to ______.
naivety to awareness.
What does Eric do when he learns that his family is not taking the Inspector seriously?
He becomes frustrated and confronts them about their attitudes.
What does the Inspector reveal about Eric’s actions?
The Inspector reveals that Eric forced himself on Eva Smith.
Multiple Choice: What emotion does Eric primarily express in Act 3? A) Anger B) Remorse C) Indifference
B) Remorse.
How does Eric’s character contribute to the play’s message?
Eric’s journey illustrates the importance of social responsibility and moral accountability.
True or False: By the end of the play, Eric has a clear understanding of his family’s impact on society.
True.
What does Eric’s realization about his actions suggest about the theme of the play?
It suggests that personal responsibility is crucial for societal change.
Fill in the blank: Eric’s character is often seen as a ______ of the younger generation.
representation.
What does Eric’s final confrontation with his family signify?
It signifies a break from their traditional values and a call for change.
