Eric

Question 1

How is Eric described in the stage directions of act 1?

Answer 1

‘not quite at easy, half shy, half assertive’

Question 2

What does Eric say, at the start of act 1, that suggests that Sheila has a bad temper and why is this important

Answer 2

‘Shes got a nasty temper sometimes’

• This is important as it is Sheilas bad temper that is the cause of Eva being sacked from Milwards

Question 3

What does Eric say in act 1, that gives us a hint about Sheilas role in Evas death (about clothes)

Answer 3

He says ‘Yes, I remember - (but he checks himself)’

• in response to Birlings comment about womens clothes being a sign of self-respect

Question 4

Give a quote where Eric is defensive over a light joke and what could this tell us?

Answer 4

‘I dont think its very funny’

• Birling and Gerald made a joke about Eric being in some fishy business. Erics defensiveness could serve as a sense of reflection on his acts

Question 5

Give a quote that suggests that Eric feels sympathetic towards Eva, after hearing about what had happened to her

Answer 5

‘(involuntarily) My God!’

Question 6

Give 3 quotes from act 1, where Eric challenges Mr Birling

Answer 6

1. ‘It isnt if you cant go and work somewhere else’ (in response to Birling saying that it’s a free country)
2. ‘He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out’
3. ‘I dont see why she should have been sacked’