Eric

Question 1

What is the first line of act 3, and what does this suggest?

Answer 1

‘you know, dont you?’

• suggests that Eric had known all along that he did wrong

Question 2

Eric says ‘I was in that state…

Answer 2

when a chap easily turns nasty’

Question 3

Give a word that Eric uses to describe his acts (this word has religious connotations)

Answer 3

‘hellish’

Question 4

How do we know that Eric wasnt in love with Eva?

Answer 4

He says ‘i wasnt in love with her or anything’

Question 5

Give a quote that shows the drift betwen Birling and his son

Answer 5

‘you’re not the type of father a chap could go to when hes in trouble’

Question 6

What quote shows Erics anger at Mrs Birling for what she had done to Eva?

Answer 6

‘(nearly at breaking point) you turned her away, yes and you killed her’

Question 7

Give two quotes where Eric agrees with Sheila on the matter of responsibility

Answer 7

1. ‘Sheilas right, it doesnt’ (make a difference)

2. ‘I agree with Sheila, it frightens me too’ (the way the parents talk

Question 8

Give 3 quotes that show Eric supporting the idea of taking responsibilty for our actions

Answer 8

1. ’ We all helped to kill her - and thats what matters’
2. ‘You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I cant’
3. ‘The fact remains, I did what I did…and the rest of you did what you did’

Question 9

Give a quote where Eric uses sarcasm to describe Birlings friends

Answer 9

‘your respectable friends’