Eric

Question 1

‘Half shy, half assertive’

Answer 1

Juxtaposition
Foreshadows he is anxious about the future
Nervous about mistreating the poor
Uncomfortable by the notion of capitalism

Question 2

‘Squiffy’ Eric

Answer 2

His drinking problem represents the sin of gluttony
It is symbolic of capitalist exploitation his greed/pleasure creates distress for eva
His drinking also helps him cope wth his compromising of socialist views in favour of conservative views

Question 3

‘When a chap easily turns nasty’

Answer 3

Adverb ‘easily’ has disturbing connotations here what men of upper class can mistreat vulnerable woman
The language frightens the audience
‘Easily’ has complications that this type of behaviour is almost common place- therefore wonder if the Conservative party and their ideas too are used in perhaps a trivial manner, cut the expense of the lower class
The rape is an extended metaphor showing how capitalism abused the poor class

Question 4

Clash between Eric and mr birling

Answer 4

As well as representing the clash between socialist and capitalist views, his troubled relationship with mr birling reflects his Oedipal urge for boys to challenge authority
Oedipus complex- sense of rivalry with the parent of the same sex

Question 5

Family money has protected Eric from the realities of the real world

Answer 5

His immediate world view means the purses pleasure regardless of the consequences eg. Treatment of eva
However
His sympathy for the working class is clear ‘why shouldn’t they try for higher wages’, foreshadowing his change by the end of the play

Question 6

‘She was a good sport’

Answer 6

2 sins of gluttony and lust
Objectification of women during 1912
Noun ‘sport’ dehumanises eva and shows how Eric uses her to pass time as an enjoyable activity
rape acts as a metaphor and conveys that capitalism abuses the working class