ERIC Flashcards
‘not quite at ease, half shy, half asseritve’
Uncomfortable with himself. Does not behave in the way his father would approve of. Unsure of who he is. IDENTITY CRISIS.
‘excitable silly mood’
References to Eric’s drinking, Distance between the Birlings and their son.
‘unless Eric’s been up to something’
FORESHADOWING causing Eva’s pregnancy. Acted in an inappropriate way before possibly showing the consequences to his drinking.
‘I don’t see why she should of been sacked just because she had a bit more spirit than the others’
Similar to Sheila, defensive of Eva. We see the blame the younger generation place on Mr Birling. Subtle amount of socialism, we are all responsible for her.
‘you say yourself she was a good worker, I’d have let her stay’
Difference in generations views. Younger generation are impressionable and can change. Eric is not alike to his father.
‘I’ve had a few drinks, including rather a lot of champagne- and I have got a headache’
Admission of the alcohol. Cannot control himself. He has a clear struggle with self- control and discipline.
’ you haven’t made it any easier for me have you mother?’
Blames Mrs Birling (she says it’s all his fault). Feels pressure from everybody around him. Eric’s actions are the most despicable but he shows remorse for his actions.
‘yes I wasn’t in love with her or anything. But she was pretty and a good sport’.
Links to women in society- subservient to men. Used for sex. The idea she was a good sport shows that she can be easily discarded.
‘I got it- from the office-‘
Understands he cannot go to his father for help. Distance between them with a strained relationship
‘not the kind of father could go to… if he was in trouble’
Again the distance between the Birling men.
‘Then- you killed her. She came to protect me- and you turned her away. Yes, and you killed her- and the child she would’ve had too’
Blames Mrs Birling. His true upset of the sequence of events. He is deflecting the blame because of the guilt he feels. He knows it is pointless to keep secrets at this point. VERY REMOREFUL FOR SERIOUS ACTIONS.
‘in that state in which a chap turns nasty’
Cannot admit anything. Calls it ‘it’ as if he is very ashamed. He is again detaching himself from himself and the situation. HE CANNOT REMEMBER (LIE?)
‘we did her in all right’
He understands his role in the suicide and does accept responsibility.
‘well I don’t blame you. But don’t forget I am ashamed of you as well. Yes both of you’
Distances himself from his parents. STILL UNTRUSTWORTHY?
‘not really’
Immature and lack of responsibility. We should not trust his words. PERSONIFICATION OF CAPITALISM AS THEFT- HE DID NOT GIVE ALL THE MONEY TO EVA- for drinking. LIAR.
