Eric Birling

Question 1

How does Eric represent hope for the future generations (3)

Answer 1

“He could have kept her instead of throwing her out” demonstrates that there is potential hope for the future as Eric shows remorse and acceptance

Eric’s stage direction changes from “uneasily” to “shouting” showing he’s a weak character and he’s emotional leading the audience to question weather he can actually change

Question 2

Is Eric to blame for his behaviour

Answer 2

How Eric is brought up “you’re not the kind of father a chap can go to”

“Half shy, half assertive”

“I’d have let her stay”

Question 3

How does Eric change by the end of the play (2)

Answer 3

Eric becomes more violent as he says “killed” three time. This is shocking as it contrasts with the polite, euphemistic language at the start of the play. Showing the semantic field of heaven and hell.

When the inspector leaves Eric emulates the inspector using harsh language “the girl is dead” priestly does this to covet the presence still present on the stage and in their lives.

Question 4

Eric can show the callous and cold image of the upper class (2)

Answer 4

“I wasn’t in love with her or anything”

“She was pretty and a good sport”