Eric Birling Flashcards
STAGE DIRECTIONS
early …….., not quite at …., half …, …. ass……
early twenties, not quite at easy, half shy, half assertive
first impressions tell us he is a naive character, hiding something
not quite at ease foreshadiw eric as he can’t agree with his father yet has to obey to him and doesn’t like his family’s luxurious life
weak character- deosn’t like his father and not happy with himself but can’t change
‘[in………] My …!’
+reaction of Arthur Birling to this news
[involuntarily] My God!
shows his emotional response to ES death unlike his father who is dismissive by saying ‘yes yes’. Immediately creates a distinction between old and young. Shows his inate shock as he can’t control it.
why shouldn’t they … for …… …..
Why shouldn’y they try for higher wages
inherently socialist personal views- symbolic of the younger generation. challenges capitalist father and says we need to stop exploiting workers. Has a ccapacity for empathy unlike his elders who view lower classes as commodities . morally superior. shows that he is aware oof hyprocrisy and inequality in the world.
Why does Priestley make him behave immorally? (4)
Makes him do it as he shows someone with previously strong morals can be capable of immorality. Alcoholism = lower class. Not the deeds that define you but it is the change we exhibit in the future that matters. uses alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Shows the faults of the older generation. Mother was a ‘cold woman’ and father was ‘not the kind’ that ‘a chap could go to when he’s in trouble’ showing importance of upbringing. briught up in a house that is ‘not cosy and homelike’
Normal male behavious of the time. Meggarty was a womaniser
starts out as a weak character, so conforms to societal, class based discrimination out of fear, highlights his transformation
**‘and thats when it ……..’
‘that state when a …. ……. turns …..’ ***+ person and impact
arguments for and against guilt and regret
and that’s when it happened
vague and euphemistic language show Eric is ashamed of his rape but also the use of the pronoun is show how Eric tries to find excuses for his lack of restraint and tries to pin on ‘that state when a chap easily turns nasty’ showing he is making excuses on the alcohol but also shows that if he was sober wouldn’t have raped her as he has morals and knows it is wrong. 3rd person shows he wants to disociate with this and his genuine regret. avoiding responsibility
above happens when recounting it
Topic sentences for Eric (4) - class / father / remorse / appearance vs action
uses eric to show how all the upper class abuse their power. learns to be a womaniser from AB ‘respectable’ friends
portrays Eric as sympathetic when juxtaposed with his father
however, as play develops we see his unsympathetic nature : use alts
uses eric to show symbolically the failings of society. normal appearance in twenties, shy and assertive. but then he rapes ES so brutally
you ……. … your own ………
you killed … your own grandchild
places all blame on mother to absolev him of any blame- showing how Eric feels some remorse but not enough to truly accept blame. audience sympathises
She wasn’t the ….. sort … She didn’t know what .. ..
She wasnt the usual sort … She didn’t know what to do
Eric’s visitation of prosititutes is the norm and he realises that he can exploit Eva because of her ignorance and innocence
[Suddenly …….]
[Suddenly guffaws]
laughiing at the fact he knows that Gerald is routinely unfaithful
**No, Sheila’s …… . It ……. **
And it doesn’t ….. the …. that we all …… to …. her
**No, Sheila’s right. It doesn’t **
shows how after inspector leaves, Eric is beginning to change. sides with his sister and shows how their acions can’t be excused and that his parents’ public image or whether inspector was real does not matter but their actions do.
And it doesn’t alter the fact that we all helped to kill her
we collectivises blame- showing how he blames himself now, unlike when he was being exopsed he blames death on his mother alone. now shred guilt
stage direction; ‘front …. s….’
front door slams
shows his immature attitude as he tries to flee the inspector and his inquireies yet also shows his guilt as he realises his mistakes before brought to light.
you’re not the type of …… a …. goes to when he’s in ……
you’re not the type of father a chap goes to when he’s in trouble
bad parenting has caused his actions
jealous of AAB and GC relationship
‘My … - I’m not likely to ……’
‘My God - I’m not likely to forget’
full circle- accepts responsibility
transformative effect of IG
hypen - = pause, speechless, ashamed
You … may be ……. yourselves out ……‘
You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely
maturing and pulling up older gen on ignorance
lot = disdain at their behaviours
