Eric Birling

Question 1

Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices. And I don’t see why she should have been sacked just because she had a bit more spirit than the others.

Answer 1

Eric, Act 1, responsibility

Rhetorical question: explosive attitude

Alliteration: puts emphasis on the outdated and unjust social systems, exposes systemic bias. (Laissez-faire)

Question 2

I was in a state when a chap easily turns nasty – and I threatened to make a row.

Answer 2

Eric, Act 3, naive, immoral, Guilty

Question 3

She was pretty and a good sport

Answer 3

Eric, Act 3, Explotation

Question 4

Well, I’m old enough to be married, aren’t I, and I’m not married,

Answer 4

Eric, act 3, gender, age

Question 5

Because you’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble – that’s why

Answer 5

Eric, Act 3, young vs old

Question 6

My child – your own grandchild – you killed them both – damn you, damn you-

Answer 6

Eric, Act 3

Question 7

He was our police inspector all right.

Answer 7

Eric, Act 3, social responsibility

Question 8

You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing really happened at all.

Answer 8

Eric, act 3

Question 9

“I did what I did. And mother did what she did. And the rest of you did what you did to her” Act 3

Answer 9

Eric Act 3

Question 10

“But don’t forget I’m ashamed of you as well- yes both of you” Act 3

Answer 10

Act 3 Eric
Hyphen: to the older generation, to show importance of collective social responsibility.
Takes the inspectors brevity of speaking (short and concise speaking) shows moral conviction. (Mirrors the inspector)