Eric Birling

Question 1

Who is Eric Birling?

Answer 1

Eric Birling is one of the main characters in J.B. Priestley’s play ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Question 2

What is Eric’s relationship to Sheila Birling?

Answer 2

Eric Birling is Sheila Birling’s younger brother.

Question 3

True or False: Eric Birling is the oldest child in the Birling family.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What secret does Eric reveal about his actions towards Eva Smith?

Answer 4

Eric reveals that he had a sexual relationship with Eva Smith and got her pregnant.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Eric struggles with issues of __________ and __________.

Answer 5

responsibility; morality

Question 6

What does Eric steal from his father?

Answer 6

Eric steals money from his father’s business to help Eva Smith.

Question 7

How does Eric’s character change throughout the play?

Answer 7

Eric becomes more aware of his social responsibilities and shows remorse for his actions.

Question 8

Multiple Choice: What is Eric’s attitude towards the Inspector?

Answer 8

He becomes increasingly confrontational and defensive.

Question 9

What does Eric’s drinking problem symbolize?

Answer 9

It symbolizes his inability to cope with his guilt and the pressures of his privileged life.

Question 10

True or False: Eric is completely confident and self-assured throughout the play.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What does Eric’s relationship with his parents reveal?

Answer 11

It reveals a strained dynamic, particularly with his father, Arthur Birling.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Eric’s actions are driven by his feelings of __________ and __________.

Answer 12

guilt; inadequacy

Question 13

What event triggers the Inspector’s visit to the Birling family?

Answer 13

The suicide of Eva Smith triggers the Inspector’s visit.

Question 14

What is the significance of Eric’s final statement about the Inspector?

Answer 14

He suggests that they should learn from the experience and take responsibility for their actions.

Question 15

Multiple Choice: How does Eric react to the Inspector’s questioning?

Answer 15

He becomes increasingly agitated and defensive.

Question 16

What does Eric’s character represent in the play?

Answer 16

Eric represents the younger generation’s potential for change and social responsibility.

Question 17

True or False: Eric feels no remorse for his actions by the end of the play.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

How does Eric’s behavior contrast with his father’s?

Answer 18

Eric shows a willingness to accept responsibility, while his father refuses to acknowledge his role in the tragedy.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Eric’s conflict with his father represents the theme of __________ between generations.

Answer 19

conflict

Question 20

What does the Inspector’s presence force Eric to confront?

Answer 20

It forces Eric to confront his own actions and their consequences.

Question 21

What does Eric’s character suggest about social class?

Answer 21

Eric’s character suggests that privilege does not exempt one from moral responsibility.

Question 22

Multiple Choice: Which family member does Eric show the most empathy towards during the play?

Answer 22

He shows empathy towards Eva Smith.

Question 23

True or False: Eric is portrayed as a completely villainous character.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

What is the impact of Eric’s confession on the family dynamics?

Answer 24

It creates tension and reveals underlying issues within the family.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Eric’s journey throughout the play can be seen as a quest for __________.

Answer 25

redemption