Eric Birling Flashcards
1
Q
opening stage directions
“in his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy and half assertive”
A
- shows eric’s instability in his identity
- contradicting qualities of assertiveness & shy ?
- shows he is unsure of himself
2
Q
ACT 1
“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.”
A
- Eric is beginning to develop socialist views
- He sees the unjust nature behind his father’s actions
- interrogative question shows his sense of self emerging from the shyness
THEME: SOCIALISM VS CAPITALISM
3
Q
ACT 2
“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.”
A
- shows the weak relationship between eric & birling
THEME: FAMILY
4
Q
ACT 3
“The girl’s dead and we all helped kill her - and that’s what matters”
A
- shows more impressionable younger generation
- he is able to accept responsibility
THEME: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
5
Q
ACT 3
“You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but i can’t.”
A
- declarative “I can’t” shows eric’s inexorable guilt
- eric’s unsure nature is now gone -> despite his parents feeling one way, he is able to decide to accept his guilt
THEME: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
