Eric Birling - Act 1 Key Quotations

Question 1

Eric’s initial description in stage directions, portraying him as an awkward, perhaps secretive individual that is clearly not comfortable in his pretentious, upper-class family (arguably reference to pre-existing cracks in their relationships):

Answer 1

“not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive”

Question 2

Eric’s sudden laughter, suggesting his drinking problem:

Answer 2

“Eric suddenly guffaws.”

Question 3

Eric attempts to challenge his father about his views about war, but is swiftly dismissed:

Answer 3

“Yes, I know - but still-“
(Birling says, “Just let me finish, Eric. You’ve a lot to learn yet.”)

Question 4

Eric’s immediate response to Eva’s suicide:

Answer 4

“(involuntarily) My God!”
- The fact that the response was involuntary clearly portrays Eric as a responsible and caring individual, depicting his potential to transform into a socially aware socialist.

Question 5

Eric challenges his father’s view that workers can find a job elsewhere, portraying him as having the potential to change for the better:

Answer 5

“It isn’t [a free country] if you can’t go and work somewhere else.”

Question 6

Eric disagrees with his father’s actions of firing Eva, once again portraying the tension in their relationship, as well as his potential for change:

Answer 6

“He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out. I call it tough luck.”

Question 7

Eric shows support for the proletariat classes asking for a higher wage, once again clashing with the ideals and views of his father, while evidently depicting his potential for a positive transformation into a responsible socialist:

Answer 7

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.”

Question 8

Eric’s awareness about the Inspector’s message from very early on (he recognises that the suicide is a result of “a chain of events”):

Answer 8

“That might have started it.” (in reference to Birling’s firing of Eva)