Eric H Flashcards
Who is Surieto?
The troubled son of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, primed to take over the family business.
What is Mr. Birling’s opinion about Surieto’s readiness to take over the business?
Mr. Birling thinks Surieto is far from ready.
How does Surieto’s confidence vary?
He is confident in certain situations, while in others, he is less so.
What do the opening stage directions suggest about Surieto’s demeanor?
‘Not quite at ease, half shy half assertive.’
What does Surieto’s demeanor imply about his feelings?
He is troubled by something and feels uncomfortable in his family’s company.
What is Eric’s state at the start of the play?
Eric has already had too much to drink
This indicates he may be under stress or guilt.
Why does Eric carry guilt in the play?
He has got a girl pregnant and has stolen money from the family business
These actions contribute to his feelings of remorse.
How does Eric respond to his father’s views on the future?
He appears to challenge his father’s views, particularly regarding the real threat of war
This suggests Eric has a greater awareness of the world than his father.
What does Eric imply about his relationship with his father?
There is evident tension and distance between them
This is highlighted when Eric states that his father is not the kind of father he could go to when in trouble.
Fill in the blank: Eric is the only character at this point who is carrying _______.
guilt
True or False: Eric feels comfortable approaching his father when he is in trouble.
False
Eric feels there is a distance between him and his father.
What is Eric’s reaction upon learning of Eva’s fate?
Eric is genuinely shocked
What does Eric imply about his father’s treatment of Eva?
He implies that she sounded like a good worker and should have been kept on
What does Eric think about his father’s decision to sack Eva?
He thinks it’s a damn shame
What does Eric’s challenge to his father’s treatment of Eva suggest about his views?
It suggests a criticism of capitalism
Fill in the blank: Eric challenges his father’s treatment of Eva by stating, ‘He could have kept her, instead of _______ her out.’
[throwing]
What action does Eric believe Eva took that was in line with his father’s preaching?
She attempted to secure a better life for herself
What responsibility has Eric accepted?
His responsibility in the death of Eva Smith.
This reflects a theme of guilt and collective responsibility among the characters.
What does Eric accuse his mother of?
‘You killed them both/your own grandchild’.
This shows Eric’s anger and frustration with his mother’s actions.
What realization does Eric have regarding his family?
‘We all helped to kill her’.
This statement highlights the collective guilt and responsibility of the family.
What does Priestley use Eric to reflect?
How the upper classes abuse their power and position for their own gains.
This underscores the theme of social responsibility and class disparity.
What does Eric symbolize in the context of the play?
The younger generation and hope for a better future.
This suggests that challenging parental attitudes can lead to positive change.
True or False: Eric is portrayed as a character who does not feel guilt for his actions.
False.
Eric shows awareness of his responsibilities and feels guilt for his family’s actions.
Who is Eric?
Eric is the son of Mr and Mrs Birling and the brother of Sheila.
What is Eric’s attitude towards working class people?
Eric is sympathetic towards working class people.
What question does Eric ask Mr Birling regarding wages?
Eric asks Mr Birling ‘why shouldn’t they ask for higher wages?’
What significant event happens between Eric and Eva Smith?
Eric gets Eva Smith pregnant.
What does Eric do to help Eva Smith?
Eric steals money from his father to help Eva.
What risk does Eric take by stealing money?
Eric risks his father’s reputation by stealing the money.
How does Eric feel about Eva’s death?
Eric feels guilty about Eva’s death.
How does Priestley describe Eric’s confidence?
Lacking confidence
Eric is portrayed as indecisive and insecure.
What does the repetition of ‘half’ indicate about Eric?
His indecisive nature and insecurities
The repetition emphasizes his conflicting traits.
What age is Eric described as being in?
His early twenties
He is depicted as not fully matured.
What two traits are used to describe Eric’s demeanor?
- Shy
- Assertive
Shy refers to pensiveness, while assertive suggests an aggressive approach.
What does Eric’s shyness indicate about his personality?
He is pensive and overly reflective
This suggests a tendency to overthink.
What does Eric’s assertiveness imply about his interaction style?
Almost aggressive approach to interaction
This reflects a conflict between his shyness and assertiveness.
Fill in the blank: Eric is described as ‘not quite at ease, half shy - half _______’
assertive
This highlights his internal conflict.
What does Priestley imply about Eric’s maturity?
He is not fully grown as a man yet
This is evident despite his age.
What does Priestley highlight about Eric’s life?
Eric’s struggle with alcohol abuse
This reflects his inability to cope with personal issues.
How long has Eric been drinking excessively?
For the last two years
This indicates a prolonged period of alcohol dependency.
What does Sheila express concern about regarding Eric?
His alcohol consumption, referred to as ‘too much’
This shows Sheila’s awareness of the severity of the situation.
What is the significance of alcohol dependency in Eric’s character?
It represents escaping his worries
This illustrates a common theme of using substances to avoid facing problems.
Fill in the blank: Eric has been _______ for the last two years.
drinking too much
What does Priestley portray Eric as lacking?
Depth
This reflects Eric’s superficiality in relationships.
How does Eric describe his feelings towards Daisy?
Not in love, but liked her
Eric’s statement indicates a shallow understanding of love.
What does Eric imply about Daisy’s feelings towards him?
He presumed she may have loved him
This suggests Eric’s self-centered view of their relationship.
What might the audience question about Eric’s approach to relationships?
His superficial approach
Eric’s focus on Daisy’s appearance is indicative of his shallow character.
Fill in the blank: Eric seems _______ in his assessment of his feelings for Daisy.
self indulgent
What specific aspect of Daisy does Eric mention in his description?
She was pretty
This highlights Eric’s superficiality in valuing physical beauty.
What does Eric Birling express frustration about in the quote?
His father’s values and the superficiality of social status
Eric’s disillusionment reflects a critique of the upper class.
What does Eric’s statement reveal about his awareness?
The emptiness of seeking external validation through titles and accolades
This indicates a significant character development in Eric.
True or False: Eric Birling values social status and knighthoods.
False
Eric’s quote suggests he sees these as unimportant.
Fill in the blank: Eric Birling’s frustration indicates his growing awareness of the _______.
[superficiality of social status]
Who is Eric Birling expressing his frustration towards?
His father, Arthur Birling
Arthur Birling represents the traditional upper class values.
What does the phrase ‘for God’s sake’ indicate about Eric’s feelings?
Eric’s exasperation and belief that his father’s obsession with social prestige is misplaced
This expression signifies Eric’s growing awareness of the moral issues at hand.
What serious issue is Eric beginning to understand?
The gravity of their actions regarding Eva Smith
Eric recognizes that their behavior has real consequences.
How does Eric view titles like a knighthood?
As trivial compared to the real consequences of their behavior
This reflects a shift in values from superficial social standing to moral responsibility.
What significant theme is highlighted by Eric’s perspective?
A generational divide between Eric and his father’s views on social standing and reputation
Eric’s modern perspective contrasts sharply with his father’s traditional views.
Fill in the blank: Eric feels that his father’s obsession with _______ is misplaced.
[social prestige]
True or False: Eric believes that social titles are more important than moral issues.
False
Eric prioritizes moral issues over social titles.
What theme is underscored in the quote?
Theme of social responsibility
This theme highlights the moral obligations individuals have towards society.
What does Eric’s emotional reaction signify?
Internal conflict and growing sense of guilt
Eric’s feelings indicate his struggle with the consequences of his actions.
What is Eric grappling with regarding wealth and status?
Moral implications of their actions
He realizes that wealth cannot protect them from ethical responsibilities.
What does Eric question about knighthood?
Importance of a knighthood
His questioning suggests a critique of societal values.
What does Eric advocate for instead of societal approval?
Genuine sense of morality and accountability
This reflects a desire for true ethical behavior over superficial appearances.
What does Eric Birling’s quote reveal about his attitude towards women’s concerns?
A dismissive attitude towards women’s concerns
This reflects his upbringing and societal norms of the time.
How does Eric’s statement showcase his understanding of clothing for women?
It shows a lack of understanding regarding the significance of clothing for women
Which socioeconomic background is highlighted in relation to women’s concerns about clothing?
Lower socioeconomic backgrounds like Eva Smith
Fill in the blank: Eric Birling’s statement reflects _______ towards women’s concerns.
[dismissive attitude]
True or False: Eric Birling understands the significance of clothing for women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
False
What does the phrase ‘you’d think a girl had ever had any clothes’ imply about Eric’s view on clothing?
It suggests that Eric sees the acquisition of clothing as trivial.
What can clothing represent for many women, according to the text?
Clothing can represent independence and self-worth.
What does Eric’s perspective on clothing indicate about his background?
It indicates a level of privilege from coming from a wealthy family.
What basic needs has Eric never had to worry about?
He has never had to worry about basic needs or the social implications of clothing.
What does Eric’s perspective highlight regarding social class?
It highlights the disconnect between the upper class and the struggles of working-class women.
True or False: Eric recognizes the significance of clothing for women.
False.
Fill in the blank: Eric’s view on clothing reflects his _______ background.
[wealthy]
What term is used to describe women’s interest in clothes in a trivializing manner?
Potty
The term ‘potty’ is used to suggest that women’s interests are irrational.
What does the use of the term ‘potty’ reflect about society’s view on women’s experiences?
It belittles their experiences and reinforces stereotypes
This indicates a broader theme in the play regarding societal attitudes towards women.
What stereotypes are reinforced by the trivialization of women’s concerns?
Femininity and materialism
These stereotypes suggest that women’s interests are superficial.
True or False: The trivialization of women’s interests in the play is seen as a positive reflection of society.
False
The trivialization is portrayed negatively, indicating societal belittlement.
Fill in the blank: The use of the term ‘potty’ in the play portrays women’s interests as _______.
irrational
This portrayal contributes to the overall theme of belittlement.
How does Priestley present Eric in An Inspector Calls?
As an emblem of the unthinking man who learns his lesson and symbolizes hope for the new generation.
Eric Birling is depicted as a character who reflects the flaws of capitalism and the potential for change.
What initial characteristics are attributed to Eric Birling?
Drunk, careless, and incapable of taking responsibility.
The stage directions describe him as ‘not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.’
What do the compound adjectives ‘half shy, half assertive’ suggest about Eric?
A character not yet fully formed, indicating potential for change.
This contrasts with his ‘hard’ parents, suggesting generational differences.
How is Eric’s drunkenness initially portrayed?
Harmless, described with the adjective ‘squiffy’ which sounds silly and playful.
This shifts to a more sinister tone during his interrogation.
What does Eric mean by ‘I was in a state where a chap turns nasty’?
Hints at the potential for Eva/Daisy’s rape.
This statement marks a turning point in the tone of the play.
What slang does Eric use that emphasizes his immaturity?
‘A little sneak’ when accusing Sheila.
This reflects his inability to accept responsibility for his actions.
What question does Eric ask that shows his developing conscience?
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.’
This indicates a shift towards empathy but also a separation from the workers.
What do the oppositional pronouns ‘they/we’ suggest about Eric’s views?
He views the girls as entirely different from himself and his family.
This highlights class divisions and reflects Priestley’s socialist message.
What is the significance of setting the play in 1912?
Illustrates strict class divisions and sets the stage for Priestley’s hopeful vision for the future.
The context allows for a critique of society and a call for cohesion.
What does Eric declare about his actions at the end of the play?
‘The fact remains that I did what I did. It’s still the same rotten story…’
This emphasizes his growing sense of responsibility and acknowledgment of societal corruption.
What does the adjective ‘rotten’ symbolize in the context of the play?
The corrupt class system unique to British society.
It suggests a metaphorical disease that requires significant change to heal.
How does Priestley use Eric as a political tool in the play?
To advocate for Socialism as a way to heal society.
Eric’s character development mirrors Priestley’s beliefs in social reform.
What was Priestley’s role in post-war British society?
One of the architects of the NHS and the Welfare State.
This highlights his commitment to social reform beyond the play.
