ERIC quotes Flashcards
- Suggests Eric has not yet established his own personality – still finding his place in the world - implies therefore open to change.
.
- Assertive (forceful) foreshadows his behaviour towards Eva (& later towards his parents.)
“Half shy, half assertive”-(Act 1)
Description of Eric
- Sheila points out that Eric is drunk - hints at his alcahol problem
.
- Implies his opulent lifestyle & seizing power where he can take it.
(opulent-luxurious)
” You’re squiffy “ -Sheila (Act 1)
(drunk)
- Shows the father & son relationship to be strained.
.
- Eric is keen to try and impress and interact with his father but is talked down to like a child (infantalisted)
‘Just let me finish Eric. You’ve a lot to learn yet’ -Mr Birling (Act1)
during his speech at the beginning
- First example of Eric leaning towards socialist ideas
. - Example of the younger generation being more open minded
“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?” -Eric (Act1)
- Drunk when attacking Eva.
–> Implies attempt to evade responsibility by making excuses.
.
- ‘Easily’ suggests he thinks his behaviour was understandable.
.
- ‘a chap’ general term implies he believes any man would’ve behaved this way.
“I was in that state when a chap easily
turns nasty.” -Eric (Act 3)
- Shows attitude to working class women.
. - ‘Pretty’ shows his superficial views of women
- Good sport’ refers to her willingness to sleep with him.
OR - suggests he considered it a game –> thrill of the chase to get her to sleep with him
“Pretty and a good sport” -Eric (Act 3)
Talking about why he slept with Eva
- Eric stole money from his father to help Eva
.
- Shows his reckless nature due to lack of proper parenting
” I intended to pay it back” -Eric (Act 3)
- Shows his bad, strained relationship with his father.
.
.
* Implies the lack of proper support and kindness wealthy young men grow up with.
–> Shows the solitude and bad habits that form from lack of proper parenting.
“Because you’re not the kind of father a chap could go to
when he’s in trouble” -Eric (Act 3)
Eric explaining to Mr Birling why he didn’t talk to him about Eva, and why he stole the money.
- His rage and emotions are fully shown - emotive language.
–> shows he does care about other people in contrast to his parents
. - Blames his mother for the death of Eva and the child
.
“You killed them both - damn you, damn you!” -Eric (Act 3)
Eric is talking to his mother
- Shows Eric’s distant and strained relationship with his mother –> explains slightly why he acts out
.
- Younger generation calling out the older generation for being too reluctant to change their opinions and not even making an effort to.
“You don’t understand anything” … “You never even tried. - Eric (Act 3)
Eric is talking to his mother Mrs Birling
“we all helped to
kill her – and that’s what matters” -Eric (Act 3)
Eric talking to his parents
- Shows Eric taking complete responsibility for his actions
.
- Aligns himself with the Inspector’s ideals –> Especially: Social Responsibiliy and a chain of events
- Shows his genuine fear that his parents (Older generation) wont change their morals or opinions. –> and dont feel the remorse that him and Sheila do
.
- Agreeing with Sheila/Inspector shows his growth as a character and that he is going in the direction of Socialism
“I agree with Sheila. It frightens me too.” -Eric (Act 3)
(–>his last words)
