Quotation Quiz: Eric Birling Flashcards
Immature as … implies secrets
We are invited to question wether we trust him
…. Foreshadows him forcing himself on Eva
However the antithetical pairing creates a sense that he is not fully formed and susceptible to change
‘Half shy, half assertive’
Opening description of him
The word used to describe Eric’s drunkenness
‘Squiffy’
Contemporary slang again shows susceptible to change
Eric briefly turns against Sheila as she reveals details of his drinking
‘ sneak’
Eric realised the inspector already knows the truth about his involvement
‘You know’
Eric describing his behaviour when he went into Eva’s lodgings and insisted that she let him in
‘ in that stage when a chap easily turns nasty’
Eric vaguely describes how he forced himself on Eva
‘ and that’s when it happened. And I don’t even remember- that’s the hellish thing’
Eric describes his distant relationship with his father
‘ not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble’
Eric blames his mother for what happened
‘ you turned her away- yes, and you killed her’
Eric realises they must all accept responsibility
‘ it’s what happens to the girl and what we all did to her that matters’
Eric is frustrated at his parents’ refusal to admit their wrongdoings
‘We did her in all right.’
