Eric Birling

Question 1

Stage directions ‘half shy half assertive’

‘I felt I just had to laugh’

Answer 1

• HE LACKS CONFIDENCE

- awkward and unsure of himself

Question 2

‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages’

Answer 2

• assertive and backing up reasons

- change in character

Question 3

‘The girl’s still dead isn’t she?’

Answer 3

• Eric’s experience with the inspector causes him great emotional turmoil
• asks a blunt question, clearly distressed and understands the gravity of the situation

Question 4

‘I did what I did. And mother did what she did. And the rest of you did what you did to her’

Answer 4

• repetition shows he known who is to blame for
• at first, it’s clear to see that Eric has the lowest morals of all the characters, but he regrets his mistakes and learns from them, audience sees him in a more sympathetic light

Question 5

‘Rotten story’

Answer 5

• very harsh and emotive

- tells his parents exactly how he feels, at first, he couldn’t stand up to his parents but now he has stood his ground