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27 Jun 2022
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GCSE English Lit: Eric Quotes Analysis & Quizlet for Grades 8/9
R
Rafi
@raf1
Eric Birling's Quotes and Character Analysis
Eric Birling, a key character in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls," is portrayed through several significant quotes that reveal his complex personality and the consequences of his actions. This analysis explores Eric's role in the play and the broader social commentary it presents.
Quote: "Well, I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty- and I threatened to make a row"
This quote provides insight into Eric's character and the societal norms of the time.
Highlight: The use of casual language like "chap" contrasts sharply with the violent undertones of "nasty" and "row," highlighting the disconnect between Eric's perception of his actions and their actual severity.
Vocabulary: "Row" - In this context, it's used as a noun suggesting a verbal argument, though Eric's actions were far more serious.
The euphemistic language Eric uses, such as "nasty" and "row," downplays the gravity of his actions, which included physical and sexual abuse. This reflects the prevalent attitude among upper-class men of the time, who often viewed their treatment of working-class women as excusable or even permissible.
Example: The phrase "that state" refers to Eric being drunk, which he uses as a justification for his behavior. This exemplifies how alcohol was often used as an excuse for misconduct, especially by men in positions of power.
The quote also touches on the theme of male lust and the power dynamics between men and women, particularly unmarried women who were often ostracized and exploited.
Quote: "You killed her... yes, and you Killed her and the child she'd have had too- my child - your own grandchild - both-damn you, damn you"
This powerful statement from Eric demonstrates his emotional turmoil and the realization of the consequences of his and his family's actions.
Highlight: The repetition of "killed" emphasizes the severity of their collective actions, going beyond mere firing or refusal of help.
The mention of the unborn child adds another layer of tragedy to the situation, highlighting the innocence lost and the far-reaching impact of their decisions. Priestley uses this to critique capitalism, suggesting that it brings pain and suffering to everything it touches.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all. And I can't see it like that. This girl's still dead, isn't she?"
This quote showcases Eric's moral awakening and his refusal to return to the pretense of normalcy that his family attempts to adopt.
Highlight: Eric's insistence on acknowledging the reality of the situation contrasts sharply with his family's desire to pretend nothing has happened, critiquing the upper class's tendency to avoid responsibility for their actions.
The quote also serves to remind the audience of the lasting consequences of the characters' actions, even as some try to dismiss them. It underscores the play's central theme of social responsibility and the need for genuine change rather than superficial gestures.
In conclusion, Eric's quotes in "An Inspector Calls" reveal his complex character development, from a careless young man to someone grappling with the consequences of his actions. Through Eric, Priestley critiques societal norms, class privilege, and the tendency to avoid responsibility, making a powerful statement about social justice and moral accountability.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE English Lit: Eric Quotes Analysis & Quizlet for Grades 8/9
R
Rafi
@raf1
Eric Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" is explored through his quotes, revealing his complex nature and the consequences of his actions. The play critiques societal norms and the upper class's behavior in early 20th century Britain.
Eric Birling's Quotes and Character Analysis
Eric Birling, a key character in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls," is portrayed through several significant quotes that reveal his complex personality and the consequences of his actions. This analysis explores Eric's role in the play and the broader social commentary it presents.
Quote: "Well, I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty- and I threatened to make a row"
This quote provides insight into Eric's character and the societal norms of the time.
Highlight: The use of casual language like "chap" contrasts sharply with the violent undertones of "nasty" and "row," highlighting the disconnect between Eric's perception of his actions and their actual severity.
Vocabulary: "Row" - In this context, it's used as a noun suggesting a verbal argument, though Eric's actions were far more serious.
The euphemistic language Eric uses, such as "nasty" and "row," downplays the gravity of his actions, which included physical and sexual abuse. This reflects the prevalent attitude among upper-class men of the time, who often viewed their treatment of working-class women as excusable or even permissible.
Example: The phrase "that state" refers to Eric being drunk, which he uses as a justification for his behavior. This exemplifies how alcohol was often used as an excuse for misconduct, especially by men in positions of power.
The quote also touches on the theme of male lust and the power dynamics between men and women, particularly unmarried women who were often ostracized and exploited.
Quote: "You killed her... yes, and you Killed her and the child she'd have had too- my child - your own grandchild - both-damn you, damn you"
This powerful statement from Eric demonstrates his emotional turmoil and the realization of the consequences of his and his family's actions.
Highlight: The repetition of "killed" emphasizes the severity of their collective actions, going beyond mere firing or refusal of help.
The mention of the unborn child adds another layer of tragedy to the situation, highlighting the innocence lost and the far-reaching impact of their decisions. Priestley uses this to critique capitalism, suggesting that it brings pain and suffering to everything it touches.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all. And I can't see it like that. This girl's still dead, isn't she?"
This quote showcases Eric's moral awakening and his refusal to return to the pretense of normalcy that his family attempts to adopt.
Highlight: Eric's insistence on acknowledging the reality of the situation contrasts sharply with his family's desire to pretend nothing has happened, critiquing the upper class's tendency to avoid responsibility for their actions.
The quote also serves to remind the audience of the lasting consequences of the characters' actions, even as some try to dismiss them. It underscores the play's central theme of social responsibility and the need for genuine change rather than superficial gestures.
In conclusion, Eric's quotes in "An Inspector Calls" reveal his complex character development, from a careless young man to someone grappling with the consequences of his actions. Through Eric, Priestley critiques societal norms, class privilege, and the tendency to avoid responsibility, making a powerful statement about social justice and moral accountability.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user