Eric Birling: Key Quotations

• “What about war?” 

  • Eric, Act 1
• What the quotation means: Eric challenges his father on his lack of concern for the predictions of war
• Theme: Generational divide 
• • Eric is a contrasting character to Gerald:
  • Arthur Birling says that Gerald is “just the kind of son-in-law” he wanted
  • Eric challenges his father and holds him to account, unlike Gerald
• • Eric’s short question is a shy, early challenge to his father’s arrogance:
  • His question leads Arthur Birling to assert his superiority 
  • Dramatic irony presents Eric as wiser
• “...do you remember what you said to Gerald and me after dinner, when you were feeling so pleased with yourself?”- Eric, Act 3
• What the quotation means: Eric interrupts his father to remind him of what he said earlier, and enjoys  announcing that his father was not so sure of himself when the Inspector quizzed him on his capitalist views
• Theme: Generational divide 
• • Priestley presents Eric as a cynical son:
  • He interrupts his father and laughs “bitterly” to hold him to account
• • Eric’s description of his father being “so pleased” criticises his arrogance:
  • He reminds his father of his confident words prior to the Inspector’s visit
• “and the child she'd have had too — my child — your own grandchild — you killed them both — damn you, damn you” 

  • Eric, Act 3
• What the quotation means: Eric is furious with his mother for refusing to help the pregnant Eva and accuses her of killing her own grandchild as well as Eva. Theme: Responsibility 
• • Priestley portrays how Sybil Birling’s children turn against her when she is exposed:
  • Eric’s anger is conveyed in his unstable voice and curses
• • The revelation that Eric is the father of Eva’s unborn baby is a dramatic turning point:
  • Eric’s explicit accusation highlights Sybil Birling’s callousness
  • She denies responsibility even when a distressed Eric tells her the truth