Eric Birling

“You killed her- and the child… your own grandchild”

Encourages sympathy from audience. His accusation of blame to his mother is tantamount (equal) to her blame of the father. He is trying to absolve himself from any responsibility

“She wasn’t the usually sort”

Reveals his previous experience with prostitutes. Adjective implies his visits are normal.

“She didn’t know what to do”

He is attracted to her innocence. Realises he can exploit her due to her ignorance.

“I hate these fat old tarts”

This proclamation reveals hypocrisy. Shows that it is a social norm for men to pay for sex

“I insisted- it seems”

Implies that he physically overwhelmed her. Ambiguous verb phrase “it seems” shows his attempt to distance himself from the guilt.

“In the state where a chap turns easily nasty”

Subconscious attempt to distance himself through the use of third person. Trivialisation of rape through colloquial language

“I threatened to make a row”

Violent language soften through euphemistic use of “row”. Convincing himself his actions were to a lesser extent of immorality than they actually were.

“(Involuntarily) My god!”

Shows his morality through emotional reaction to death. Would not choose to reveal emotions in a patriarchal society that condemns feminine traits.

“We’ll drink to their health and have done with it”

Eager to be done with engagement talk. Realises ridiculousness of a toast for a transactional marriage.

“(Not too rudely)”

Shown to be powerless through stage directions despite disagreeing with his father

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”

He puts forward a moral form of capitalism, pointing out to his father that his workers should be financially rewarded for good work