Eric Birling

"You're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble."

AO1: Shows broken family relationship.

AO2: Colloquial “chap” contrasts with serious point.

AO3: Critique of emotionally distant parenting.

"I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty."

AO1: Hints at sexual aggression.

AO2: Euphemism softens severity.

AO3: Links to gender inequality and exploitation.

"We helped to kill her."

• AO1: Takes collective responsibility.

• AO2: Direct, unflinching statement.

• AO3: Represents moral awakening.

"The fact remains that I did what I did."

AO1: Refuses to deny his actions.

AO2: Repetition of “I did” — ownership.

AO3: Younger generation accepting blame.

“You killed her – and the child she’d have had too."

AO1: Confronts mother with harsh truth.

AO2: Violent imagery intensifies guilt.

AO3: Family breakdown over moral issues.

"I don't give a damn."

AO1: Rejects father’s priorities.

AO2: Swearing shows rebellion.

AO3: Rejection of capitalist values.

"I wasn’t in love with her or anything."

• AO1: Admits lack of emotional connection.

• AO2: Casual tone contrasts with serious consequence.

• AO3: Shows casual exploitation of women.

"Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?"

AO1: Challenges father’s capitalist stance.

AO2: Rhetorical question.

AO3: Hints at socialist leanings.

"I threatened to make a row."

AO1: Abusive behaviour towards Eva.

AO2: Understatement (“row”) for serious threat.

AO3: Power imbalance in gender relations.

"You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't."

AO1: Refuses to absolve himself.

AO2: Contrast “you lot” vs “I”.

AO3: Shows division between generations.