AIC - Gerald Flashcards
Act 1
‘rather too manly to be a dandy … young man about town’
- dandy was a Victorian man devoted to fashion style and neatness.
- may imply his typically hyper masculinity - foreshadows the way in which he treats women in the play and even explain his affair.
- The phrase ‘man about town’ reveals that Gerald is socially experienced and independent - enjoys freedom. stereotype of an aristocratic privileged young man
(Act 1 pg 15)
- “You couldn’t have done anything else.” –
- this shows that Gerald is siding with Mr Birling
- this could just be him agreeing with his future father-in-law for the sake of forming a strong relationship with him.
- On the other hand, this exemplifies Gerald’s capitalist views much like how Mr Birling thinks it is his right to dismiss employees for striking - Gerald’s views seem to put money first and people’s second
- the negative form of the modal verb ‘couldn’t’ removes any possibility in Gerald’s mind of Arthur conceivably doing anything else.
(Act 2 pg 27)
– At the start of act two, Gerald says that he believes that “young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things”.
- Implies his belief that young women are incapable of looking after themselves – exhibits a sexist or patronizing view
- Modal verb ‘ought to’ highlights how this view was common and seemed instinctively right to many of the older generation at the time.
- aligns his views with the older generation of Mr and Mrs Birling.
(Act 2 pg 39)
– “as I’m rather more – upset - by this business than I probably appear to be - and - well, I’d like to be alone for a while”
- feels upset by her death as Gerald loved her for some time and because it ruins his relationship with Sheila.
- Frequent use of dashes represents his emotional state he is trying very hard to keep himself together - creates a staccato rhythm to highlight that he cannot get his words out properly.
- Suggests that he is upset instead of worried for his reputation like the senior Birlings – aligns his views with the younger generation of Eric and Sheila
(ACT 3 pg 62)
‘(slowly) That man wasn’t a police officer’
- Gerald says this line ‘slowly’ to demand power and attention and status - things that he may have lost when he was last on stage.
- shows that he is trying to reclaim the authority that he had at the start of the play and save the family’s reputation.
- The fact that he actively sought confirmation that the inspector was a fraud by asking a police sergeant – implies his denial about how he treated Eva / Daisy or that he refused to accept responsibility for her suicide.
- he is both immensely relieved and incredibly excited he thinks his free from blame and guilt.
(ACT 3 pg 71)
‘Everything’s all right now, Sheila … what about this ring?’
- confirms to us how Gerald is aligned with the older generation and has failed to accept responsibility - ignorant- he underestimates Sheila who has dramatically changed during the play.
- Priestly uses Gerald as a dramatic vehicle by Priestley to show the ignorance of the upper class/ how damaging this behaviour can be.
- this shows that his lack of remorse for his actions as he is continuing as if nothing has happened.
essay structure
Gerald’s presentation at the start of the play – act 1
* Act 1 ‘rather too manly to be a dandy …. young man about town’
* (Act 1 pg 15) - “You couldn’t have done anything else.” –
Gerald’s presentation at the middle of the play – act 2
- (Act 2 pg 27) – At the start of act two, Gerald says that he believes that “young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things”.
- (Act 2 pg 39) – “as I’m rather more – upset - by this business than I probably appear to be - and - well, I’d like to be alone for a while.”
Gerald’s presentation at the end of the play – act 3
- (ACT 3 pg 62) ‘(slowly) That man wasn’t a police officer’
- (ACT 3 pg 71) ‘Everything’s all right now, Sheila … what about this ring?’
