Analysis of Act Two - Gerald's Affair Flashcards
Which character seems the most shocked by Gerald’s affair?
Sybil — she is the last character to realise that Gerald kept Eva / Daisy as a mistress, as she describes their relationship as “disgusting”.
Why did Gerald end his affair with Eva / Daisy, and where did she go afterwards?
Gerald ended the affair because he had to go away on business, but he suggests that “it was coming to an end” anyway. According to the Inspector, Eva / Daisy then went away by herself for about two months to “some seaside place”.
True or False? Sheila vows she’ll never marry Gerald after finding out her lied to her.
False. Sheila gives Gerald the engagement ring back, but doesn’t rule out the possibility of forgiving him. She explains that they would “have to start all over again”.
Why do you think Sheila respects Gerald more after he has told his story?
What does this suggest about Sheila’s character?
Sheila respects Gerald more because he has been honest. She that he was lying to her before, so she respects him for finally speaking the truth. This suggests that Sheila values honesty and openness and tries to see the good in people.
Do you think Arthur would have reacted in the same way if Sheila had been having an affair rather than Gerald?
Explain your answer.
Arthur would probably have been outraged if Sheila had been having an affair. This is because it was socially unacceptable at the time for women to have affairs, whereas it was socially acceptable for men of Gerald’s age and class to have a mistress. Arthur tells Sheila that she “must understand that a lot of young men” have affairs, showing how he believes she has to realise this is a common and acceptable thing for men to do.
