Character Analysis: Gerald Croft Flashcards
What does Priestly use Gerald Croft for ?
To reveal the flaws of the upper classes
He represents the aristocracy who exploited the working classes
How can we analyze the opening stage directions of Gerald Croft ?
Priestly describes him as an ‘easy well bred young man around town’
- Preistly use of the rule of three of the adjectives ‘ easy, well bred young’ establishes him as a privileged man and part of the social elite
- it’s surprising however the use of the word ‘young’ to describe a nearly thirty year old, Prieslty does this to allude to his immature out look on life and those around him ( foreshadows what we later find out)
- ‘man around town’ implies vanity in that he priories himself over helping others
- also foreshadow the layer revelation that he used Eva Smith to satisfy his sexual needs
- Audiance: first performed in Moscow 1945 would of confirmed their beliefs on the lazy wealthy elite
However 1946 London would of contained men like Gerald and so it’s a deliberate move as audiences will engage, sympathize and condemn him as Priestly reveals the flaws of the upper classes through him
How can we interpret the lack of Lady and Lord Croft ?
Neither of them are present at his engagement party
- This alludes to a possible disapproval of the match which is further confirmed when Birling talks of how Gerald’s mother thinks he could of ‘ done better for yourself socially’
- Although we initially assume they are in love, after Gerald’s affair is revealed as audiences members we are left to assume he is doing it for economic profit as they are ‘rivals in business’
- This is further echoed by Mr Birlings engagement speech which focuses on the economic benifits of them marrying, Gerald is presented as prioritizing money over love
How can we analyze Gerald’s initial dismissal of his involvement ?
He firmly states that ‘ I don’t come into this suicide business’
- the phrase ‘suicide business’ is cold hearted and unexpected, Further to this he Euphemises her death as a buissness, a matter of money and profit rather than a tragedy which highlights his capitalist intentions
- Prieslty positions Gerald as superior because he implies other are responsible for Eva’s death however his reaction soon changes after leading her name was changed to Diasy Renton
How can we analyze Gerald’s description of women ?
Like Eric he too often goes to the palace bar to meet with implied prostitutes
- he criticizes their ‘ dough faces’ and ‘ hard eyes’
- this reveals commodification of women is ordinary for him
-However his complimentary description of Eva smith with ‘big dark eyes’ reveals an attitude of objectification
- he considers women at the bar like choosing an item from a shop rather than seeing them as a person
- this lack of basic human compassion emphasizes his self centered wants and needs
How can we analyze the inspectors uncovering of Gerald’s affair ?
Prieslty shows that Gerald is upset as he says ‘ she didn’t blame me at all. I wish to god she had now’
- he seems to have genuine remorse and as audience members we sympathize with his apparent regret
- he are led to believe he will align himself with the inspected beliefs
How does the audiences opinion of sympathy change with regards to Gerald ?
In Act 3 when he does everything he can to prove the inspector was fake
Unlike Eric and Sheila he hasn’t learnt anything
- he wants to avoid public scandal much like Mr Birling to protect his wealth and social status
- he goes so far to say ‘ everything is alright now’ to Sheila
- as audiance members we see that he has learnt nothing
