Gerald Flashcards
Gerald is Priestley’s …… used to reveal the …… of the upper classes.
Gerald is Priestley’s TOOL used to reveal the FLAWS of the upper classes
Gerald
What does Gerald represent?
- The aristocracy of 1912 who exploited the working class, especially working class women.
- Appears to be sorry but then aligns himself again with Mr B (“now how about this ring?”) and conveys the idea that the upper classes will always be self-interested.
Gerald
What does the stage direction “easy well-bred young man-about-town” tell the audience about Gerald?
- Rule of three establishes him as the member of a privileged, elite class.
- “young” despite his age of around thirty. Attitude towards life is immature and thoughtless. Raises hope that like younger Birlings he will also change for the better.
- man-about-town suggests he is a fashionable socialite.
Gerald
Why is Gerald’s character significant? (context)
- 1945 London audience would have contained men like Gerald.
- Stage directions set him up as a character the audience will sympathise with, engage with and relate to.
- But the later change in his character is used to change the audience’s view of men like him in their own society.
Gerald
Why does he want to marry Sheila?
- For business purposes.
- Agrees when Birling mentions the two companies working together by saying “Hear, hear!”.
- Portrayed as deceitful to Sheila.
- Reinforces that aristocrats did everything to benefit only themselves.
Gerald
How is his attitude dismissive when being interrogated?
- Like Birling, he initially denies knowing Eva.
- Dismissive - “I don’t come into this suicide business”.
- ‘suicide business’ is cold-hearted and unexpected.
- ‘business’ shows superiority; acts like others are responsible.
Gerald
Describe his attitude towards the women in the palace bar.
- Only thinks of them in terms of appearances.
- Criticises their dough ‘face[s]’ and ‘hard eye[s]’
- Commodification of women is normal for him.
- Acts as if he is choosing an item in the shop.
Gerald
How does he describe Daisy Renton?
“big dark eyes” - element of objectification.
-Instead of a person she is something for him to enjoy.
Gerald
In which quote is Gerald’s regret seen?
“She hadn’t blamed me at all. I wish to God she had now.”
- Audience focus on genuine remorse and self-blame; feel some sympathy and believe he will align with social responsibility.
- This evokes hope as he is member of a class that holds power and has lots of social contacts in higher echelons of society.
Gerald
Why does the audience’s attitude of Gerald change in Act 3?
- He does everything he can to prove that the Inspector is fake.
- He wants to avoid a scandal to protect himself and his wealth.
Gerald
How does Gerald’s character shape the audience’s views on the more vulnerable in society?
- When he fails to change, the audience start to condemn him for his treatment of Eva.
- See how much injustice vulnerable people in society face.
- Causes them to reflect on their own behaviour and question the social hierachy.
