Gerald

Question 1

How is Gerald presented throughout the play?

Answer 1

Throughout the play Gerald is presented as being capitalist minded and confident. He is presented as lacking social responsibility and throughout the play his views on capitalism and the lower classes do not change. In act one he is presented as dishonest and evasive however when the truth finally comes to light about his affair he is honest.

Question 2

How does the way Gerald is presented differ from the way Sheila is presented?

Answer 2

Throughout the play Gerald and Sheilas social attitudes differ. In act one gerald supports Mr Birling while discussing the firing of Eva whereas Sheila condemns her father and states that women are not cheap labour, they’re people. Throughout the course of the play sheila develops a sense of socialism and social responsibility whereas Gerald’s social accountability and capitalist mindset has not been altered.

Question 3

How is Gerald presented as capitalist?

Answer 3

‘you couldn’t have done anything else’ -Act 1

Question 4

How is Gerald presented as confident?

Answer 4

“Sure to be, unless Eric’s been up to something.” -Act 1

Question 5

How is Gerald presented as evasive?

Answer 5

“All right. I knew her. Let’s leave it at that.” -Act 2

Question 6

How is Gerald presented as honest?

Answer 6

“The girl saw me looking at her and then gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help.” -Act 2

Question 7

How is Gerald presented as dishonest?

Answer 7

‘I was awfully busy at the works’ -Act 1
‘I wasn’t telling you a complete lie’ -Act 2