Gerald Flashcards
First impressions - Gerald
“well-bred, young man about town” - eligable and desirable young bachelor - perhaps why MrB encouraged his marriage to S. Links to MrB’s obsession with G - putting G in an aspirational position.
G insists “upo being one of the family” - well-mannered, furthering is presentation as a well-respected, socially conscious gentleman.
Loving & caring to S - hopes he can “make you as happy as you deserve to be” - tender, charismatic man
Conflict hinted between Gerald and Sheila - Gerald
Last summer he “never came near” S and she doesn’t let him forget this, even though he said he was “awfully busy at the works”. S establishes that she wont settle for not having time for her and he gives in “Oh - i will, i will”
G is more similar to MrB, whom S clashes with throughout the play. “possible labour shortages” from mrB. G agrees with him that it is ridiculous, presenting him as gaving more capitalistic views. Wishes MrB “congratulations” when listenting to the brags - perhaps showing he doesnt find these brags ostentatious
Attitude to being examined - Gerald
initalliy reserved and skeptical. feels uncomfortable watching MrB’s examination “wouldn’t you rather i was out of this?” - upperclass men keep their private business private, feels uncomfortable seeing these aspects of MrB’s life.
Panders to MrB “couldn’t have done anything else” - alleigance to MrB over S, who is outwardly expressive with his disdain to the lower class. This facade falters when D is mentioned, though attempts to cover it up (poorly) “why should i have known her?”
Even through the questioning he sees himself as morally superior, trying to control the situation (for his reputation) “i think we’d better” (leave offence out of it)
“rather more - upset - by this business” - dashes to break up speech
He gives up hiding his feelings but instead runs so the family cannot see them - used to hiding/repressing himself
Gerald and Daisy - Gerald
Never shown to be inherently good or bad. Sees himself as her saviour only wanted to give her “a little friendliness” due to her being “pretty” - showing his more surface level desires.
He took advantage of the situation to feel better about himself through the guise of supporting her. He “didnt ask for anything in return”, but didnt actively oppose any advances she made. “I suppose it was inevitable”
Even S can see that D was positively impacted “happier than she’d ever been”
He disposed of her without much thought but he gave her genuine joy, so the interpretation of his impact on her is left up to the audience as we never hear from D herself, apart from excerpts from her diary told to the Birlings by the Insp
Reaction to finding out the inspector isnt real - Gerald
refers to Insp as “that man” - establishes that he has already processed it and separated himself from Insp and is beginning to absolve himself of any blame. reveals he “wasn’t a police officer”.
Talks “(slowly)”, knowing the Birlings will listen as that is what he has been used to his whole life. Pivotal moment in the play that creates tension and chaos.
G doesnt “want to” hear teh rest of the family’s crimes/wrongdoings - separation between public and private life.
G finds ways to justify their actions and make them feel less guilty, questioning if it was actually “the same girl”
he pretends “everything’s all right now” and wants to give the ring back to S. Showing he learnt nothing from Insp’s visit - aligns himself with MrB and MrsB
