Gerald

Question 1

All Gerald Quotes

Answer 1

• “We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (Act 1)
• “You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things.” (Act 2)
• “Hear hear! And I think my father would agree to that.” (After Mr B said lower costs and higher prices) (Act 1)
• “Sorry- I- well, I’ve suddenly realised- taken it in properly- that she’s dead” (Act 1)
• “A pretty fortunate young man” (Act 1)

Question 2

“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (Act 1)

Answer 2

• Upper classes glorify themselves and vilify the poor
• Collective pronoun exposing arisocratic prejudices as ignorant

Question 3

“You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things.” (Act 2)

Answer 3

• Ironic as Eva exposed to onslaught of this. His protection is an example of sophistry
• Direct adress ‘you’ is accusatory (Priestly questioning views of audience)

Question 4

“Hear hear! And I think my father would agree to that.” (After Mr B said lower costs and higher prices) (Act 1)

Answer 4

• Gerald ultimately stands for Capitalist beliefs
• Internalised his Capitalist upbringing and portrays Gerald’s overzealous excitement at prospect of money

Question 5

“A pretty fortunate young man” (Act 1)

Answer 5

• Irony in repetition of the adjective “young” (socialist?)
• However Gerald consciously adheres to the tropes of Capitalism

Question 5

“Sorry- I- well, I’ve suddenly realised- taken it in properly- that she’s dead” (Act 1)

Answer 5

• Fragmented speech suggest guilt and shock
• However, could be example of melodrama (trying to exaggerate his guilt to show himself as respectable and compassionate)