Gerald

Question 1

“i did keep a girl last summer. ive admitted to it. and im sorry Sheila”

Answer 1

• 3 part list suggests he thinks all is over and done with and they should move on
• more concerned that his affair was discovered than his betrayal to Sheila
• his confession is overlooked by Birling parents, showing their desire for profit

Question 2

“there was nothing else you could have done”

Answer 2

• reveals some desperation to remain on Birling’s good side
• blinded by his status that he believes everything they do is not wrong
• shows arrogance and narrow-mindedness that he doesnt know how the working class suffer

Question 3

“We’re respectable citizens, not criminals.”

Answer 3

• upper class could often pay off their crimes in the Edwardian Era
• dramatic irony as they all collectively ended up committing a moral crime
• very corrupt society
• respected because he is upper class

Question 4

“I didn’t feel for her as she felt for me.”

Answer 4

• he highlights the divide between him and Eva’s class
• shows how gerald took advantage of Eva but still shows her little care
• he only helped eva to get something in return and to feel good about himself

Question 5

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

Answer 5

• realises where the conversation is headed and makes an effort to change it before he gets in trouble
• wants to forget about it
• doesnt want to take blame
• attempt to avoid conflict