Gerald Flashcards
“Where did you get the idea that i did know her?”
(Responsiblity)
Gerald
Gerald’s guilt is demonstrated through his immediate defensive tone as he questions the inspector.
Allows Gerald to judge how much the inspector knows and therefore adapts his story to be consistent with the inspector’s knowledge.
“Sorry - i - well, i’ve suddenly realised - taken it in properly - that she’s dead.”
(Responsibility)
Gerald
Gerald’s delayed reaction to Eva’s death is diluted with hyphens as this stammered and staggered speech reveals the overwhelming sadness he feels.
Priestley reveals the internal conflict within Gerald, between his natural emotional reaction and his attempt to supress any feminine emotion. Remains masculine in a patriarchal society.
“[rather too manly to be dandy]”
(Likeable appearance)
Gerald
Priestley describes Gerald as this in the stage directions suggesting he is very much content and confident in his own masculinity.
“[easy well-bred young man about town]”
(Likeable appearance)
Gerald
Priestley describes Gerald in the stage directions as this. Idiomatic phrase suggests Gerald is a fashionable socialite.
Perhaps Priestley is foreshadowing the unfaithful nature of Gerald, as he goes about town and into palace bars in search of female company.
“I insisted/i made her take some money.”
(Capitalism)
Gerald
The use of “insisted” emphasizes Gerald’s dominance and control over Eva, suggesting he felt entitled to dictate her actions and choices.
This implies Gerald provided financial support to Eva, perhaps to maintain her or to ensure her silence.
Shows his condescending manipulative nature towards Eva.
“Women of the town”
(Desire and lust)
Gerald
Priestley uses euphemistic language to evidence Gerald’s determination to hide his use of prostitutes as “Women of the town”.
“I hate those hard-eyed dough-faced women.”
(Desire and lust)
Gerald
The phrase “hard-eyed, dough-faced” can be interpreted as a reflection of how women in lower social classes were often seen as having lost their innocence and beauty due to their circumstances.
Through Gerald’s words, Priestley critiques the patriarchal attitudes of the time and the way women were often objectified and judged based on appearance.
“Knew it couldn’t last”
(Class)
Gerald
Implies that Gerald anticipated the relationship would be short-lived, perhaps due to Eva/Daisy’s lower social standing and his own aspirations for a future with Sheila.
“Everything’s all right now Sheila. What about this ring?”
Demonstrates how he didn’t even like Daisy as no grief or regret is shown. Doesn’t apologise properly, instead patronises her as though she had a bad dream.
