Gerald Flashcards
What is Gerald used as a vehicle to?
- To expose the way in which marriage was used as a means of social advancement and monetary gain.
- To expose the fact that the middle generation are also reluctant to accept responsibility and atone for their sins
Initially point
He is presented as an upper class male who is set to marry Sheila, his only true demonstration of affection is through the ring which he gives Sheila, which exposes the lack of genuine love
Initially… (quote 1) what line shows when he gives Sheila the ring
Through the stage direction “(he produces a ring)”
It is revealed that his first demonstration of his ‘love’ for her is through a materialistic object which may mirror the purpose of the marriage
However as the text develops point
Gerald protects the reputation of Mr Birling as a means of retaining his means of social advancement through marriage. Additionally, he refuses the accept responsibility for his own actions
However… (quote 1) how does he protect Mr Birlings reputation?
“It’s what happened to her after she left Mr Birling’ work that’s important.”
- His defence of Mr Birling is significant because he wishes to unite the Croft and Birling business by marrying Sheila which exposes the lack of love in the relationship and the lack of empathy in society as a result of capitalist views
However… (quote 2) how does he dismiss his involvement in the death of Eva Smith?
“I don’t come into this suicide business.”
- he explicitly refuses to accept responsibility for his actions, further emphasising the flaws in a capitalist society
Ultimately point
After finding out that the inspector wasn’t real, he immediately reverts to his original self and wishes to immediately repair his relationship with Sheila
Ultimately… (quote 1) how does he attempt to console Sheila?
“Everything’s all right now Sheila”
-He immediately wishes to comfort her and get the marriage back on track so that he can financially benefit, which further highlights the lack of genuine love in a relationship within a capitalist society
Ultimately… (quote 2) how does he offer Sheila the ring again?
“What about this ring?”
- his desire to repair the marriage regardless of his actions is further reinstated by giving her back the ring which is symbolic of materialistic love as a means of financially or socially benefiting.
