GERALD Flashcards
What does Gerald represent overall?
The selfish attitudes of the upper class. He lets down the audience as we see his capitalist ways are unchangeable.
What did Gerald play a key part in?
The chain of events that lead up to Eva Smith’s death.
‘Easy well bred man about town’
Could suggest his popularity and that he is a worthy man. Alternatively, it could suggest how far up on the social ladder he is along with his relaxed nature, which foreshadows his later inability to change and the subsequent affair with Daisy Renton.
What is Gerald the embodiment of?
One of the seven deadly sins- lust.
‘Now listen darling’
Suggests the power that he has. Society in 1912 where women were treated unfairly and as an underclass. Gerald is presented as being the stereotypical male of the time. Darling is very condescending and shows instability in the relationship.
‘you can drink to me’
Makes us question how controlling he actually is and how he treats other people around him. Reserved around Mr B.
‘she was young, pretty and warm-hearted- and intensely grateful’
Gerald reminiscing on the time with Daisy. Did he really not have an ulterior motive.
‘I didn’t install her there so that I could make love to her… I didn’t ask for anything in return’
Sexist attitudes. Was Daisy there to simply be his Mistress because ‘install’ makes us think that.
How would we describe the quotation ‘make love’
As a euphemism. Maybe he did love daisy. This makes us question whether Gerald is good or bad. He is a composite character.
Why is Gerald a composite character?
He is made up of multiple different sides.
‘I don’t come into this suicide business’
Selfish, dehumanization of Daisy. DENIAL AND DETATCHMENT foreshadows his later refusal to take responsibility.
‘I knew her, let’s leave it at that’
Lack of willingness to take responsibility.
‘soft brown hair and dark eyes- (breaks off) My God!’
Starting to feel remorse and guilt. Partly accepting responsibility to Sheila that he did in fact know her personally.
Asks Sheila to ‘get a drink’. After ‘(pulling himself together)’
shows a less authoritative and patronising character. (because he is asking Sheila). Mirroring Eric and him being ‘squiffy’ in order to ignore his problems.
What can we say about Gerald (in conclusion)?
He has many layers to him.
‘that man was not a police officer’
Gerald has come full circle and stops being reserved and respectful to those who he believes are above him.
‘that man’
Gerald only respects people with authority.
Why is Gerald a difficult character to decipher?
As he goes from remorseful to unapologetic within what seems like a matter of hours.
‘they hadn’t had any inspector like this chap’
He is not particularly rude but still full of pride.
‘hm..hm’
Exercising his power and authority within the room. No longer intimidated by the inspector.
When Gerald calls the inspector a ‘man’
He has already accepted that he wasn’t a real inspector and has withdrawn any accountability that he took for Eva’s death
What is a good phrase to use in essays?
This is effective because…
‘I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me’
Cold- hearted. Even though she is dead, he is trying to protect himself in a way.
‘everything’s alright now Sheila, what about this ring?’
Quick dismissal of how poorly he treated Sheila. AUIDENCE DISSAPOINTED.
Who does Gerald protect?
HIMSELF.
What does Priestly use an inspector calls as?
A political diatribe critiquing society- more specifically capitalism.
What are Gerald’s 4 main themes?
Materialism, gluttony, lust and capitalism.
What was Priestley’s hidden agenda?
Propaganda for the labour party.
‘I hate those hard-eyed dough faced women’
Attacking the appearance of lower class women which is ironic because the upper- class exploitation was the reason they aged this way.
