Gerald Croft Flashcards
What does Gerald Croft represent?
Priestley uses the character of Gerald to represent the individualism of the upper-class.
How is Gerald Croft described?
Gerald is described as ‘an attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the easy well-bred young man-about-town’
What does Gerald Croft work?
Gerald Croft works at his father’s company, Crofts Limited, which is both bigger and older than Birling & Co. He is engaged to be married to Sheila Birling.
How is Gerald aristocratic?
Gerald is the son of Aristocrat parents. His father is a prominent figure in the community, because of his business. Therefore, Gerald has been born into this social status.
How is Gerald selfish?
In this play we can notoriously see that Gerald is a selfish person, who wants to marry Sheila not only because of business, also because she is pretty. He does not care about other people; a clear example is that he cheated on Sheila with Eva Smith.
What did Gerald Do to Eva?
Gerald says that he arranged for Eva/Daisy to live at a friend’s apartment in town while the friend was away for business. Gerald maintains that he did not initially support the girl in order to have an affair, but she did become his mistress. Their affair lasted for some months.
Is Gerald Croft manipulative?
Gerald Croft is manipulative and calculating, he was having an affair whilst with Sheila. He has little respect for women, he gives them promise then disposes of them when he’s finished with them.
How is Gerald significant in the play?
In the play An Inspector Calls, the character of Gerald Croft is extremely significant, as he is the only perpetrator not to be a part of the Birling household. He is also the character who knew Eva Smith most intimately and has many significant ties to all of the Birling family, the largest of those being with Sheila
How does Gerald treat Sheila?
he lies to Sheila about where he was during the summer, “I was awfully busy at the works all that time” he thinks Sheila is a prize. he is often arrogant, “You can drink to me” he can be humble, “hope I can make you as happy as you deserve to be”
How is Gerald presented at the end of the play?
he represents the voice of reason as he deduces the ‘crime’ never actually took place, thus suggesting he is intelligent and rational.
How is Gerald presented as irresponsible?
The contrast between Gerald’s response now and before shows he hasn’t really changed, and is just as irresponsible. Priestly uses Gerald as a bridge between the older and younger generations. Whereas the older generations never accepted responsibility, and the younger generations did, he switches between the two.
How is Gerald to blame for Eva Smith’s death?
Gerald is to blame because he exploited Eva (sexually) and had no intention of marrying her. It was all for his own gain.
Why is Gerald a man about town?
‘the well-bred young man-about-town’ – Gerald is confirmed as being of a higher social status than the Birlings; the phrase ‘man-about-town’ implies a certain worldliness and sophistication.
How is Gerald deceitful?
Gerald was deceitful towards Mrs Birling because he secretly hated her. Gerald kept Daisy Renton as his mistress. Gerald asked Daisy Renton to marry him. Gerald detested Daisy Renton.
How is Gerald presented as untrustworthy?
Gerald is presented as untrustworthy to a degree in ‘An Inspector Calls’. Although, it can be argued that Gerald is a character who represents the upper classes, and embodies everything Priestley wanted to warn audiences about, Gerald does also demonstrate some kindness and love.
