Gerald Croft

Question 1

The ‘better’ version of Eric

Answer 1

‘Couldn’t have done anything else’
‘Kind of son-in-law I always wanted’
‘(nodding confidentially)
Mr Birling shows a lot more interest in Gerald than Eric - possibly due to his maturity or position socially - makes audience distrust Eric if someone like Mr Birling likes him
His existence causes familial tension as Eric may be jealous

Question 2

Looks down on lower class women

Answer 2

‘Hard-eyed, dough-faced women’
‘I was sorry for her… didn’t like her going back’
‘I became the most important thing in her life’
Does not show any interest in dissolving the class system as it gives him power - classic capitalist view
Abuses the stereotype of women being powerless and submissive and is degrading when women don’t fit the ‘ideal’ (young, pretty, pure)

Question 3

Selfish capitalist

Answer 3

‘We can keep it from him’
‘I’ve admitted it’
‘Did we? Who says so?’
He does not care about his actions whatsoever - only cares about the impact - tries to hide from the Inspector and then instantly tries to invalidate his interrogation in order to clear himself
Feigns innocence similar to Sheila’s genuine remorse - makes audience dislike him even more

Question 4

Central argument

Answer 4

Gerald shows the potential risk on society if there is no change - continuation of capitalism

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Priestly speaks through Gerald to warn the audience that there needs to be change soon as the capitalist ideologies are already spreading through the younger generation - Gerald becomes increasingly worse and worse just like society will be without change