Gerald Croft

Question 1

We’re respectable citizens not criminals

Answer 1

Gerald attempts to use his power and status in the hopes of scaring the Inspector, insisting that he is ‘respectable’ as a member of the upper class.

Question 2

I didn’t install her there so that I could make love to her

Answer 2

This shows that Gerald may have truly cared about her, even if he was selfish in his desires. However, the verb ‘install’ suggests that he sees her as nothing more than an object, showing he doesn’t have true respect for her as a person

Question 3

I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me

Answer 3

This does imply that Gerald did just use her for sex, making him no better than Eric

Question 4

I’m rather more - upset - by this business than I probably appear

Answer 4

Deep down, Gerald is greatly saddened by Eva’s death and feels partly responsible. The dashes show that he is deeply affected by all this, emphasising his distress, making the audience sympathise with him. His reaction humanises him to the audience

Question 5

What about this ring?

Answer 5

This question at the end of the play perhaps shows that Gerald hasn’t changed at all and has learnt nothing. By offering the ring, he suggests that he wants to forget about everything that has happened and go on with their lives as normal.

Question 6

I think my father would agree to that, too

Answer 6

Gerald shows how similar his family’s beliefs are to the Birlings’ beliefs in that the business owners should have lower costs and higher prices. This presents Gerald as an entitled with no social responsibility