Gerald Croft Flashcards
‘…is an attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the easy well-bred man about town.’ (p.1)
• Use of the adjective ‘attractive’ brings attention to Gerald’s physical appearance. On the surface, he appears well-matched to Sheila who has previously been described as ‘pretty’.
• Gerald appears older than Sheila and Eric but younger than Arthur and Sybil. Throughout the play, despite being closer in age to the younger generation, Gerald appears to harbour the same mindset as the older generation as he also refuses to acknowledge his part in the events leading to Eva Smith’s demise.
• Use of the phrase ‘too manly to be a dandy’ brings attention to Gerald’s stereotypical masculine attributes. Perhaps his physical presentation is an indicator of his traditional and outdated views.
• Reference to Gerald as the ‘easy well-bred man about town’ reminds the audience of his social status whilst also foreshadowing his dalliance with Eva who he meets by chance at a bar.
‘I believe you’re right, sir’ (p.6)
• Gerald is completely in agreement with Mr Birling, and doesn’t question him, showing how Mr Birling has convinced Gerald that he is part of the family.
• Strong alignment between Gerald and Mr Birling as they both possess capitalist ideologies
• “Sir” – refers to Mr Birling in a respectful manner, displaying how they are forming somewhat of a
relationship
‘(trying to smile) Well what, Sheila?’
• ‘trying to smile’ -> trying to charm Sheila so that she stops questioning him
• Wants to hide his unfaithfulness to ensure Sheila will still marry him -> immoral
‘don’t say anything to the Inspector’ (p.26)
• The desire to conceal incriminating evidence showcases a greater concern for his personal reputation rather than social responsibility, aligning him with the attitudes of the older generation.
• His failure to comprehend the omniscient nature of the Inspector demonstrates a belief that he can withhold the truth, exposing his ignorance, which is characteristic of the older generation’s resistance to change and accountability.
‘Why should you? It’s bound to be unpleasant and disturbing’(p.26)
• Gerald ostensibly wants Sheila leave the situation to protect her from the harshness of the situation but actually does not want her there so she does not learnt about his affair -> disguises his selfishness as being caring -> duplicitous
• At the time women were not treated as equal to men and popular belief was that they should be shielded from the harsh realities of the world -> conforming to this belief + has views of older generation
‘I hate those hard-eyed dough-faced women, but then I noticed a girl who looked quite different…’ (p.34)
• Preoccupied with the aesthetic – solely mentions appearance ‘hard-eyed dough-faced’
• ‘hate’ -> if he hates the women, why would he be there -> lying -> not ready to accept full responsibility +
untrustworthy
• Similar to Mr B, Gerald is untrustworthy, indicating that although he is closer in age to the younger
generation, he aligns with the capitalist views of the older generation
“The girl saw me looking at her then gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help” (p.35)
• “nothing less than a cry for help”- the fact that Gerald assumes this and speaks on behalf of her shows the treatment of women at the time
• “gave me a glance ”- the fact that he says how she gave him a glance,shows how he presents himself in a heroic light
‘Gerald appears, and Edna withdraws’ (p.61)
• the importance of status
• the difference between the upper class and lower class, and emphasises who is more significant.
• Those of higher status take prominence, whilst those of a lower status disappear.
‘(cutting in) No, no. I passed it off by saying I’d been having an argument with somebody. But the point is – the sergeant was dead certain they hadn’t any Inspector…’ (p.62)
• ‘(cutting in)’ shows that Gerald wants to be quick to inform Mr Birling that the Inspector wasn’t a real Inspector.
• ‘I passed it off by saying I’d been having an argument with somebody’ – Lies to cover up for everything that had been revealed to protect his own social status.
• ‘dead certain’ – somewhat ironic as Eva Smith is dead.
• “No, no” – repetition as he is quick to dismiss
(Mrs Birling) ‘Gerald, you’ve argued this very cleverly, and I’m most grateful’ (p.70)
• ‘very cleverly praises’ -> Gerald even though he was unfaithful -> due to Gerald’s status, others neglect his wrongdoings and only focus on positives
• Putting family’s happiness on the line for Gerald’s approval
