Gerald Croft Flashcards
True or False? Gerald works for Arthur’s company.
False. Gerald works for a rival company.
What social class does Gerald belong to?
He is a member of the Upper Class.
How does Gerald respond when asked if he was in love with Eva / Daisy?
He claims it’s “hard to say” but says that he didn’t feel the same way about Eva / Daisy as she did about him.
What similarities are there between Gerald and Arthur?
Both Arthur and Gerald are business-minded. Gerald agrees with Arthur’s decision to dismiss Eva / Daisy, saying he “couldn’t have done anything else”. Like Arthur, he is also keen to dismiss the Inspector as a hoax, which shows that he doesn’t want to take responsibility for Eva / Daisy’s death.
Why do you think Priestley introduces these similarities between Gerald and Arthur?
The similarities between Arthur and Gerald highlight that it isn’t only the older generation who are unwilling to learn from their mistakes.
Do you think Gerald is genuinely upset by Eva / Daisy’s death? Give reasons for your answer.
Gerald seems genuinely upset by Eva / Daisy’s death. He is described as being “distressed” when the reality of her death hits him, and he later excuses himself because he is so “upset” about it.
What excuse does Gerald give Sheila for being distant the previous summer?
He claims he was “awfully busy at the works”.
What does Sheila sarcastically describe Gerald as being to Eva / Daisy?
A. benefactor
B. the best thing since
sliced bread
C. wonderful fairy Prince
C. Sheila sarcastically says that Eva / Daisy must have seen Gerald as a “wonderful Fairy Prince” in Act Two
How does Gerald initially react to Sheila breaking off the engagement?
He is not surprised, claiming he was expecting it.
How does Gerald try to influence the Inspector in Act One?
He tries to tell the Inspector what is and isn’t “important”, arguing that “what happened to her since she left” matters more than Arthur’s involvement. He then reminds the Inspector that he and the Birlings are “respectable citizens” — he is trying to influence the Inspector into treating the family more gently because of their social standing.
Do you think Gerald has learnt his lesson after the Inspector’s visit?
Give reasons for your answer.
Gerald hasn’t learnt his lesson because once he discovers the Inspector was a hoax, he thinks everything can go back to normal. He proposes to Sheila again in Act Three as if nothing has happened, claiming “Everything’s all right now”.
