Gerald Croft Key Language & Structural Techniques

Question 1

Mrs Birling’s admiration on Gerald

Answer 1

Mrs Birling’s admiration of Gerald’s cleverness is echoed at the end of the play. There are many parallels like this in the play’s construction, which link in with Priestley’s ideas on timing.

Question 2

Euphemism

Answer 2

Euphemism is also used in the play when characters refer to taboo subjects, so when Mr Birling talks of Eva becoming a prostitute he talks of her going ‘on the street’ and Gerald refers to ‘women of the town’.

Question 3

Irony

Answer 3

Gerald and Sheila use irony in their interchange when he says “You’re going to be a great help” and “I’m glad I amuse you”. The irony highlights for us the tension between the two of them.

Question 4

Imagery

Answer 4

Gerald uses imagery of a rescue mission when describing his role in Daisy Renton’s death. He does this to lessen his guilt and try and justify his behaviour.