GERALD QUOTES Flashcards
“We’re respectable citizens,…
…and not criminals.”
SOCIAL CLASS
GERALD EQUATES WEALTH AND SATUS WITH MORALITY
“You couldn’t have done…
..anything else.” (To Mr. Birling about sacking Eva)
SOCIAL CLASS AUTHORITY
gerald defends her decision
“I became at once the most…
…Important person in her life.
SOCIAL CLASS
Gerald takes PRIDE IN HIS INFLUENCE over Daisy, REINFORCING CLASS SUPERIORITY.
“I don’t come into…
…this suicide business.”
lack of SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Gerald INITIALLY REFUSES to accept RESPONSIBILITY, DISTANCING himself from Eva’s death.
“She told me she’d been…
…happier than she’d ever been before.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Gerald paints himself as Eva’s SAVIOUR, implying that his actions were justified.
“That man wasn’t…
a police officer.”
SOCIAL CLASS (ARROGANCE)
Gerald clings to a loophole rather than reflecting his actions
“She was young and pretty…
…and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.”
GENDER AND POWER
Gerald ROMANTICISES his affair with Eva, using her GRATITUDE to EXCUSE his ACTIONS.
“I didn’t install her there so that…
…. I could make love to her.”
GENDER AND POWER
Gerald ATTEMPTS to justify his actions, DESPITE the clear POWER IMBALANCE.
“You seem to be a nice well-behaved…
… family.” (Before the Inspector arrives)
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Gerald INITIALLY believes in the FAMILY’S RESPECTABILITY showing his BLIND FAITH IN THE UPPER-CLASS
“Everything’s all right …
…now, Sheila. What about this ring?”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
This highlights the generational divide—while Sheila grows, Gerald REMAINS STUCK IN THE PAST.
“I hate those hard…
-eyed dough-faced women.”
GENDER AND POWER
Shows his disdain for lower-class women at the bar, revealing prejudices
“I insisted on Daisy moving into…
…those rooms and I made her take some money.”
GENDER AND POWER
Tries to present his affair as a kind act.
“I hope I can make you as….
…happy as you deserve to be.”
GENDER AND POWER
HIGHLIGHTS GERALDS ROMANTIC FRONT BEFORE THE TRUTH IS REVEALED
“There’s still no proof it…
… was really the same girl.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Highlights his need to justify his actions and escape blame. HE IS UNABLE TO ACCEPT SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL !
