Gerald Quotes : Desire and Lust

Question 1

“she was
pretty - soft
brown hair
and big dark
eyes -
[breaks off]
My God!”

Answer 1

Priestley’s use of aposiopesis (abrupt break off in speech)
comes directly after Gerald describes her beauty. Therefore,
revealing that Gerald only felt attracted to Eva physically as
he feels the greatest grief when remembering her physical
beauty.

Question 2

“A pretty girl
in her early
twenties” //
“Looked
young and
fresh and
charming”

Answer 2

Perhaps Gerald is simply marrying Sheila for her attractive
physical appearance as she is “a pretty girl” and in her “early
twenties”, while Gerald is “about thirty”. Priestley has already
evidenced Gerald’s attraction to youth and appearance
through his description of Eva and why he pursued her as she
was “young and fresh and charming”.

Question 3

“young and
fresh and
charming
and
altogether
out of place
down there”

Answer 3

Priestley incorporates a predatory description of Eva as there
are connotations of desire and fertility from the adjective
“fresh”, as Gerald views her sexually from the start.
Priestley’s use of this adjective has plural connotations as
Gerald views Eva like food - a possession.