Analysis of quotes - Gerald Flashcards
(6 cards)
‘You seem to be a nice well-behaved family-‘
Shows Gerald’s surface-level charm and how he tries to be polite and agreeable.
It also shows his naivety or wilful ignorance, as the truth about the family’s actions are soon revealed.
‘I hope I can make you as happy as you deserve to be.’
Shows Gerald as affectionate and sincere on the surface, presenting him as the ideal fiancé.
However, this is later undermined by the revelation of his affair with Eva Smith, showing his two-faced nature.
‘Old Joe Meggarty, half-drunk and goggle-eyed, had wedged her into a corner with that obscene fat carcass of his-‘
Gerald depicts the true, unpleasant nature of this powerful man.
Animalistic imagery of Meggarty as a predator ‘obscene fat carcass’ and Eva/Daisy trapped, ‘wedged her’, showing how she is unable to escape.
‘She was young and pretty and warm-hearted - and intensely grateful.’
Trying to justify his actions, describing Eva in a sympathetic way.
Shows that he did feel something for her, but it also reflects the power imbalance - he helped her partly because she made him feel good about himself
Priestley uses this to highlight how the upper class can exploit working-class women, even when they believe they’re being king.
‘Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?’
Gerald tries to restore his engagement as if nothing happened, showing that he hasn’t truly learned from the experience.
Reveals his desire to move on quickly, ignoring the emotional impact on Sheila and the moral lesson of the evening.
Priestley uses this to show how the upper class avoids accountability when consequences seem to disappear.
‘What girl? There were probably four or five different girls.’
Gerald eagerly joins in trying to discredit the Inspector, suggesting Eva Smith wasn’t a real person.
This shows his evasion of responsibility, as he focuses on technicalities rather than reflecting on his behaviour.
Priestley uses this to highlight the moral weakness of those who care more about their reputation than doing what’s right.
