Charachterisation Flashcards
Gerald Croft- Initially…
Initially, Gerald Croft represents an entitled upper class gentlemen the charming ‘handsome’ facade of currupt or capitalism.
Gerald Croft- later…
Later, he reveals his abuse of his status and elevated social position through his betrayal of Sheila and ‘using’ of Eva Smith-exposing his representation as a selfish patriarch.
Gerald Croft- Interestingly…
Interestingly, Gerald is one of the most ambiguous characters due to his apparently continuously manipulative behaviour. He is absent at like climatic final speech from the inspector-and it is never clear whether his ‘emotion’ displayed during his interrogation is genuine.
What is priestly trying to express through Gerald ?
Priestley uses Geralds flawed character in order to critically mirror traditional patriarchal feelings of ownership and power which is often led to the abuse and manipulation of women /working-class. Through Geralds individualistic behaviour, Priestley spotlights the hypocrisy and corruption within the upper class.
Contextually speaking how does Priestly use Gerald’s character?
Contextually speaking, Priestley uses Gerald’s character to question and critique the continuing immorality of the class system – as it permeates across generations, breeding continued irresponsible behaviour.
Sheila Birling- initially…
Initially presented as privileged, petulant,naive,superficial middle-class women.
Sheila Birling- Later…
Later, one of the most changed and morally improved characters showing her compassionate and penitent response to her interrogation.
Sheila Birling- Interestingly…
Interestingly, audiences feel critical towards Sheila, but sympathetic as she is a product of her Society. It was suggested that up until the entrance of the inspector, Sheila has been consistently protected from the truth/reality of society.
How does Priestly use Sheila?
Priestley uses Sheilas character to critique the callous, self-serving nature of capitalism and mock the shallow and ignorant behaviour of the younger Upper class: particularly the weakness of the female position.
What does Sheila represent?
However Sheila also represents a hope for the future: the more ‘impressionable’ youth,who could bring about greater moral improvements for society.
Contextually speaking what does sheila represent?
Contextually speaking, Sheila represents A critique of typical, restrictive and marginalising gender roles and class expectations.
What does sheilas ability to change mirror?
Yet, her ability to change Mirrors the steadily increasing social morality at the time – and the developing opportunities for women to positively contribute to society and raise their voices.
Mr Birling-Initially…
Initially, Mr Birling represents an caricature of the corruption capitalist Business owner. His arrogance, stubbornness and arrogance are all emphasised at the start of the text.
Mr Birling- Later…
Mr Birling Retains his static characterisation across the text. His obstinate behaviour towards the inspector and his own family-continues throughout and he retains his selfish individualism throughout.
Mr Birling-Interestingly…
Interestingly, even during Mr Birling’s brief moments of regret he speaks using references to money and wealth - for example offering the inspector ‘thousand’ to rid himself of the guilt of Eva-as if Birling is only capable of thinking and expressing himself in materialistic ways.
What does Priestly use Mr Birling to symbolise ?
Priestly uses Mr Birling to symbolise the worst and most stubborn reflection of capitalist greed.
Why is Mr Birlings Business important?
Birlings corrupt running of his business – with a clear priorities of profit over people and using his own daughters engagement as a business contract exposes the worst flaws of individualism, traditionalism and capitalism to the audience.
What does this provoke from the audience?
This provokes judgement, disdain from the audience as a result of his static selfishness/arrogance.
Eric-Initially…
Initially, Eric has a weak, dishonest and troubled character – a symbol for the detrimental consequences of a toxic individualistic and capitalist upbringing .
Eric-Later…
Later,Eric transforms during the play, excepting guilt and responsibility and uniting with his sister.This shows the hope for the future as a young man who has learned a valuable lesson about responsibility.
Eric-interestingly…
Interestingly, Eric’s character could challenge audiences as he is a complex character who both provokes sympathy and due to his intense and awkward isolation within his family ; and horror at the revelation of his assault of Eva.
What does priestly use Eric’s character to demonstrate ?
Priestley uses Erics overly flawed Character to critique the social injustice that exists in the capitalist class hierarchy. Through his individualistic, Priestley spotlights the hypocrisy and corruption within the classes.
Contextually speaking how is Eric journey representing?
Contextually speaking, Eric’s journey through the text mirrors the contemporary social, political awakening that occurs during the 1940s when Priestley wrote the text.
Mrs Birlings- intially…
Initially, Mrs Birling represents a traditional, privileged female figure with stubborn and archaic views on how the world should be and how people should behave.