Gerald Flashcards
(24 cards)
Finish the quote and what key themes it links to
the _____, ____-bred young-man about ______
Act 1
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town]
(act 1)
Key Theme: Old vs young
Key Theme: Social class
What is the Animalistic image on ‘bred’ in the quote
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town] (act 1)
For Priestley’s contemporary audience, the stage direction “bred” evokes imagery of animal breeding, conjuring a metaphorical image of Gerald as a product of meticulous cultivation, much like a carefully bred animal
How does this quote suggest that Gerald has been groomed from birth to embody the archetype of the aristocratic
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town] (act 1)
This suggests that Gerald has been groomed from birth to embody the archetype of the aristocratic and charming “man about town.” Thus, he is a victim to capitalist ideologies ingrained within him, as he is unable to escape the persona crafted for him before he even had agency (a choice) over his own identity
What does the adjective ‘easy’ in the quote
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town] (act 1)
The adjective on ‘easy’ implies that Gerald easily assimilated (blended) into the higher echelon of society as he is a paragon (perfect example) of social superiority.
How is ease and comfort shown the quote
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town] (act 1)
This ease and comfort in his current circumstances foreshadow his resistance to change, contrasting with the more malleable (able to change) qualities of other members of the younger generation
How is does the quote link to responsbility
[the easy, well-bred young-man about town] (act 1)
Responsibility: Gerald derives comfort from the entrenched societal beliefs ingrained by his social class. Despite being aware of the irresponsible nature of these beliefs, he relies on the protective facade they offer, and hopes it can continue to shield him as it once did.
Finish the quote and what themes it links to
“We’re __________ citizens and not ________”
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
Key Theme: Capitalism vs socialism
Key Theme: Responsibility
Key Theme: Social class
What does the collective pronoun “we’re” in the quote serve as
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
The utilisation of the collective pronoun “we’re” serves to propagate a segregative ideology, as Gerald employs it to unite the Birlings against perceived “criminals.”
What is the irony in the quote
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
However, the irony lies in Gerald’s unfounded assertion of the Birlings’ respectability, which unveils aristocratic biases as fundamentally ignorant.
How does the quote underscore wealthy capitalists
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
Additionally, it underscores how wealthy capitalists, consumed by materialism, often lack insight into morality or even real life itself, this belittling their perceived shrewdness (having good judgement).
How does the quote alliteration in ‘citizens’ and ‘criminals’ create a sense of familiarity
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
The alliteration of “citizens” and “criminals” creates a sense of similarity, reflecting Priestley’s portrayal of blurred lines between morality and criminality as one ascends the social hierarchy
How does Priestley mock Gerald in the quote
“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” (act 1)
Much like Priestley’s use of dramatic irony and satire to mock Mr. Birling, he subtly ridicules Gerald’s pretentious demeanour, revealing how the wealthy often harbour biases that align only with their narrow worldview. Priestley highlights this is only exacerbated through capitalist ideologies
Finish the quote and what key themes it links to
“She ________ young and ______ and charming”
Act 2
“She looked young and fresh and charming”
(act 2)
Key Theme: Gender
Key Theme: Social class
What is the connotation of the ‘noun’ fresh in the quote
“She looked young and fresh and charming” (act 2)
The noun “fresh” connotes to innocence and purity which presents Eva as prey Gerald, it introduces this notion of consumption which implies Gerald is acting on primal and lustful desires
What does the Polysyndeton on ‘and’ (repetition of and) in the quote amplify
“She looked young and fresh and charming” (act 2)
The polysyndeton on “and” serves to amplify the list of qualities that Gerald fondly reminisces about regarding Eva/ Daisy
What does the quote showcase
“She looked young and fresh and charming” (act 2)
However, the fact that two out of three adjectives list physical attributes showcases how Eva served as a physical fantasy for Gerald, a refuge (place to be safe) from the constraints of his engagement and the continual pressure of upkeeping his social status
Finish the quote and what key themes it links to
“___________ all right now,_______ (holds up the ring] what about this ______?”
(Gerald)
Act 3
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila (holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Key Theme: Old vs Young
Key Theme: Guilt
Key Theme: Gender
Key Theme: Responsibility
How does this quote stated by Gerald create a cyclical structure
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Cyclical narrative: Gerald conducts the play to follow a cyclical structure, focusing back on his and Sheila’s engagement. This is reflective of his unwillingness to change and his overarching desire to absolve himself from guilt and responsibility
What does Gerald do in this quote despite belonging to the younger generation
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Despite belonging to the younger generation, he shirks (avoid/neglects) accountability, disappointing the audience with his character arc.
What does Gerald do unlike Shelia and Eric in the quote
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Unlike Sheila and Eric, who are impressionable and adaptable, Gerald’s obstinate (stubborn) nature remains unchanged
How does the ring being a metonym in the quote show Gerald materialism in the quote
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Ring as a metonym: The use of the noun “ring” as a metonym (when a noun or an attribute of something is used in place of its actual name another example could be referring to the British monarchy as ‘the Crown’) for marriage displays Gerald’s materialistic view of marriage, devoid of any emotion or love
What Gerald revert to in the quote
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
He reverts to this symbol of traditional power and possession in order to reassert himself; he finds comfort in the ingrained societal beliefs which make life ‘easy’ for him
How does the quote stated by Gerald show social class
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Gerald derives comfort from the entrenched societal beliefs ingrained by his social class. Despite being aware of the irresponsible nature of these beliefs, he relies on the protective facade they offer, and hopes it can continue to shield him as it once did.
How does the quote stated by Gerald show Gender
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila [holds up the ring] what about this ring?” (act 3)
Gender: Gerald remains obdurate (stubborn) in his opinions towards morality, therefore his opinions towards women remain aligned with the marginalisation and objectification of women.
He does not embody the progressive attitudes typically associated with the younger generation but rather perpetuates oppressive views towards women.
