Gerald

Question 1

Adjectives for Gerald:

Answer 1

Charming, evasive, traditional, morally ambiguous, privileged

Question 2

Gerald’s role in play

Answer 2

Shows complicity of upper classes in maintaining unjust systems, resists change.

Question 3

Gerald: “I didn’t ask for anything in return.”

Answer 3

Attempts to justify his actions by framing them as selfless.
Priestley challenges this idea—did he exploit Daisy regardless of intent?
Gerald’s inability to change contrasts with Sheila.
Shows his altruism?
Could have ulterior motive

Question 4

Gerald’s development throughout play

Answer 4

He shows some guilt about his affair with Eva/Daisy, but ultimately tries to deflect blame and suggests everything is fine once the Inspector’s identity is questioned.

Question 5

Priestley’s message through Gerald

Answer 5

Gerald reflects the hypocrisy of the upper classes—appearing moral but refusing to change. Priestley critiques his desire to restore the status quo.

Question 6

Themes linked to Gerald

Answer 6

Responsibility
Social Class
Gender and Exploitation

Question 7

“We’re respectable citizens and not criminals”

Answer 7

• Believes criminals can only come from lower class
• Does not think anything he’s done is a crime
• Moral play

Question 8

“Easy, well-bred young man-about-town”

Answer 8

Rule of three establish him as member of privileged class

Question 9

“I don’t come into this suicide business”

Answer 9

• ‘Suicide business’ appears cold hearted
• Gerald appears superior as he is implying that others are responsible for Eva’s death but not him

Question 10

“She didn’t blame me at all. I wish to God she had now”

Answer 10

• Genuine remorse and self blame
• The audience may feel some sympathy for him and think that he is going to change

Question 11

By the end of play

Answer 11

He has learnt nothing

Question 12

Sheila during Gerald’s interrogation
“But you’re forgetting I’m supposed to be engaged to the hero of it.”

Answer 12

• Sheila is being cynical
• Gerald is being painted as a hero
• Imagery of heroism

Question 13

I’m glad I’m not the one who’s responsible for this.”
truths.

Answer 13

• Analysis: Gerald distances himself from the collective responsibility of the Birlings. The phrase “not the one who’s responsible” shows his reluctance to take any moral responsibility for Eva’s death.
  
  • Explanation: Gerald’s reluctance to accept any blame reinforces Priestley’s critique of the upper class, who often avoid accountability and prefer to preserve their social status over confronting uncomfortable

Question 14

1. “Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”

Answer 14

• Analysis: Gerald’s attempt to give Sheila the engagement ring after the Inspector’s visit shows his desire to return to normalcy. The phrase “everything’s all right now” suggests he wishes to move past the issues raised by the Inspector.
  
  • Explanation: Gerald seeks to restore their previous relationship and is more concerned with his personal life than the moral lessons he should have learned, highlighting his superficial nature.