gerald

Question 1

overview

Answer 1

Priestley uses the character of Gerald Croft in ‘An Inspector Calls’ as a vehicle to bring attention to the self-serving and irresponsible nature of the upper class. Despite being a part of the younger generation, Gerald largely remains reluctant to accept social responsibility and so is only able to show a few flickers of remorse for his actions.

Question 2

quote 1

Answer 2

‘(smiling) I hope so.’ (p.13)

· Foreshadows of when Sheila finds out that Gerald was seeing other people, which would bring in arguments between them.

· When you are engaged you are definitely marrying the person who you are engaged to. The fact that he uses the verb ‘hope’ shows that he may be hiding something that could obstruct the marriage.

· Uncertainty shows that they don’t have a very strong relationship

· Compliant – trying to please the Birling family and create a good impression of himself as Birling is Sheila’s father and Gerald will soon marry her.

Question 3

quote 2

Answer 3

‘I’d like to have a look at that photograph now, Inspector.’ (p.21)

· Pre-empting some involvement

· He doesn’t ask for the photo but demands for it which shows that he is worried and anxious, and also shows how he’s used to always being listened to.

Question 4

quote 3

Answer 4

‘(Pulling himself together) D’you mind if I give myself a drink, Sheila’ (p.25)

· Trying to keep composure

· He feels unsettled

· It is clear that he is trying to hide something from Sheila

· Asking permission from a woman ( gender stereotypes )

Question 5

Quote 4

Answer 5

You’ve been through it-and now you want to see somebody else put through it.’ (p.28)
• Accusatory of Sheila, very quick to blame her
• Thinking the worst of her
• Acting sympathetic but really just protecting himself

Question 6

Quote 5

Answer 6

‘Yes. I suppose it was inevitable. She was young and pretty and warm hearted – and intensely grateful’ (p.37)
• Removing responsibility by saying it was a situation he couldn’t have avoided
• Describing her looks and age before talking about her personality
• Shows his superficial nature

Question 7

Quote 6

Answer 7

I became at once the most important person in her life.’ (p.37)
• Portrays himself as a saviour and hero
• Thinks extremely highly of himself
• Gerald is portrayed as irresponsible as he claims to be the most important person in her life but abandons her to protect his reputation and his relationship with Sheila

Question 8

Quote 7

Answer 8

he bluffs us into confessing that we’ve all been mixed up in this girl’s life in one way or another.’ (p.66)
• He again dismisses all of their actions and aligns himself with the old generation.
• The dismissal of his actions absolves himself of responsibility which shows how self centred he is
This girl’ shows a lack of sympathy and connection that he has

Question 9

Quote 8

Answer 9

Even then, that may have been all nonsense.’ (p.68)
• The word ‘nonsense’ suggests that Gerald is rooting the voice of a Mr birling
• Rather than being influenced by the inspector and taking responsibility, he follows the lead of the wrong people
• It shows his lack of character development

Question 10

Quote 9

Answer 10

Everything all right now, Sheila. (Holds up the ring) What about this ring?’ (p.71)
• Trying to flatter Sheila and keep the business relationship between their families
• Treating her like the same Sheila from Act 1
• No intention of positive change, using material goods to try and resolve the matter
• “Everything’s all right now” because inspector is gone and no one is here to punish him
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