Gerald - AFTER INSPECTOR Flashcards
(5 cards)
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”
It is ironic since the characters have understood nothing (no morals), even though all this has happened. He has a superficial understanding of Sheila’s growth: he expects forgiveness without any change. He just wants everything to return to normal - a childish way of thinking. This line contrasts sharply with Sheila’s refusal, reinforcing the play’s generational divide.
“He was our police inspector all right.” (Said when others begin to doubt the Inspector’s legitimacy)
Gerald’s emphasis on “our” suggests a brief moment of recognition that the Inspector’s impact was real. The informal tone of “all right” minimises the significance of the Inspector’s visit, showing Gerald’s casual detachment. However, he also begins to undermine the Inspector’s authority. Priestley critiques how some members of the upper class/older generation are able to validate or dismiss truth based on how it affects them: they could ignore morals as long as it didn’t affect them legally.
“How do we know any girl killed herself today?”
The use of “any girl” deliberately distances himself from Eva Smith—erasing her identity again. It suggests that proof matters more than personal responsibility, echoing capitalist detachment, but also for a 21st century audience, remains relevant in discussions of moral accountability vs legal loopholes
“We’ve been had, that’s all.”
The colloquial phrase “been had” reduces the entire experience to a trick or prank. He uses a dismissive, defensive tone, suggesting that he wants to move on quickly. Priestley is warning audiences not to follow Gerald’s example—resisting social reform because it’s inconvenient. In contrast to younger characters like Sheila and Eric, Gerald represents the resilience of privilege and denial.
“It’s what happened to the girl and what we all did to her that matters.” (Said earlier, but worth comparing with his later attitude)
The juxtaposition of this line with his later dismissal shows how fragile and temporary his guilt is. He contrasts the genuine regret of Sheila and Eric with the performative remorse of Gerald. He has shallow moral awareness.
