Gerald Croft

• Gerald Croft


  Gerald Croft is a complex character in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. His character serves to highlight themes of hypocrisy, social class, and responsibility.
• Gerald Croft


  Role and Function:

  Gerald is engaged to Sheila Birling, which initially connects him to the Birling family. His presence represents the merging of two wealthy, influential families, symbolising the preservation of social status and wealth. Throughout the play, his interactions with the Inspector and revelations about his relationship with Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton) drive the plot forward and reveal significant aspects of his character.
• Gerald Croft

  Character traits:

  Gerald is charming, confident, and initially appears morally upright. However, his true nature is revealed through his affair with Eva/Daisy. While he did help her during a difficult time, his actions were ultimately self-serving. He provided her with temporary support and companionship but abandoned her when it became inconvenient. This reveals his hypocrisy and lack of genuine compassion.
• Gerald Croft


  Symbolism:

  Gerald symbolises the superficial charm and underlying selfishness of the upper class. His initial facade of respectability contrasts sharply with his actual behaviour. His affair with Eva/Daisy and his subsequent attempt to downplay its significance highlight the moral failings of the privileged class, who often prioritise their own interests over the well-being of others.
• Gerald Croft


  Impact on other characters:

  Gerald’s relationship with Sheila is significantly impacted by the revelations of his affair. Sheila’s disillusionment with Gerald reflects her growing awareness of the dishonesty and hypocrisy around her. Gerald’s actions also contribute to the overall tension and conflict within the Birling family, as each member’s involvement with Eva Smith is exposed.
• Gerald Croft


  Themes:

  Gerald’s character is central to the play’s exploration of themes such as social class, responsibility, and hypocrisy. His actions towards Eva Smith illustrate the exploitative nature of the upper class, who often view the working class as disposable. Gerald’s initial denial and subsequent partial acknowledgment of his wrongdoing reflect the broader theme of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
• Gerald Croft


  Conclusion:

  Gerald Croft is a pivotal character who embodies the moral contradictions of the upper class. His charm and outward respectability mask a deeper selfishness and lack of true empathy. Through Gerald, Priestley critiques the superficiality and moral failures of the privileged class, urging the audience to reflect on their own actions and responsibilities.