gerald

• In what order are the characters interrogated by the Inspector in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Mr Birling, Sheila, Gerald Croft, Mrs Birling, Eric
• What phrase completes the quote: ‘We really must stop __________.’?

  these silly pretences
• What phrase completes the quote: ‘You’re not the kind of father __________.’?

  a chap would go to when he’s in trouble
• What phrase completes the quote: ‘We are members of ________. We are responsible for _______.’?

  one body; each other
• What phrase completes the quote: ‘Everything’s ______, Sheila.’?

  all right now
• What phrase completes the quote: ‘You’re the one I blame for all this… there’ll be a __________.’?

  public scandal
• What are the key characteristics of Gerald Croft in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Bridges the gap between older capitalist and younger socialist generations
  • Initially appears to lack independent thought
  • Represents what Sheila could become through marriage
  • Shows some genuine care for Eva, but lacks remorse
• How does Gerald's social class compare to the Birlings?

  Gerald is of a higher social class than the Birlings.
• How is the relationship between Mr Birling and Gerald Croft described?

  It is a very good relationship based on business deals.
• Why is Mr Birling keen to impress Gerald with the mention of a potential knighthood?

  He wants to impress Lady Croft and create a successful business partnership.
• What does Sheila sarcastically call Gerald in Act 2?

  She calls him ‘the wonderful fairy prince’.
• How does Gerald's character reflect on his actions towards Eva Smith?

  He rescued her but used her for personal gratification.
• What are the impressions of Gerald Croft based on key quotations?

  1. Attractive and popular gentleman
  2. Assumes no responsibility for his actions
  3. Flaws become apparent as Sheila sees his true colors
  4. Desperate to be liked and say the right thing
  5. Shows some genuine care for Eva
  6. Intelligent but manipulative
  7. Has not learned by the end of the play
• How does Priestley present Gerald's masculinity compared to Eric's?

  Gerald represents refined, cultured masculinity, while Eric's is crude and imperfect.
• How does Gerald attempt to silence Sheila during the play?

  He speaks for her and tries to remove her from questioning.
• What does Gerald's patronizing tone towards Sheila imply?

  It implies he believes he knows her mind better than she does.
• What hypocrisy is revealed in Gerald's views on women?

  He pretends to care for women's innocence while abandoning lower-class women.
• How does Gerald's view of women reflect societal attitudes in the play?

  It reflects hypocritical and patronizing attitudes towards women.
• What are the key themes related to Gerald's character in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Class and social responsibility
  • Gender roles and stereotypes
  • Hypocrisy in societal attitudes
  • The conflict between personal desires and moral obligations
• What does Gerald imply by saying Miss Birling ought to be excused from questioning?

  He implies he knows her mind better than she does.
• What does Gerald's tone reveal about his attitude towards women?

  His tone is patronising and belittling.
• What do the adjectives “long, exciting and tiring” suggest about women in Gerald's view?

  They present women as delicate and childlike.
• How does Priestley illustrate the impact of sexist stereotypes through Gerald's character?

  He shows how these stereotypes benefit or protect men.
• What does the aside “we were celebrating our engagement” signify in Gerald's dialogue?

  It stakes his claim over Miss Birling as her husband-to-be.
• How does Gerald's belief about protecting young women reveal his hypocrisy?

  He has double standards for upper class and working class women.
• What does the Inspector's comment about one young woman reveal about Gerald's views?

  It highlights Gerald's hypocrisy regarding women's protection.
• How does Gerald describe the women in the Palace Bar, and what does this imply?

  He portrays them as grotesque and hostile, focusing on their physical appearance.
• What does Gerald's attraction to Eva reveal about his character?

  He sees her as a sexual object based on her appearance.
• How does Gerald's description of Eva as “young and fresh” relate to societal views on virginity?

  It suggests that taking her virginity would be a sign of masculine strength.
• What does Gerald's claim that Eva was “different” imply about his views on women of the town?

  He tries to argue that she was not like the other women he despises.
• How does the Inspector's question about keeping Eva as his mistress reflect Gerald's attitude towards her?

  It suggests he views her as a possession rather than a person.
• What do the verbs “keep”, “set up”, and “dropped” imply about Gerald's treatment of Eva?

  They portray her as an object that he controlled and discarded.
• How does Gerald's description of Eva as “young and pretty and warm-hearted” reflect his views on women?

  It portrays her as the ideal submissive woman.
• What does Gerald's admission of enjoying being “the wonderful Fairy Prince” reveal about his character?

  It suggests he exploits Eva's gratitude for his own ego.
• How does Priestley portray masculinity through Gerald's character?

  He suggests masculinity is fragile and relies on women's submission for validation.
• What is the structure of the essay plan for analyzing Gerald's character?

  • INTRO: Summary of Gerald's characterisation journey & Priestley’s purpose.
  • SECTION 1: Presentation at the beginning.
  • SECTION 2: Presentation during pivotal moments.
  • SECTION 3: Presentation by the end of the play.
  • CONCLUSION: Summarise main thesis and explore Priestley’s messages.
• How is Gerald presented at the beginning of the play?

  He is confident, charming, and fits in with the Birlings.
• What does Gerald's relationship with Sheila reveal about his character?

  It shows he is self-absorbed and values superficial attributes.
• How does Gerald's relationship with Mr Birling affect his actions?

  Mr Birling sees potential in their marriage, which influences Gerald's behavior.
• What impression do the opening stage directions give about Gerald's character?

  He is an attractive, well-bred young man-about-town.