gerald

• Who is Gerald in relation to Sheila?

  Sheila's fiancé
• What is the name of Gerald's father's company?

  Crofts Limited
• How does Gerald's family status compare to the Birlings?

  Gerald's family is socially superior
• How does Priestley describe Gerald in the stage directions?

  Attractive, manly, well-bred young man
• What does Gerald's character represent according to Priestley?

  Individualism of the upper-class
• How does Gerald disappoint the audience?

  He fails to change his selfish attitudes
• What does Gerald's failure to develop social responsibility convey?

  Upper-class attitudes are entrenched
• How is Gerald portrayed in terms of physical appearance?

  As an attractive and privileged man
• What does the phrase "man-about-town" suggest about Gerald?

  He is a fashionable socialite
• What does Gerald's vague portrayal early in the play cause the audience to feel?

  Ambivalence towards his character
• Why is Gerald seen as an ideal husband and son-in-law?

  Due to his financial security and status
• How does Gerald's attitude contrast with Mr. Birling's?

  Gerald is polite and humble
• What societal norm does Priestley highlight regarding women's financial independence in 1912?

  Women couldn't open bank accounts
• How does Gerald's character change as the play progresses?

  His good nature begins to break down
• What does Gerald's description of prostitutes reveal about him?

  He has experience with them
• What does Gerald's attraction to Eva reveal about his character?

  He is driven by lustful desires
• How does Gerald view the upper-class's cruelty?

  He is aware but does not desire change
• What moral dilemma does Gerald face?

  Fight against the class system or conform
• How does Gerald perceive his public image?

  He values maintaining a respectable image
• How does Gerald's character differ from the Birling parents?

  He recognizes flaws in the class system
• What does Priestley suggest about Gerald's flexibility compared to younger characters?

  He is less flexible and impressionable
• How does Gerald react to visible injustices?

  He only reacts to what he can see
• What is the nature of Gerald's guilt regarding Eva?

  It is short-lived and insignificant
• How does Gerald manipulate his conscience?

  He tries to justify his actions
• When does Gerald follow a moral stance?

  Only when it suits his needs
• How does Gerald view relationships with Eva?

  As transactions rather than genuine connections
• What does Priestley suggest about Gerald's view of women?

  He is condescending and patronizing
• How does Gerald's rescue of Eva function in the play?

  It is a façade, not genuine help
• What does Gerald's attitude towards women reveal about societal views?

  Women are valued for beauty and sexuality
• How does Gerald attempt to exclude Sheila from discussions?

  By implying she is too emotional
• What does Gerald's belief about protecting women reveal?

  It benefits men and maintains power
• How does Priestley want the audience to feel about Gerald?

  Neither hated nor loved
• What does Gerald's ambiguity suggest about societal attitudes?

  Society favors those aware of immorality
• How does Gerald's behavior at the end of the play disappoint the audience?

  He pretends nothing happened with Eva
• What does Gerald's rejection of responsibility indicate?

  Upper-class attitudes are superficial
• Why is Gerald's narrative viewed with scrutiny?

  He has little motivation to tell the truth
• How does Gerald's defensive tone reveal his character?

  He is self-preserving and evasive
• What does Gerald's character illustrate about men's control in the narrative?

  Men control the stories told
• What narrative perspective does Gerald provide in the play?

  Gerald provides a one-sided story.
• Why should Gerald's narrative be viewed with scrutiny?

  Eva cannot validate his story.