Gerald Croft

• Who is Gerald Croft in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Sheila's fiancé and a wealthy businessman
• What is the relationship between Gerald Croft and Mr. Birling's company?

  Gerald's company competes with Birling & Co.
• Who are Gerald's parents?

  Sir George Croft and Lady Croft
• How does Priestley describe Gerald in the stage directions?

  Attractive, manly, and well-bred
• What does Gerald's character represent in the play?

  The 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 deeply entrenched
• How is Gerald's physical appearance described?

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

  He is a fashionable socialite
• What does Gerald's description of Eva suggest about his feelings?

  He is attracted to her physical beauty
• How does Gerald's role in the play affect audience perception?

  It creates 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, unlike Birling
• What does Gerald's financial security imply about women's status in 1912?

  Women needed to marry for wealth
• How does Gerald's character change throughout the play?

  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 wish to change it
• What moral dilemma does Gerald face?

  To fight against or benefit from the class system
• How does Gerald perceive himself in relation to Eva?

  As a knight saving a damsel in distress
• What is significant about Gerald's public image?

  He maintains an image of respectability
• How does Gerald's awareness of class system flaws differ from the Birlings?

  He recognizes flaws, unlike the Birlings
• How is Gerald portrayed in relation to the younger generation?

  As caught between older and younger generations
• What does Gerald's choice to ignore morality suggest?

  He prefers visible injustices over hidden ones
• How does Gerald's guilt manifest in the play?

  His guilt is short-lived and insignificant
• What does the Inspector's role reveal about Gerald's guilt?

  Gerald manipulates his conscience to avoid blame
• How does Gerald's morality function in the play?

  It is pragmatic and self-serving
• What does Gerald lie about regarding his affair with Eva?

  He claims to be busy at work
• What does Gerald's materialism reveal about his character?

  He values possessions over human relationships
• How does Gerald's financial aid to Eva contrast with his actions?

  His care for her is more impactful than money
• What semantic field does Gerald's language with Eva reflect?

  Business and finance rhetoric
• How does Gerald's view of women reflect societal attitudes?

  Women are valued for beauty and sexuality
• How does Gerald's rescue of Eva function in the play?

  It is a façade, not a true rescue
• What does Gerald's attraction to Eva's weakness reveal?

  He exploits her vulnerability for his gain
• How does Gerald's exclusion of women manifest in the play?

  He tries to silence Sheila's voice
• What does Gerald's view on protecting women reveal about his character?

  It serves to maintain male power
• How does Gerald's desire for Sheila to leave reflect his motives?

  He wants to hide his affair with Eva
• How does Priestley intend for the audience to feel about Gerald?

  Neither hated nor loved
• What is the significance of Gerald's character in the play?

  He embodies the complexities of upper-class morality
• What was hysteria historically used for?

  To oppress women and exclude them