gerald

• What does Gerald say about the "suicide business" in Act 1?

  He doesn't come into it.
• How does the noun "business" affect the perception of Eva's death?

  It trivializes her death as a transaction.
• What does Gerald's language suggest about his emotional distance?

  It indicates a lack of initial empathy.
• How does the Inspector's investigation affect Gerald's disassociation from responsibility?

  It undercuts his attempt to disassociate.
• What critique does Priestley make through Gerald's character regarding upper-class morality?

  Morality is often viewed as optional.
• What three adjectives describe Eva in Act 2?

  Young, pretty, warm-hearted.
• What does the phrase "intensely grateful" reveal about Eva's situation?

  It shows an unequal power dynamic.
• How does Priestley portray "benevolent" actions in Gerald's relationship with Eva?

  They can be laced with control and exploitation.
• What does the verb "install" imply about Gerald's view of Eva?

  It is mechanical and dehumanizing.
• What does the contradiction in Gerald's word choice reveal?

  It shows his blind spots regarding exploitation.
• What does Gerald wish regarding Eva's blame in Act 2?

  He wishes she had blamed him.
• What does the religious expletive "I wish to God" indicate about Gerald?

  It indicates emotional torment and potential guilt.
• How does Gerald's statement about blame reflect his accountability?

  He implies he doesn’t hold himself accountable.
• What does Gerald's character reveal about emotional ambiguity?

  He is conflicted but not morally transformed.
• What does Gerald's tone in Act 3 suggest about his character?

  It reverts to comfort and control.
• How does Gerald undermine Sheila's moral development?

  He reduces the evening to a scare.
• What does Priestley critique through Gerald's character in Act 3?

  Rejecting inconvenient truths to restore comfort.
• How does Gerald's character serve as an intermediary between generations?

  • Complex character between younger and older generations
  • Initially charming and well-meaning
  • Reveals underlying power structures in society
  • Gendered, class-based, and exploitative dynamics
• What is Gerald's character development throughout the play?

  • Beginning: Confident and polished
  • Middle: Emotional and confesses to affair
  • End: Returns to denial and self-preservation
  • Unlike others, he regresses instead of evolving
• What are the main themes presented in the play?

  • Gender and Power
  • Class Exploitation
  • Responsibility
  • Truth vs Illusion
  • Appearance vs Reality
• What does Priestley intend to convey through Gerald's character?

  • Symbolizes moral cowardice of the privileged
  • Superficial charm and temporary guilt are insufficient
  • Real change requires action
  • Highlights manipulation of truth by upper classes
• How is Gerald introduced in the stage directions?

  As an attractive chap, well-bred and manly.
• What does Gerald's description change to later in the play?

  He speaks gravely and distressed.
• What does Gerald's return to smiling in Act 3 suggest?

  It indicates a full return to comfort and denial.