Gerald

• Give one stage direction to describe Gerald

  Well-bred young man around town
• Give one quote used to describe Gerald as a narcissist (someone who doesn’t want to open up to their own mistakes) at the end of act one.

  “We can keep it from him”
• Give one quote said by Gerald that shows how the more judgemental and prejudiced characters try to pretend that nothing happened, and are careless about their mistakes in act 3.

  “Everything’s alright now Sheila. What about this ring?”
• What does the engagement ring symbolise?


  Wealth and possession, possibly meaning that people of the more wealthy tend to be careless about their own mistakes, and try to cover everything up.
• Give 3 words to describe Gerald


  Lacking in remorse, ambiguous and evasive.
• State the quote in which Gerald says to the Inspector which suggests that Gerald is cold-hearted and dismissive. ''Suicide business'' may be Priestley positioning Gerald as superior as he implies that others are responsible for Eva's death.


  ''I don't come into this suicide business'
• State the quote in which Gerald describes the appearance of women. The commodification of women is normal for him. (Treated or considered as a product that can be bought and sold)

  ''Dough faces'' and ''Hard eyes''
• State the quote in which Gerald agrees with Mr Birling by having business opportunities. The audience may suspect that Gerald has business focused reasons for marriage, being deceitful to Sheila and prioritising business over love.

  ''Hear! Hear!''
• State the quote in which Gerald describes Eva Smith's eyes, revealing an attitude of objectification of her. He wants Eva for his own personal satisfaction rather than thinking of her as a human being.

  ''Big-dark eyes''
• State the quote in which Gerald wishes Eva blamed him which focuses the attention of the audience on the genuine remorse and self blame of Gerald. They may sympathise with him as they may believe that he will align himself with the Inspector's views of social responsibility.

  ''She didn't blame me at all. I wish to god she had now''.
• State the quote at the end of Act 3 which shows how Gerald has not changes. Priestley sets the audience up to condemn him. Gerald refuses to reflect on his actions.

  ''Everything's alright now Sheila''
• State the stage direction that describes Gerald which uses a rule of three of 'easy', 'well-bred' and 'young', establishing him as a member of a privileged elite class. Describing Gerald as 'young', may highlight how his attitude towards life is immature and thoughtless (and could be foreshadowing this later in the play).


  ''easy well-bred young man about town''
• State the quote which describes Gerald as a fashionable socialite which implies Gerald's experience in the ways of the world. He prioritises himself (appearance and sexual needs) over helping others. This could be foreshadowing the revelation that he used Eva Smith.

  ''man around town''
• Why might a London 1945 audience sympathise, engage and condemn with Gerald's behaviours?

  As some people in this audience may have had similar behaviours to Gerald.
• Why is Gerald Priestley's tool?

  To highlight the flaws of the upper classes.