Quotes

• Quote 1

  • “We’re respectable citizens and not criminals.”
  • Gerald tries to defend himself and his family when the Inspector accuses them of contributing to Eva's downfall, suggesting that they cannot be held responsible because they are "respectable" members of society.
  • Gerald's statement reflects his sense of privilege and belief that being part of the upper class makes one exempt from social responsibility. This reveals his initial unwillingness to accept that the actions of people in power can harm those less fortunate.
• Quote 2

  • “I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me.”
  • Gerald admits that although he had an affair with Eva/Daisy, he never truly loved her in the same way she loved him.
  • This statement reveals Gerald's detachment from Eva and highlights his self-serving nature. He uses her for his own enjoyment but does not reciprocate her emotional attachment, showing his inability to view her as an equal or to take full responsibility for the hurt he caused.
• Quote 3

  • “I wasn’t told about her, about Eva Smith.”
  • Gerald defends himself by explaining that he did not know the full extent of Eva's circumstances or her suffering when she was dismissed from the charity.
  • Gerald attempts to distance himself from any serious guilt by claiming ignorance. This is a common tactic used by the privileged, as it absolves them of responsibility, yet it highlights the play's criticism of how those in power often remain unaware or uninterested in the struggles of the less fortunate.
• Quote 4

  • “I didn’t feel that she was a particular person. More like a kind of a symbol.”
  • Gerald reflects on his relationship with Eva, admitting that he didn’t view her as an individual with her own needs and desires.
  • This quote reveals Gerald’s emotional distance and lack of empathy for Eva. Instead of seeing her as a human being, he sees her as a representation of a certain type of woman. This objectification is key to understanding his character's moral ambiguity throughout the play.
• Quote 5

  • “I don't think we can ignore the fact that the girl is dead.”
  • Gerald acknowledges Eva’s death, but he still attempts to minimize his personal responsibility.
  • Gerald recognizes the tragedy of the situation, but his focus on the death rather than the collective responsibility for it suggests that he is unwilling to confront the full extent of his complicity. While he is more aware than the older characters, he still struggles to fully accept responsibility for his actions.
• Quote 6

  • “Everything’s all right now, Sheila. (Holds up the ring.) What about this ring?”
  • Gerald offers Sheila the engagement ring again after it’s revealed that the Inspector's visit was not real, as the family believes the Inspector was a fraud.
  • Gerald’s decision to return to his engagement with Sheila after the events with the Inspector indicate his desire to return to the status quo and his belief that the crisis has passed. This reflects his inability or unwillingness to learn from the experience, as he goes back to his previous behavior, ignoring the moral lessons that the Inspector tried to impart.