Gerald quotes analysis

• "for lower costs...

  Gerald's enthusiastic agreement with Birling's sentiment reflects a shared acceptance of capitalist ideals and the pursuit of profit at all costs within the upper echelons of society. The repetition of 'here, here' emphasises Gerald's endorsement of Birling's capitalist ethos, suggesting a unified front among privileged classes and prioritising financial gain other ethical considerations
• "Im rather more...

  Gerald's admission of being 'rather more upset' than he appears speaks to the shifting values and attitudes of the early 20th century. With the passing of two world wars, the upheaval of traditional social structures, notions of masculinity, emotional expression and moral responsibility were undergoing reevaluation. Gerald's willingness to acknowledge his emotional vulnerability reflects the departure from the rigid gender roles of Edwardian society
• "We're respectable

  Gerald's assertion can be seen as emblematic of the privileged upper classes' sense of entitlement and superiority. In Edwardian society, the upper class often considered themselves above the law and immune to the consequences of their actions. Gerald's refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing reflects this attitude, as he seems to evade accountability by appealing to his social standing
• "Leave after a strike...

  Gerald remembers the Eva had to 'leave on strike' and said 'something about a shop to' and therefore confirms the story of Mr Birling and Shelia. Therefore, Gerald knows that Eva is the same person, yet he later suggests 'there's still no proof it was the same person'. Here, Gerald is trying to excuse his own behaviour and also convince himself he is innocent, by breaking the chain of events and therefore implying that his actions did lead to suicide
• "easy well-bred...

  Priestley describes Gerald in the stage directions as 'easy well-bred young man-about-town'. This idiomatic phrase suggests Gerald is a fashionable socialite. Alternatively, this phrase could have plural connotations; perhaps, Priestley is foreshadowing the unfaithful nature of Gerlad, as he literally goes 'about town' into the Palace bar in the search of female companions