An Inspector Calls Gerald Character Analysis
How is Gerald presented in the Beginning of the play?
At character level, Gerald is presented as a wealthy, respectable man although this interpretation changes as the play goes on. We see Gerald’s behaviour change drastically as the truth is revealed about his relationship with Eva smith (Daisy Renton), he begins to break down and tries to justify his actions which splits the audience’s views on him as he may be seen in a negative way by some.
Initially, Gerald comes across as a kind hearted person who has a strong relationship with Mr Birling, they both share the same capitalistic views and individualistic philosophy, their relationship is typical of a wealthy upper class family father and son bond, unlike Eric, Gerald seems to connect …show more content…
It could be seen that Gerald only used Eva for his own benefit and when he was bored of it he ended the affair. This is implied in the conversation between Gerald and the Inspector, the quote ‘and then you decided to keep her, as your mistress’ portrays him in a negative light as the inspector is stating the harsh truth of the situation. The possessive verb ‘your’ is used by the inspector to suggest that Eva was an object to Gerald, this sparks a reaction from Gerald who naturally tries to justify himself although this may be seen by the audience as him avoiding the truth. He says that it was ‘inevitable’ which shows that Gerald believes there was nothing else he could do and that the relationship would have had to happen. In addition to this, Gerald tries to connect with the Inspector on a personal level throughout his interrogation, an example of this is ‘do you understand?’ and ‘I want you to understand’ he’s shutdown each time by the inspector who shows no sympathy for Gerald. When the inspector pries’ at Gerald, the audience are led to agree with him as he is shown to be an intelligent character. This is significant as the Inspector can be seen as a representative of Priestley’s views, he could be trying to show Gerald in a negative way to convey the faults with the individualistic
At character level, Gerald is presented as a wealthy, respectable man although this interpretation changes as the play goes on. We see Gerald’s behaviour change drastically as the truth is revealed about his relationship with Eva smith (Daisy Renton), he begins to break down and tries to justify his actions which splits the audience’s views on him as he may be seen in a negative way by some.
Initially, Gerald comes across as a kind hearted person who has a strong relationship with Mr Birling, they both share the same capitalistic views and individualistic philosophy, their relationship is typical of a wealthy upper class family father and son bond, unlike Eric, Gerald seems to connect …show more content…
It could be seen that Gerald only used Eva for his own benefit and when he was bored of it he ended the affair. This is implied in the conversation between Gerald and the Inspector, the quote ‘and then you decided to keep her, as your mistress’ portrays him in a negative light as the inspector is stating the harsh truth of the situation. The possessive verb ‘your’ is used by the inspector to suggest that Eva was an object to Gerald, this sparks a reaction from Gerald who naturally tries to justify himself although this may be seen by the audience as him avoiding the truth. He says that it was ‘inevitable’ which shows that Gerald believes there was nothing else he could do and that the relationship would have had to happen. In addition to this, Gerald tries to connect with the Inspector on a personal level throughout his interrogation, an example of this is ‘do you understand?’ and ‘I want you to understand’ he’s shutdown each time by the inspector who shows no sympathy for Gerald. When the inspector pries’ at Gerald, the audience are led to agree with him as he is shown to be an intelligent character. This is significant as the Inspector can be seen as a representative of Priestley’s views, he could be trying to show Gerald in a negative way to convey the faults with the individualistic