Gerald Croft's Key Quotations Analysis
Gerald Croft's character is revealed through significant quotations across the three acts of An Inspector Calls, demonstrating his unchanging nature and adherence to upper-class values.
Quote: "I think my father would agree to that, too."
This quote from Act 1 establishes Gerald's alignment with capitalist ideals and class privilege.
Analysis: The statement reveals Gerald's entrenched position within the upper-class hierarchy and his support of exploitative business practices.
Highlight: Gerald's immediate agreement with Mr. Birling's business philosophy demonstrates how deeply ingrained class prejudices are among the wealthy.
Quote: "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me."
This devastating admission in Act 2 exposes Gerald's true character in his relationship with Eva Smith.
Definition: A mistress in this context refers to a woman who has a sexual relationship with a married man or a man engaged to another woman.
Example: Gerald's treatment of Eva Smith as his mistress while engaged to Sheila exemplifies the exploitation of working-class women by privileged men.
Quote: "What about this ring?"
The final act reveals Gerald's inability to change through his attempt to reinstate his engagement to Sheila.
Vocabulary: Social responsibility - the obligation of individuals and organizations to act for the benefit of society at large.
Highlight: Gerald's attempt to return to the status quo demonstrates Priestley's criticism of the upper class's resistance to social change and moral growth.
