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 14/09/23

Literature Paper 2 Section A:

“An Inspector Calls”
By J. B. Priestley
Gerald
Learning Objective:
To develop knowledge and understanding of the character of
Gerald Croft.

Learning Habits: Resilience, Intellectual courage, Thinking Skills, and

communication.
 Look at how Priestley uses language to present attitudes to women.

Point: Gerald makes sexist and superficial comments about the women in the bar he visits.

Evidence: This is attitude is revealed when he admits that he "hate[s] those hard-eyed dough-faced women."

Analysis: Gerald shows that he can be very superficial in his view of women. The reference to the verb ‘hate’
suggests that he is strongly repelled by unattractive women. If they don’t meet his standard of how they
'should' look, he dislikes them. The compound adjectives ‘hard-eyed’, and ‘dough-faced’ implies that he
decides whether he likes or dislikes women, solely based on their appearance. Moreover, the adjective ‘dough’
is a critique of their appearance, which could refer to their foundation, suggesting that they are covered in
make-up, and are not naturally pretty. The monosyllabic nature of these adjectives recreates a sense of his
hard and blunt tone; he is making a quick, and insensitive appraisal of their appearance. He is reducing the
women to mere objects, who are valued for their looks. Moreover, ‘dough-faced’ suggests that the women in
the bar are reduced to a collective, featureless, mass with no individuality, or autonomy. In addition, ‘hard’
suggests that they are worldly, and experienced. The ‘eye’ is a metaphor for their internal feelings; which they
guard with a ‘hard’ exterior. The world has clearly taught these women tough lessons, and they have been
forced to become emotionally distant, and streetwise. Gerald is unable to sympathise with the plight of these
abused and desperate women, because they do not have the vulnerability, innocence and purity of Eva.
1. “Gerald Croft is an attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the well-bred
young man-about-town.”

The use of the colloquial word/term ‘chap’ suggests that Gerald is popular and everyone likes
him; he is a friend to everyone. Moreover, the term defines his social status because it is a lexis
commonly used by the upper classes to refer to men. Additionally, the lexical choice of ‘dandy’ is a
term used to describe a feminine man which implies that is focused on his appearance and may be
rather vain and self-satisfied. The internal rhyme of ‘manly to be a dandy’ is a contradictory idea.
A ‘dandy’
undermines the stereotypical Edwardian vision of manhood, and their precious reputation.
However, the reference to ‘manly’ implies that he is challenging this stereotype, and perhaps his
position in the ‘establishment’ allows him a social ‘free pass’ to behave as he chooses. In essence,
an upper class young man has more freedom than others within society to challenge its society’s
stereotypes.
1. “Gerald Croft is an attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the well-
bred young man-about-town.”

Gerald is an ‘attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy’/well-bred

young man-about-town’. He is the stereotype of the ideal Edwardian man. The reference to
the noun ‘dandy’ and ‘attractive’ suggests Gerald is a little vain, and is conscious of his
good-looks. Moreover, the noun ‘dandy’ also suggests that he is an opportunist and uses his
good background and charm to get what he wants. He phrase ‘well-bred’ indicates that he
comes from an aristocratic background. The phrase ‘man-about-town’ suggests he is popular
and sociable, and is probably suggests he has a bit of a reputation with the ladies. He is
probably a flirt, and maybe a womanizer.
 2. Gerald: “Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”

The phrase ‘what about the ring’ could suggest that Gerald is desperate to get Sheila back, but it
is implied that this desperation results from his desire to marry well, rather than out of pure and
ardent/eager love for Sheila. The reference to the ‘ring’ implies a promise has been made
between them. However, at this point in the play the promise ‘to love, honor and cherish’ has
been broken before it even began. Gerald’s promises are clearly superficial because he does not
value authentic human connections. Moreover the ‘ring’ is a material object, an emblem/sign of
his power and wealth, and he is hoping that the reminder of the ring will encourage Sheila to
recall all the status, wealth and power she will gain by marrying him.

Furthermore, Gerald is reassuring Sheila that ‘ everything’s all right now’; which suggests that
he feels his wrongdoing is in the past and can be completely forgotten about now. ‘Everything’
carries with in the connotation of many things, so it could imply that he has wronged her on
many occasions, and perhaps with other women, or has wronged her in ways besides infidelity.
 2. Gerald: “Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”

The use of the comma implies Gerald’s uncertainty and lack of

confidence, while the adverb ‘now’ could suggest his relief that the
truth of his affair with Eva has been revealed, which was an obstacle
to his happiness. It could also suggest his optimism for the future;
Sheila knows the truth, so she can begin the process of forgiveness. The
noun ‘ring’ is a symbol of the marriage contract, and is supposed to
represent the eternal, and unending love of the couple, but it is also a
emblem of Gerald’s wealth, power and prestige. Gerald is trying to
bring out the materialistic side of Sheila, by drawing her attention back
to the expensive engagement ring, in an attempt to distract her from
everything that’s happened. Gerald is socially adept, and he is
attempting to smooth over the hurt feelings by reminding Sheila of how
advantageous this match truly is for her.
3. “Mr Birling: You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted. Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now –
though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and company – and now you've brought us together, and perhaps we may look
forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”

Mr Birling focusses on the advantages that Gerald will bring to the business, rather than on his personal virtues [positive
traits] as a good husband to Sheila. He uses a semantic field of business and commerce in words like ‘company’,
‘competing’, ‘prices’, ‘costs’, ‘Crofts Ltd’, ‘working’ and ‘rivals’, which conveys the sense that Mr B is preoccupied with the
thought of money and business success, and he associates this marriage with prosperity for his company. He is not
concerned about the happiness of his daughter. He wishes to be joined with the Crofts because they are ‘older and bigger’;
the use of the comparatives here highlights the Crofts greater wealth and power in this society. The adjective ‘older’
indicates that this business is well established, while ‘bigger’ suggests that it has more power, money, resources and a well
known reputation. Mr B’s desire to marry his daughter into the Croft family highlights his desire to become part of the
‘establishment’, and to gain the social and political weight that Lord Croft possesses.
The phrase ‘for lower costs and higher prices’ emphasise that Mr Birling is more concerned with profit and his own economic
success than he
3. “Mr Birling: is about
You're just thethe people
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of son-in-law for him.
I always HisYour
wanted. attitude
fatherisand
reflective of the
I have been selfishness
friendly rivals inof the Edwardian
business capitalist
for some time now –
mentality,
though with
Crofts theirare
Limited obsession
both olderwith
andmoney and Birling
bigger than powerandat the expense
company – andhappiness
now you'veand the working
brought class.
us together, and perhaps we may look
forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”
The phrase ‘You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted.’ suggests that Mr Birling is satisfied with Gerald because his
son-in-law is an upper class gentleman form a wealthy and privileged family, with a prosperous business. He is commended
Gerald for possessing attributes that are in fact accidents of birth, and have no relation or are of no credit to Gerald. He is not
seeking a son-in-law for who he is or what he has achieved but rather for is position in society. He clearly is not interested in
the kind of man his daughter will marry or how she is likely to be treated. Either his inattention to his son-in-laws traits comes
as a result of his indifference to her happiness, or he is working under the assumption that upper class, well-bred men are
inherently good. He is a man of the world so this naivety seems unlikely, but he also idolises titles and privileges to such an
extent that he could be blinded to the flaws of the upper classes, particularly Gerald is very socially adept, while Birling has
‘fairly easy manners’ [see stage directions analysis].

Mr Birling is a self-made man who has strived to earn his position in society. The audience could imagine that he has
overcome many obstacles in his journey to success and these achievements would have required a resilience , shrewdness
and determination. These are not qualities that Gerald seems to possess so it is ironic that he does not seek his own prized
qualities in a son-in-law. It suggests that to reach the highest position in the echelons of society, ones position at birth is key.
3. “Mr Birling: You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted. Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now –
though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and company – and now you've brought us together, and perhaps we may look
forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”

‘You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted’ suggests Mr Birling clearly envisioned that his daughter would marry
to further the success of her father’s business; the use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ is implying that the choice of groom was
motivated by selfish reasons, and his daughter’s happiness was not considered. Furthermore, the oxymoronic phrase ‘friendly
rivals’ highlights that the two businesses have been in direct competition. The contradictory nature of the phrase perhaps
suggests Mr Birling’s reluctance to challenge the Crofts directly, and is perhaps a little intimidated by them. ‘Friendly rivals’
also suggests that Mr Birling doesn’t fully trust Gerald and the family, as the term ‘rivals’ connotes a source of conflict, and
perhaps hints that Mr Birling doesn’t really like Gerald or the Crofts particularly well. He also uses the verb ‘competing’
which implies that everything is a competition in business, and could mean Gerald needs to win Mr Birling’s agreement to the
engagement. The use of the dashes suggests Mr Birling is monitoring what he says, and this could show the lack of trust that
he has in Gerald. Additionally, the dashes could indicate he has a lot to say which could mean he is trying to scare Gerald, and
let him know he’s still in control and superior to Gerald. On the other hand, Mr Birling uses the pronoun ‘you’ve’; this
contrasts with the earlier oxymoronic phrase, which could suggest that Mr Birling is still trying to make Gerald feel important;
however, it could also mean that Mr Birling resents the success of Crofts’ Ltd and he doesn’t really want to become closer to
his ‘friendly rival’. This idea is emphasised by the adjectives ‘older and bigger’; Mr Birling sees their securely established
business as a threat to his smaller, more vulnerable business. Finally, the phrase ‘working together’ could also be symbolic of
the Bourgeoisie ‘new money’ attitude to the Upper Class. They view the established power, prestige, and long history of the
Upper class with envy, and long to be a part of them, and treated as equals.
4. “Mr Birling: there's something I’d like to mention – in strict confidence – while we're by ourselves. I have an idea that your
mother Lady Croft – while she doesn't object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself socially…”

Gerald’s mother, notable in her absence, may silently disapprove of the engagement d with Sheila;
it highlights the divide between with the Upper and Middle Classes, and suggests that social
climbing is a precarious task, and is fraught with judgement. The onus is on the Middle Classes to
prove their worthiness to be accepted in the highest echelons of society. Mr Birlings’ reference to
‘done better for yourself socially’ reflects his paranoia, and feelings of inferiority, regrading his
right to a place in their society.
This reflects on Gerald showing that he is not limited by his social status and he could get a better
suitor than Sheila but he is also using her to infiltrate their family’s business as well as enjoying
Sheila’s company. The fact that he tells him this “in strict confidence” suggests that Mr Birling trusts
Gerald and he feels that Gerald is more entitled than Sheila his own daughter.
4. “Mr Birling: there's something I’d like to mention – in strict confidence – while we're by ourselves. I have an idea that your mother
Lady Croft – while she doesn't object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself socially…”

Mr Birling is feeling insecure in his conversation with Gerald at this point in the play, because he is worried that the
Crofts may not approve of him and his daughter, because he is of a lower class. This feeling of inferiority is highlighted
by his reference to Gerald doing ‘better for [himself] socially’. The use of the comparative ‘better’ implies the idea of
being greater or superior in some way; it suggests a comparison where one side has greater power. Mr Birling is aware
that he is not on an equal footing with the Crofts ‘socially’, because he was not born into wealth and had to work hard
to gain his position in society.

The opening stage directions tell us that he is ‘provincial in his speech’, implying that he has come from a rural,
possibly working class, background and is therefore unaccustomed to the formality of the establishment and their way
of life. In particular, Mr B seems to feel that Lady Croft will disapprove of the match. He uses dashes here because he
does not want to say anything that could offend her, which increases the audience’s sense of his fear. He may be more
concerned about her opinion, because he described himself confidently as a ‘man of business’ so in the business
world, where Lord Croft takes a role, Mr B is an important and respected figure, but in the social world that Lady Croft
occupies Mr Birling is unimportant and irrelevant. This implies that upper class women in Edwardian England were
arbiters [judge] of class, particularly older married aristocratic women, like Lady Croft, who comes from ‘landed
people’.
4. “Mr Birling: there's something I’d like to mention – in strict confidence – while we're by ourselves. I have an idea that your mother
Lady Croft – while she doesn't object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself socially…”

‘- in strict confidence –’ the phrase shows that Mr Birling worries that Lady Croft will find out his concerns regarding her
superior attitude towards him. This further emphasises his need for her approval because he is not confronting her
directly with the problem; moreover, his reluctance to speak to her directly could be because he afraid or intimidated
by her and they may have a very formal, frosty relationship that prevents him from being open and direct with her.

The fact that needs reassurance suggests that he feels very inferior to the family.
 5. “Mr Birling: (Lady Croft)… comes from an old country family – landed people and so forth…”

The reference to the ‘old country family’ suggests that Lady Croft’s family have wealth, power and a high social
status, because the adjective ‘old’ implies that her family has had money for a long time. Therefore part of the
aristocracy, and the ‘establishment’ so they have power, authority and influence. Moreover, the lexical choice
of ‘landed people’ implies that her family have lots of land in the countryside, and possibly have a country
estate, which again emphasises their prestige [esteem].
5. “Mr Birling: (Lady Croft)… comes from an old country family – landed people and so forth…”

The noun phrase ‘old country family’ suggests they are land owners and have inherited
wealth, hinting at their aristocratic or Upper Class landed gentry status. The adjective ‘old’
suggests that her lineage is venerable and well established. Her country upbringing
precludes (stops) her from experiencing the poverty and struggles of the working class first
hand. It suggests that she would be unlikely to sympathise with the social issues faced by
characters like Eva, purely because she would not fully comprehend their plight [suffering].
5. “Mr Birling: (Lady Croft)… comes from an old country family – landed people and so forth…”
4. “Mr Birling: there's something I’d like to mention – in strict confidence – while we're by ourselves. I have an idea that your
mother Lady Croft – while she doesn't object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself socially…”

Gerald’s mother, notable in her absence, may silently disapprove of the engagement d with Sheila;
it highlights the divide between with the Upper and Middle Classes, and suggests that social
climbing is a precarious task, and is fraught with judgement. The onus is on the Middle Classes to
prove their worthiness to be accepted in the highest echelons of society. Mr Birlings’ reference to
‘done better for yourself socially’ reflects his paranoia, and feelings of inferiority, regrading his
right to a place in their society.

This attitude reflects on Gerald showing that he is not limited by his social status and he could get a
better suitor than Sheila but he is also using her to infiltrate their family’s business as well as
enjoying Sheila’s company. The fact that he tells him this “in strict confidence” suggests that Mr
Birling trusts Gerald and he feels that Gerald is more entitled than Sheila his own daughter.
4. “Mr Birling: there's something I’d like to mention – in strict confidence – while we're by ourselves. I have an idea that your
mother Lady Croft – while she doesn't object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself socially…”
6. Gerald: “Sorry – I – well, I’ve suddenly realized – taken it in properly – that she’s dead”
 6. Gerald: “Sorry – I – well, I’ve suddenly realized – taken it in properly – that she’s dead”

The repetition of the dashes in this line imply that Gerald is feeling extremely shocked by the revelation of
Eva/Daisy’s death. Priestley uses the dashes to indicate that Gerald is hesitating or pausing, as he struggles to
process the news. The use of the lexis ‘sorry’ is significant here because it could imply that Gerald is apologizing,
perhaps to Eva because he may feel partly responsible for her death; alternatively, the use of ‘sorry’ may imply
that Gerald is feeling distracted by the news, and may have disengaged from the conversation around him because
he is unable to focus, and is overcome with emotion. The use of the monosyllabic phrase ‘that she’s dead’ is
abrupt and has a sense of finality to it. Gerald is gradually becoming conscious of the fact that Eva is no more, and
this fact is clearly difficult for him to come to terms with. It implies that he did have some feelings for her. His
reaction to the loss of Eva is far more emotional than his reaction to Sheila’s rejection of his proposal of marriage
which once again emphasises that the engagement is a business arrangement with very little emotional
investment on his part.

The fact that Gerald is shocked by Eva’s death could suggest that the aristocracy are shielded from the harsh
realities of life. Not only are they shielded, but they are also oblivious to the consequences of their actions and the
detrimental impact they can have on the lives of the working class.
6. Gerald: “Sorry – I – well, I’ve suddenly realized – taken it in properly – that she’s dead”

This quotation suggests that Gerald only recognises his true feelings for Eva now that she is dead,
but did not appreciate her when she was alive. The use of the adjective ‘sorry’ implies that he
feels remorse, and further emphasises the realisation of his feelings for Eva. The enormity of the
responsibility of his actions towards Eva have finally impacted on him. The caesura suggests that
he has hesitated to admit his feeling for her; however, it could also indicate that Gerald is trying to
escape the criticism of his treatment of Eva from the Inspector. In fact Gerald may be trying to
protect his reputation on the eve of his engagement to Sheila. In an attempt to cover up his cold
hearted nature from her, he puts on an act that he cared for Eva to make it seem that he is a kind
man. Additionally, ‘taken it in properly’ implies that he never thought about her after the affair
ended, and tried to forget about her to escape the guilt of what he had done; it suggests that he
doesn’t want to face the responsibility of her death, and reflects his cold hearted and superficial
nature. This could be read as proof of the duplicitous nature of the aristocracy, and their
obsession with their reputation, and social appearance.
7. Gerald: “She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before”
 7. Gerald: “She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before”

Gerald is attempting to conceal his mistakes by saying that Eva had ‘been happier than she’d ever been
before’ because by saying he made her ‘happier’ he is also implying that he was doing some good. The
gravity of his mistake is lessened by this excuse so this allows him to distance himself from what he did.
He is suggesting that he improved her life, and saved her. Significantly, Sheila retorts ‘with sharp sarcasm’
to Gerald: ‘You were the wonderful Fairy Prince. You must have adored it Gerald.’ Sheila’s sarcastic
comment is reinforcing the notion that Gerald was deliberatively styling himself in the guise of a hero,
rescuing the beautiful poor girl from her drab life. Sheila’s use the noun phrase ‘Fairy Prince’ is particularly
apt [well chosen] because a ‘prince’ has connotations of royalty, wealth, power and superiority which fit
Gerald’s attitude and position quite nicely; the fact that it is capitalised implies that it is a title she has
bestowed on him which is very interesting considering that ‘fairy’ has connotations of magic and make
believe so she is implying that Gerald’s persona and character is fake and disappointing in reality, because
he tricks you, or beguiles you, into believing that his lies and deception are true. Moreover, ‘fairy’ has
connotations of the feminine, the delicate and of weakness so she could be trying to insult Gerald’s
masculinity because he has disappointed her, and Eva.
 7. Gerald: “She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before”

This quotation suggests that Gerald is being arrogant and that he was only
concerned about his reputation. The adverb ‘ever’ suggests that Eva was rarely
happy; moreover, the choice of the adjective ‘happier’, rather than the superlative
‘happiest’, suggests that her life has been one of great misery and disappointment.
This phrase evokes sympathy in the audience for Eva, as we realise that she has
lived a very unhappy life, which is particularly tragic, given that she is so young.
Priestley is suggesting that the lives of the working class are fraught with hardships,
and suffering, and they are rarely afforded the luxury of happiness.
8. Gerald: “I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me”
 8. Gerald: “I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me”

This phrase juxtaposes Eva’s love for Gerald with his love for her, and reveals
the imbalance – Eva loved him more. It suggests a selfish disregard for her
feelings, as Gerald was clearly fully aware that Eva loved him more, and yet he
still chose to keep seeing her, in the knowledge that it would end in her rejection.
Significantly however, he uses the declarative ‘I didn’t feel’; he didn’t say he had
no feelings for her, but just that he felt less, which still indicates that he did feel
something for her, even if it wasn’t to the same extent as her feelings for him.
The attitude of the upper class towards the lower classes is extremely ingrained
in him and it subconsciously affects his feeling towards others. His reluctance to
fully fall for her reflects this class divide, and his decision to prioritise business
and money over love. He cannot unreservedly love Eva, because the social
conventions dictate that it is not a suitable match, and he has been conditioned by
society to abide by these rules.
 8. Gerald: “I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me”

Moreover, there is a callousness to his admission here, because he is admitting that he knew he
didn’t love her enough, and knew she had deep feelings for him. To continue in the relationship
with someone you don’t really love, knowing all the while that they will eventually get hurt, is
quite cruel and deceptive. There is an absence of care, trust and respect for Eva which reveals
that men like Gerald, who represent the aristocracy, feel it is acceptable to use his advantages in
society to do whatever he wants, without concern for the consequences. He knows that women
have less power in society so he is cold and selfish in his approach to relationships with both
women. It reveals that women of all classes were vulnerable to being used or disrespected and
made a fool of by upper class and there was very little they could do about it.
9. “Mr Birling: It's a pity Sir George and Lady Croft can't be with us, but they're abroad and so it can't be helped. As I told you,
they sent me a very nice cable – couldn't be nicer. I'm not sorry that we're celebrating quietly like this…”

The pause in Mr Birling’s speech before Lady Croft, could be suggesting his uneasy relationship with her or how
he’s intimidated by her, because of her high status and her involvement with Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.
Birling: (rather taken aback) well, I only did what any employer might have done. And what I was in which my daughter, a young unmarried girl, is being dragged into
this—

inspector: (sharply) your daughter isn't living on the moon. She's here in Brumley too.

Sheila: yes, and it was I who had the girl turned out of her job at Milwards. And I'm supposed to be engaged to Gerald. And I'm not a child, don't forget. I've a right
to know. Were you in love with her, Gerlad?

Gerald: (hesitatingly) it's hard to say. I didn't feel about her as she felt about me.

Sheila: (with sharp sarcasm) of course not. You were the wonderful fairy prince. You must have adored it, Gerald.

Gerald: all right – I did for a time. Nearly any man would have done.

Sheila: that's probably about the best thing you've said tonight. At least it's honest. Did you go and see her every night?

Gerald: no. I wasn't telling you a complete lie when I said i'd been very busy at the works all that time. We were very busy. But of course I did see a good deal of her.

Mrs Birling: I don't think we want any further details of this disgusting affair—

Sheila: (cutting in) I do. And anyhow, we haven't had any details yet.

Gerald: and you're not going to have any. (to Mrs Birling.) you know, it wasn't disgusting.

Mrs Birling: it's disgusting to me.

Sheila: yes, but after all, you didn't come into this, did you, mother?

Gerald: is there anything else you want to know – that you ought to know?
Inspector: yes. When did this affair end?

Gerald: I can tell you exactly. In the first week of September. I had to go away for several weeks then – on business – and by that time daisy knew it was coming to an end. So I broke it off definitely before I
went.

Inspector: how did she take it?

Gerald: better than I'd hoped. She was – very gallant – about it.

Sheila: ( with irony) that was nice for you.

Gerald: No, it wasn't. ( he waits a moment, then in a low, troubled tone.) she told me she'd been happier than she'd ever been before – but that she knew it couldn't last – hadn't expected it to last. She didn't
blame me at all. I wish to God she had now. Perhaps I'd feel better about it. Inspector: she had to move out of those rooms?

Gerald: Yes, we'd agreed about that. She'd saved a little money during the summer – she'd lived very economically on what I'd allowed her – and didn't want to take more from me, but I insisted on a parting
gift of enough money – though it wasn't so very much – to see her through to the end of the year.

Inspector: did she tell you what she proposed to do after you'd left her? Gerald: No. she refused to talk about that. I got the idea, once or twice from what she said, that she thought of leaving Brumley.
Whether she did or not – I don't know. Did she?

Inspector: Yes. She went away for about two months. To some seaside place.

Gerald: By herself? Inspector: Yes. I think she went away – to be alone, to be quiet, to remember all that had happened between you.

Gerald: how do you know that?

Inspector: she kept a rough sort of diary. And she said there that she had to go away and be quiet and remember ' just to make it last longer'. She felt there'd never be anything as good again for her – so she
had to make it last longer.

Gerald: (gravely) I see. Well, I never saw her again, and that's all I can tell you. Inspector: It's all I want to know from you.

Gerald: in that case – as I'm rather more – upset – by this business than I probably appear to be – and – well, I'd like to be alone for a while – I'd be glad if you'd let me go.

Inspector: Go were? Home?

Gerald: No. I'll just go out – walk about – for a while, if you don't mind. I'll come back. Inspector: all right, Mr Croft.
Edna: It's Mr Croft. //Gerald appears, and Edna withdraws.//

Gerald: I hope you don't mind my coming back?

Mrs Birling: No, of course not, Gerald.

Gerald: I had a special reason for coming. When did that Inspector go?

Sheila: Only a few minutes ago. He put us all through it –

Mrs Birling: (warningly) Sheila! Sheila: Gerald might as well know. Birling: (hastily) Now – now – we needn't bother him with all that stuff.

Sheila: All right. (To Gerald.) But we're all in it – up to the neck. It got worse after you left.

Gerald: How did he behave? Sheila: He was – frightening.

Birling: If you ask me, he behaved in a very peculiar and suspicious manner.

Mrs Birling: The rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me – it was quite extraordinary!

Gerald: Hm -hm! //they all look inquiringly at Gerald.//

Birling: (excitedly) You know something. What is it?

Gerald: (slowly) That man wasn't a police officer.

Birling: (astounded) What?

Mrs Birling: Are you certain?

Gerald: I'm almost certain. That's what I came back to tell you.

Birling: ( excitedly) Good lad! You asked about him, eh?

Gerald: Yes. I met a police sergeant I know down the road. I asked him about this Inspector Goole and described the chap carefully to him. He swore there wasn't any Inspector Goole or anybody like him on the
force here.
Birling: You didn't tell him -

Gerald: (cutting in) No, no. passed it off by saying I'd been having an argument with somebody. But the point is – this sergeant was dead certain they hadn't any inspector at all like
the chap who came here.

Birling: (excitedly) By jingo! A fake!

Mrs Birling: (triumphantly) Didn't I tell you? Didn't I say I couldn't imagine a real police
inspector talking like that to us?

Gerald: Well, you were right. There isn't any such inspector. We've been had.

Birling: (beginning to move) I'm going to make certain of this.

Mrs Birling: What are you going to do?

Birling: Ring up the chief constable – Colonel Roberts.

Mrs Birling: Careful what you say, dear.

Birling: (now at telephone) Of course. (At telephone.) Brumley eight seven five two. (To others as he waits.) I was going to do this anyhow. I've had my suspicions all along. (At telephone .) Colonel Roberts,
please. Mr Arthur Birling here . . . oh, Roberts – Birling here. Sorry to ring you up so late, but can you tell me if an Inspector Goole has joined your staff lately. . . Goole. G-O-O-L-E . . . a new man . . . tall , clean-
shaven. ( Here he can describe the appearance of the actor playing the Inspector.) I see . . . yes . . . well, that settles it. . . . No, just a little argument we were having here. . . . Good night. (He puts down the
telephone and looks at the others .) There's no Inspector Goole on the police. That man definitely wasn't a police inspector at all. As Gerald says – we've been had.

Mrs Birling: I felt it all the time. He never talked like one. He never even looked like one.

Birling: This makes a difference, y'know. In fact, it makes all the difference.

Gerald: Of course!

Sheila: (bitterly) I suppose we're all nice people now.

Birling: If you've nothing more sensible than that to say, Sheila you'd better keep quiet.

Eric: She's right, though.

Birling: (angrily) And you'd better keep quiet anyhow. If that had been a police inspector and he'd heard you confess
Mrs Birling: (warningly) Arthur – careful!

Birling: (hastily) Yes, yes.

Sheila: You see, Gerald, you haven't to know the rest of our crimes and idiocies.

Gerald: That's all right, I don't want to. (To birling.) What do you make of this business now? Was it a hoax?

Birling: Of course. Somebody put that fellow up to coming here and hoaxing us. There are people in this town who dislike me enough to do that. We ought to have seen through it from the first. In the ordinary
way, I believe I would have done. But coming like that, bang on top of our little celebration, just when we were all feeling so pleased with ourselves, naturally it took me by surprise.

Mrs Birling: I wish I'd been here when that man first arrived. I'd have asked him a few questions before I allowed him to ask us any.

Sheila: It's all right saying that now.

Mrs Birling: I was the only one of you who didn't give in to him. And now I say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if there's anything to be done about it.

Birling: (with hearty approval) You're absolutely right, my dear. Already we’ve discovered one important fact – that that fellow was a fraud and we've been hoaxed – and that
may not be the end of it by any means.

Gerald: I'm sure it isn’t.

Birling: (keenly interested) You are, eh? Good! ( To Eric, who is restless.) Eric, sit down.

Eric: ( sulkily) I'm all right.

Birling: All right? You're anything but all right. And you needn't stand there – as if – as if-

Eric: As if – what?

Birling: As if you'd nothing to do with us. Just remember your own position, young man. If anybody's up to the neck in this business, you are, so you'd better take some interest in it.

Eric: I do take some interest in it. I take too much, that's my trouble.

Sheila: It's mine too.

Birling: Now listen, you two. If you're still feeling on edge, then the least you can do is to keep quiet. Leave this to us. I'll admit that fellow's antics rattled us a bit. But we've found him out – and all we have to do
is to keep our heads. Now it's our turn.

Sheila: Our turn to do – what?

 Plenary in your Sharepoint Document

Write down 3 key quotations relating to the character of Gerald. Explain

WHY you think they are important.

1.____________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________