Gerald Croft Character Analysis (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note
Gerald Croft is initially full of remorse for his role in Eva Smith’s death, demonstrating his potential to enact positive social change. However, his ultimate refusal to accept responsibility reflects a wider capitalist refusal to embrace socialist ideas.
Gerald Croft character summary
What does Gerald Croft symbolise?
Gerald represents the immense privilege enjoyed by the wealthiest members of society:
An “easy well-bred young man‐about‐town”, Gerald represents the upper classes who are ignorant of the hardships faced by the poorest in society
He is the son of wealthy capitalists, and Mr Birling’s eagerness to impress Gerald’s family reflects the importance of social status and the capitalist drive for wealth and success
His relationship with Eva Smith represents the power of men over women in 1912 English society: he keeps Eva in a friend’s house to have an affair with her, then abandons her
The guilt that he feels about his treatment of Eva suggests that he — like Sheila and Eric — might be open to changing his selfish ways, but he ultimately seeks to evade responsibility and avoid a scandal
Gerald Croft language analysis
Priestley uses several different language techniques to present Gerald as likeable and sympathetic at the start of the play, and irresponsible and hypocritical by the end:
Symbolism: the engagement ring that he buys Sheila demonstrates how easily Gerald uses his wealth to get his own way — in this case, he presents the ring to avoid Sheila’s suspicion. At the end of the play, he believes that he can regain Sheila’s affections by presenting her with the same ring, failing to understand Sheila’s changed perspective.
Emotive language: Gerald’s descriptions of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton are full of emotive language, suggesting she had genuine affection — even love — for him. However, his description of Eva’s “cry for help” frames his actions as heroic, as though he is justifying his treatment of her.
Gerald Croft key quotes
Gerald Croft’s character development
Act 1 | Act 2 | Act 3 |
He is friendly and polite, but clearly privileged: Priestley describes Gerald positively. He seems at ease with the Birling family, and is respectful towards Mr Birling despite the class disparity between them. His beliefs are aligned with Mr Birling’s capitalist views, and he supports Mr Birling’s sacking of Eva Smith. | He feels guilt for his role in the death of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton: He admits to having an affair while engaged to Sheila, and seems to accept Sheila’s decision to end their engagement. However, he appears to have experience with prostitutes, and clearly used his power over Eva to get what he wanted from her. He is deeply upset by her death, and steps outside to reflect. | He fails to learn his lesson: Gerald worries about the damage to his reputation, and investigates the Inspector’s identity. He is overjoyed at the possibility of Eva’s death being a hoax. He does not understand why the Inspector had such an impact on Eric and Sheila, and attempts to give Sheila back the engagement ring. He is punished for his moral failure by the final phone call. |
Gerald Croft character interpretations
Gender and sexual power
It might be argued that Gerald is the least blameworthy of all of those who interacted with Eva Smith: his behaviour towards her was, while selfish, not outwardly cruel, and he seems to be genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. However, by framing himself as a protector who responded to Eva’s “cry for help”, he shows that he is clearly aware of the social and sexual power imbalance between them. He abuses this power to “install” Eva where he could “make love to her”.
When he grows bored of the arrangement, he discards Eva — a self-serving act that emphasises her powerlessness in the relationship. He gives Eva money as a parting gift, but fails to understand that he breaks Eva’s heart by denying her what she truly needs: love and security. He later treats Sheila in a similar fashion, hoping that an expensive engagement ring will be enough to heal the rift between them caused by his affair. His materialism reflects Priestley’s broader criticism of the upper classes who believe that they can act as they want without fear of the consequences.
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