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How does Priestley use Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility? Write about: • what Gerald says and does • how Priestley uses Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
How does Priestley use Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility? Write about: • what Gerald says and does • how Priestley uses Gerald to explore ideas about resp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How does Priestley use Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility? Write about: • what Gerald says and does • how Priestley uses Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility. - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
what Gerald says and does before the Inspector arrives
Answer
Before the Inspector arrives, Gerald is portrayed as confident and self-assured. He attempts to control the narrative within the Birling family, often deflecting any blame or responsibility towards himself. For example, he displays an attitude of entitlement and believes his wealth grants him a superior position in society. His discussions about business and the family's social standing reflect a sense of detachment from the realities of lower-class struggles.
Step 2
Gerald's apparent regret when he is questioned by the Inspector
Answer
When questioned, Gerald begins to show signs of regret, particularly regarding his affair with Daisy Renton. This moment reveals his internal conflict; while he tried to maintain an image of reliability, his actions contributed to societal problems. His moment of vulnerability indicates a deeper understanding of moral responsibility, suggesting that he grapples with guilt over how he treated Daisy.
Step 3
what Gerald says and does after the Inspector leaves
Answer
After the Inspector leaves, Gerald's demeanor shifts again. He attempts to reinterpret the evening's events and re-establish his authority within the family. While he reassures others that the Inspector's visit may have been a hoax, this reaction highlights his desire to evade accountability. His insistence that they all move on showcases his reluctance to face the larger moral issues at hand.
Step 4
a judgement about Gerald’s attitudes to responsibility overall in the play
Answer
Overall, Gerald exhibits a complex relationship with the theme of responsibility. At times, he seems aware of his moral obligations, especially concerning Daisy, yet he often retreats into self-preservation. His character serves as a critique of the upper class's failure to acknowledge their societal responsibilities, ultimately illustrating Priestley’s message regarding social responsibility and ethical conduct.
Step 5
how Priestley uses Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility
Answer
Priestley uses Gerald as a vehicle to illustrate the moral ambiguities of the upper class. Through Gerald, the audience witnesses the tension between privilege and accountability. His character represents a typical capitalist mindset, often prioritizing personal gain over social responsibility. As the narrative unfolds, Gerald’s evolving attitude serves as a commentary on the necessity for personal introspection and the impact of one's actions on others, urging the audience to reflect on their own responsibilities within society.