Gerald Croft and Inspector Goole Character Analysis

Gerald Croft

Gerald Croft is a complex character in "An Inspector Calls," representing the upper-class attitudes of the time. 5 adjectives to describe Gerald Croft include untrustworthy, arrogant, kind, sly, and capitalist. Additional descriptors are narrow-minded, lacking empathy, selfish, heartless, unrepentant, and sensitive.

Gerald serves several functions in the play:

1. He embodies the selfish attitudes of the upper class.
2. His involvement with Eva Smith/Daisy Renton is a crucial link in the "chain of events" leading to her death.
3. His character arc demonstrates the deeply ingrained nature of class prejudices and the difficulty of changing such attitudes.

Quote: "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me."

This statement reveals Gerald's casual attitude towards his relationship with Daisy Renton, highlighting the class divide and the exploitation of working-class women.

Gerald's character progression is limited, which is significant in itself:

1. He initially appears as a respectable young man engaged to Sheila Birling.
2. The Inspector's investigation reveals his affair with Daisy Renton, showing a more complex side to his character.
3. Unlike some other characters, Gerald fails to fully acknowledge the impact of his actions or change his attitudes, disappointing both the audience and other characters.

Highlight: Gerald's inability to change represents the entrenched nature of upper-class attitudes and the challenges faced in promoting social reform.

Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is a mysterious and powerful presence in the play. Words to describe Inspector Goole include ominous, supernatural, impressive, purposeful, unnerving, omniscient, blunt, assertive, powerful, manipulative, and careful.

The Inspector serves several crucial functions:

1. He acts as the voice of the playwright, J.B. Priestley, representing strong moral views.
2. His role is to challenge the characters, forcing them to confront their actions and take responsibility for their impact on others.
3. Through the Inspector, Priestley encourages the audience to question their own behavior and morality.

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."

This statement encapsulates the Inspector's (and Priestley's) central message about social responsibility and interconnectedness.

Unlike the other characters, Inspector Goole does not undergo significant character development:

1. He remains assertive and in control throughout the play.
2. As the investigation progresses, he seems to gain more influence over the other characters.
3. His unwavering stance serves as a constant moral compass against which the other characters' changes are measured.

Highlight: The ambiguity surrounding Inspector Goole's true nature (whether he is a real inspector, a supernatural being, or a manifestation of conscience) adds depth to the play's exploration of guilt, responsibility, and social justice.