AIC themes-love & relationships

How does Sheila and Geralds relationship develop through the play?

at the start they are engaged- a seemingly excitable young couple, however later on we discover that Gerald had an affair, to which Sheila reacts maturely- contrasting her naïvety and childishness at the start of the play

A quote showing sheilas reaction to gerald admitting his affair with eva smith

“You were the wonderful fairy prince. You must’ve adored it”- Act 2

Analyse “you were the wonderful fairy prince. You mustve adored it”

• verbal irony/sarcastic statement- she uses mordacity to mock how Gerald used to charm her and yet has now been exposed as unfaithful

• This moment marks a catharsis in her relationship with Gerald- and in her own emotional and moral maturity

• “Wonderful fairy-tale prince”- metaphor,fairy tale imagery- childish sarcasm- reveals how she once saw love through an idealised, naïve lens, reflecting Edwardian gender expectations that women should admire and depend on men.

• “You must’ve adored it”- colloquial contraction/ accusatory tone- implies that Gerald enjoyed feeling powerful and heroic, not just helping Daisy. The use of “adored” suggests vanity and self-gratification, turning his supposed kindness into an act of ego.

• Effect: Highlights male hypocrisy and the self-serving nature of upper-class morality — Gerald’s actions were motivated by pride, not compassion.

Instead of developing maturity through the situation, alike sheila, Gerald stays defensive and tries to justify himself- find a quote to show this

“I didn’t feel about her how she felt about me”- Act 2

Why does priestly show gerald and sheilas contrasting reactions to responsibility?

To convey who actually learns the inspectors lesson

Which two male characters exploit Eva Smith?

Gerald and Eric

Why is Eva Smith more vulnerable to exploitation?

She is a female proletariat in a patriarchal society

How is Evas relationship with Gerald?

• most significant & emotionally impactful- they first meet when he saves her from Alderman Meggarty-

• “Fairy prince” moment

• Genuine feeling- Gerald sets her up with a flat &money

How is Evas relationship with Eric?

• exploitative, Eric forces himself into her rooms and effectively raped her

• Financial support- Eric steals money from Mr Birling to support her and she rejects it- showing moral strength even in tough situations

How does mr and mrs birling view sheila and geralda engagement?

• as a business opportunity and social advantage- Mr Birling sees it as the union of two powerful companies- “for lower costs and higher prices” &

• “Your engagement means a tremendous lot to me”