Gerald Croft: An In-Depth Character Study

Gerald Croft is a significant character in J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls.” Written in 1945, the play is set in 1912 and is a powerful social commentary on the interconnectedness of society and the responsibilities individuals have towards each other. Gerald, engaged to Sheila Birling, is portrayed as a charming and affluent young man. However, as the play unfolds, his character reveals complexities and flaws that are critical to the play’s themes and message.

The Role of Gerald Croft in the Play

Gerald Croft serves several important functions in “An Inspector Calls.” He is not only a key player in the narrative but also a representative of the upper-class society that Priestley critiques. To understand Gerald fully, one must examine his background, his actions within the play, and how these reflect the larger social issues Priestley addresses.

Background and Social Standing

Gerald Croft is the son of Sir George and Lady Croft, making him a part of the aristocracy. His family owns Crofts Limited, a rival company to Arthur Birling’s business. The engagement between Gerald and Sheila is seen as a strategic alliance that will benefit both families’ businesses. This alliance highlights the social and economic motivations behind many relationships within the upper class during that era.

Initial Impressions

At the start of the play, Gerald is portrayed as the ideal son-in-law. He is polite, well-mannered, and seemingly considerate, which endears him to the Birling family, especially Mr. Birling, who views the union as advantageous. Gerald’s charm and affluence make him appear as the epitome of the successful young businessman.

Gerald’s Relationship with Sheila

Gerald’s relationship with Sheila Birling is initially presented as loving and genuine. They appear to be a perfect match, and their engagement is celebrated enthusiastically. However, as the play progresses, the cracks in their relationship begin to show. Sheila’s suspicions about Gerald’s fidelity foreshadow the revelations that will come later.

Gerald Croft and Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Gerald’s involvement with Eva Smith, also known as Daisy Renton, is a pivotal aspect of the play. His actions toward her reveal much about his character and the social dynamics of the time.

Meeting Daisy Renton

Gerald meets Daisy Renton at the Palace Bar, where she is working as a hostess, a job that often involved entertaining wealthy men. Gerald’s initial intentions appear altruistic; he helps her out of a dire situation, providing her with accommodation and financial support. This act of kindness, however, is complicated by the power dynamics and his ultimate motives.

The Affair

Gerald’s relationship with Daisy Renton develops into an affair. While he provides her with financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle for a few months, he is also using his position of power to influence her life. The affair is kept secret, indicating Gerald’s awareness of its impropriety, especially concerning his engagement to Sheila.

Ending the Affair

Gerald ends the affair abruptly when it suits him, showing a lack of genuine commitment and a disregard for Daisy’s feelings. He provides her with money as a parting gift, which underscores the transactional nature of their relationship. Gerald’s treatment of Daisy reflects the broader societal issue of the exploitation of women by wealthy men.

The Inspector’s Interrogation

Inspector Goole’s interrogation is a critical moment in the play, as it reveals the true nature of each character. Gerald’s interrogation exposes his hypocrisy and moral shortcomings.

Initial Denial and Evasion

When the Inspector first questions him, Gerald attempts to downplay his involvement with Daisy Renton. He tries to protect his reputation and maintain his image in front of the Birling family. This evasion is typical of the upper class’s tendency to avoid accountability.

Admission and Justification

Once pressed, Gerald admits to the affair but tries to justify his actions. He frames his relationship with Daisy as a benevolent act, emphasizing the help he provided her. However, the Inspector and the audience see through this justification, recognizing it as a self-serving narrative that ignores the exploitation and imbalance of power involved.

Impact on Sheila

Gerald’s admission has a profound impact on Sheila, who reacts with a mix of anger, hurt, and disillusionment. This moment is crucial for Sheila’s character development, as she begins to see Gerald and the world around her more clearly. Gerald’s actions force Sheila to confront the harsh realities of their society, leading to her transformation by the play’s end.

Gerald Croft and Social Responsibility

Gerald’s character embodies the central theme of social responsibility in “An Inspector Calls.” His actions and attitudes reflect the broader social attitudes of the upper class during the early 20th century.

Lack of Accountability

Throughout the play, Gerald shows a lack of genuine accountability for his actions. Even after admitting to the affair, he does not express true remorse or understanding of the consequences of his actions on Daisy Renton’s life. This lack of accountability is indicative of the upper class’s detachment from the struggles of the lower classes.

Moral Superiority

Gerald often presents himself as morally superior, believing that his wealth and status exempt him from the same moral standards that apply to others. This attitude is evident in his justification of the affair and his attempts to downplay its significance. Gerald’s sense of moral superiority prevents him from recognizing the full impact of his actions.

Reflection of Edwardian Society

Gerald Croft is a product of Edwardian society, a period marked by strict social hierarchies and limited social mobility. The play critiques this society by highlighting how individuals like Gerald use their privilege to exploit others without facing significant consequences. Gerald’s behavior exemplifies the lack of social conscience that Priestley seeks to challenge.

The Conclusion and Gerald’s Fate

At the play’s conclusion, the characters are left to reflect on their actions and the Inspector’s message. Gerald’s response to this reflection is telling.

The False Relief

When it appears that the Inspector might not have been a real police inspector, Gerald is quick to dismiss the evening’s events as a hoax. He is relieved at the possibility of escaping accountability, which underscores his unwillingness to change or accept responsibility. This reaction contrasts sharply with Sheila and Eric, who are more introspective and willing to acknowledge their faults.

Future Prospects

Gerald’s future at the end of the play remains ambiguous. While he attempts to reconcile with Sheila, her response indicates that their relationship may not recover. The play leaves open the question of whether Gerald will learn from the experience or continue to live in denial.

Gerald Croft: A Symbol of Social Critique

Gerald Croft is more than just a character in a play; he is a symbol of the upper class’s moral failings and the need for social change. Through Gerald, Priestley critiques the lack of empathy and responsibility among the privileged and calls for a more equitable and compassionate society.

A Product of His Time

Gerald is a product of his time and environment, shaped by the values and norms of Edwardian society. His behavior reflects the social and economic structures that allowed the upper class to exploit and oppress the working class. By understanding Gerald as a product of his time, we can better appreciate Priestley’s critique of these structures.

The Need for Change

Priestley uses Gerald’s character to illustrate the need for change in society. The play advocates for greater social responsibility and awareness of the interconnectedness of all people. Gerald’s failure to change serves as a warning of the consequences of ignoring these responsibilities.

Modern Relevance

Although “An Inspector Calls” is set in 1912, its themes and characters remain relevant today. Gerald Croft’s character continues to resonate as a representation of the ongoing issues of social inequality, privilege, and the need for accountability. The play’s message about social responsibility is as pertinent now as it was when it was first written.

Conclusion

Gerald Croft is a complex character whose actions and attitudes provide a critical lens through which J.B. Priestley examines the social issues of his time. Through Gerald, Priestley exposes the moral failings of the upper class and calls for a more just and empathetic society. Gerald’s character serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of social responsibility and the impact of our actions on others. As we reflect on Gerald Croft’s role in “An Inspector Calls,” we are encouraged to consider our own responsibilities and the kind of society we wish to create.