Gerald is clearly moved by the news of Eva’s death, feeling guilt and remorse.
● Gerald’s staggered and interrupted speech reveals the true sadness that he feels at her death, as he stammers, “I – well, I’ve suddenly realised – taken it in properly – that she’s dead”.
○ Gerald, however, is clearly attempting to suppress this emotion, eventually “pulling himself together”, as Priestley describes in the stage directions.
● In British patriarchal society of 1912, it was not socially acceptable for men to show their emotions, as being sensitive was considered a feminine trait and was seen to undermine their masculinity and authority.
○ Despite this stigma, he is unable to entirely conceal his emotions, perhaps demonstrating that he had genuine feelings for her.
● It is clear that until this point Gerald hadn’t expressed much remorse over their former relationship.
○ Until it directly affects them, the upper classes ignore the consequences of their actions, allowing them to continue living a life of luxury without guilt.