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If I Were You, NCERT Textbook Questions, I., , Answer these questions., , Question 1., “At last a sympathetic audience.”, Who says this?, Why does he say it?, Is he sarcastic or serious?, Answer:, Gerrard says this., He says this because the intruder becomes sympathetic towards him., He is, no doubt, sarcastic., Question 2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?, Answer: The intruder chose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on because he is a kind, of a mystery man. He phones his orders and sometimes goes away suddenly and come back just the, same., Question 3.“I said it with bullets.”, Who says this?, What does it mean?, Is it the truth? What is the speaker‘s reason for saying this?, Answers:., Gerrard says this., It means that he is not an ordinary person. He is very dangerous., NO, he wants that the intruder should change his idea of killing him., Question 4. What is Gerrard‘s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer., Answer: Gerrard is a dramatist. He says, “Sorry I can‘t let you have the props in time for rehearsal…

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Question 5.“You‘ll soon stop being smart.”, Who says this?, Why does the speaker say it?, What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?, Answers:, The intruder says this., He says it because Gerrard does not seem afraid of his gun even., According to the speaker, the bullet will stop Gerrard from being smart., Question 6.“They can‘t hang me twice.”, Who says this?, Why does the speaker say it?, Answer:, The intruder says this., The speaker says it because he wants to murder Gerrard. And he has already murdered someone. So the, police cannot hang him twice.:, Question 7.“A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?, Answer:. The speaker wants that the intruder should explain what mystery is associated with him. The, mystery is about Gerrard‘s placing his orders on telephone. And he goes out suddenly and returns in, the same way., Question 8.“This is your big surprise.”, Where has this been said in the play?, What is the surprise?, Answer:, Gerrard speaks this line. He tells the intruder that if he is not hanged for his murder, he will certainly be, hanged being Vincent Charles Gerrard. At this time he utters these words., The big surprise is that Gerrard will not be killed by him. He is right in saying this., Thinking about language

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(Page 145), Question 1. Consult your dictionary and choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets, The (site, cite) of the accident was (ghastly/ghostly)., Our college (principle/principal) is very strict., I studied (continuously/continually) for eight hours., The fog had an adverse (affect/effect) on the traffic., Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant (artist/artiste)., The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary (collage/college) of science fiction and, mystery., Our school will (host/hoist) an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation., Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and (shake/shape) well before using the contents., Answer:, , Site, ghastly, Principal, Continuously, Effect, Artist, Collage, Host, Shake, Question 2.Irony is when we say one thing but mean another, usually the opposite of what we say., When someone makes a mistake and you say, “Oh ! that was clever !” that is irony. You‘re saying, ‘clever’ to mean ‘not clever’., Expressions we often use in an ironic fashion are:, Oh, wasn‘t that clever!/Oh that was clever!, You have been a great help, I must say!

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You‘ve got yourself into a lovely mess, haven’t you?, Oh, very funny !/How funny!, We use a slightly different tone of voice when we use these words ironically. Read the play carefully and, find the words and expressions Gerrard uses in an ironic way. Then say what these expressions really, mean. Two examples have been given below., Write down three more such expressions along with what they really mean., Answer:, , What the author says, , - What he means, , 1. At last a sympathetic audience! - Gerrard means that his company is not a sympathetic audience, because the intruder has got a gun in his hand., 2. You have been so modest., - Gerrard means that the intruder has been immodest in not having told anything about himself., 3. With you figuring so largely in it, that is under­standable, - Gerrard means that it is not understandable how anything about him is ‘surprising’., Dictionary use, (Page 146), A word can mean different things in different contexts. Look at these three sentences:, The students are taught to respect different cultures., The school is organising a cultural show., His voice is cultured., In the first sentence, ‘culture’ (noun) means way of life ; in the second, ‘cultural’ (adjective), means connected with art, literature and music ; and in the third, ‘cultured’ (verb) means, sophisticated, well-mannered. Usually a dictionary helps you identify the right meaning by giving you, signposts., ……………………………………………………………., ……………………………………………………………., Look up the dictionary entries for the words sympathy, familiarity, comfort, care, and surprise. Use the, information given in the dictionary and complete the table.

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Answer, , Speaking, (Page 147), Question 1.Imagine you are Gerrard. Tell your friend what happened when the Intruder broke into your, house., [Clues: Describe (i) the Intruder—his appearance, the way he spoke, his plan, his movements, etc., (ii), how you outwitted him., Answer: Yesterday I was standing near the telephone and an intruder entered my cottage. He had a gun, in his hand and he tried to threaten me. He intended to kill me and shouted at me. The intruder forced, me to tell everything about me. But I did not tell him the reality and misguided him. I told him that he, would not gain anything after murdering me. I told him that I was to safeguard myself from the police., So I posted a man on the road. When we tried to come out of the cottage I locked him inside a cupboard, and called the police. Eventually, the police arrested him., Question 2. Enact the play in the class. Pay special attention to words given in italics before a dialogue., These words will tell you whether the dialogue has to be said in a happy, sarcastic or ironic tone and, how the characters move and what they do as they speak. Read these carefully before you enact the, play., Ans. For self attempt., Writing, (Page 147), Question 1.Which of the words below describe Gerrard and which describe the Intruder?, Smart humorous clever, Beautiful cool confident, Flashy witty nonchalant

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Answer: Gerrard was smart, humorous, confident, witty and clever. He was cool. When the intruder, broke into his cottage, he did not lose his patience and confidence. He cooked up a story, convinced the, intruder and got rid of him. He showed his intelligence and presence of mind. He was nonchalant also., The intruder was smart, beautiful, flashy, clever and confident. He collected much information about, Gerrard and planned his visit meticulously. He wore flashy clothes. He had the ability to make someone, afraid of him. Moreover he was witty and answered Gerrard‘s questions intelligently and sarcastically., Question 2. Convert the play into a story (150-200 words). Your story should be as exciting and as witty, as the play. Provide a suitable title to it. ‘Intelligence is powerful than strength’., Answer: Gerrard is a dramatist who lives in a cottage. A very few people come to visit him. He rarely, goes out. If he goes out, he comes back suddenly. Once an intruder enters his cottage who has a gun in, his hands. Gerrard receives him with a warm welcome. The intruder asks many questions to him about, his personal life. He answers his queries intelligently and thoughtfully. The intruder tells him that he, wants to take on his identity because he is being chased by police as he has murdered a cop. But, Gerrard tells him that he will not be benefited by killing him as he is also wanted. And he expects the, police there tonight to arrest him. So he asks him to run with him in the car. But when they are about to, cross the door, Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard and slams it. Then he calls the police and gets him, arrested., If I Were You Introduction, This play is about a playwright named Gerrard. How he escapes being killed by an intruder who wants to, steal his identity and live peacefully. Gerrard fools the intruder, confines him in a cupboard and finally,, hands him over to the sergeant., IF I Were You Explanation, SCENE: A small cottage interior. There is an entrance back right (which may be curtained). Another door, to the left must be a practical door. The furniture is simple, consisting of a small table towards the left, a, chair or two, and a divan rather upstage on the right. On the table is a telephone., (When the curtain rises Gerrard is standing by the table making a phone call. He is of medium height,, and wearing horn-rimmed glasses . . . He is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. His voice is, cultured.), The play is set in a small cottage. The room has an entrance on the right hand side with a curtain on it., There is another door to the left side of the room which is in use. The room has simple furniture- a small, table to the left, a chair or two and a small bed on the right side of the room. On the table, a telephone, is kept. As the curtain on the stage is rolled up, Gerrard is found standing by the table, making a phone, call. He is of medium height and is wearing spectacles that are in the shape of horns. He is wearing a, lounge suit and a great coat. His voice indicates that he is cultured and well – educated., GERRARD : … Well, tell him to phone up directly. I must know … Yes, I expect I’ll still be here, but, you mustn’t count on that … In about ten minutes’ time. Right-ho. Goodbye.

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(He puts down the phone and goes to the divan on the left, where there is a travelling bag, and, starts packing. Whilst he is thus engaged, another man, similar in build to Gerrard enters from, the right silently — revolver in hand. He is flashily dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat. He, bumps accidentally against the table, and at the sound Gerrard turns quickly.), Gerrard is speaking on the phone. He says that the person should call him up directly. He adds, that he would reach in ten minutes, bids ‘goodbye’ and puts the receiver back on the phone., Then he goes to the divan and starts packing the stuff in a travelling bag. While he is busy, packing, another man who is similar to Gerrard enters the room silently from the right side. He, has a gun in one hand. He is dressed in a bright coloured dress- an overcoat and a soft hat. He, bumps into the table and Gerrard turns around at the sound., , GERRARD : (pleasantly) Why, this is a surprise, Mr— er—, Gerrard speaks pleasantly to the stranger and says that he is surprised to see him., INTRUDER : I‘m glad you’re pleased to see me. I don‘t think you’ll be pleased for long. Put those, paws up, Word meanings, Intruder: a person who intrudes, especially into a building with criminal intent., Paws: here, hands, The intruder says that he is glad to find Gerrard happy to see him. He adds that Gerrard won‘t remain, happy when he comes to know of his intentions. The intruder asks Gerrard to raise his hands., GERRARD : This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but…, Word meanings, Melodramatic: excessive emotions than are required for the situation, Gerrard finds the intruder‘s behaviour to be dramatic and not very natural., INTRUDER : Trying to be calm and —er—, The intruder says that he is trying to be composed and ……. (he is short of words to complete the, sentence), GERRARD : ‘Nonchalant’ is your word, I think., Word meanings, Nonchalant: not showing anxiety, interest or enthusiasm

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Gerrard adds that he wants to say that he is trying to be calm and nonchalant that is, not to show, anxiety or enthusiasm., INTRUDER : Thanks a lot. You‘ll soon stop being smart. I’ll make you crawl. I want to know a few, things, see., The intruder thanks Gerrard for completing the sentence and says that soon he will stop acting smart., He adds that he will torture him and make him crawl., GERRARD : Anything you like. I know all the answers. But before we begin I should like to change my, position; you may be comfortable, but I am not., Gerrard says that the intruder could ask him anything but before that he wanted to sit comfortably., INTRUDER : Sit down there, and no funny business. (Motions to a chair, and seats himself on the divan, by the bag.) Now then, we‘ll have a nice little talk about yourself!, The intruder command Gerrard to sit on the chair and sits on the divan. He wants to talk about the two, of them., GERRARD : At last a sympathetic audience! I‘ll tell you the story of my life. How as a child I was stolen, by the gypsies, and why at the age of thirty-two, I find myself in my lonely Essex cottage, how …, Word meanings, Gypsies: nomads, Gerrard says that finally, he has a person who is concerned about him and wants to know about his past., He adds that he would tell him about his life, how as a child he was stolen by a group of nomads and, why at the age of thirty two years was he living all alone at this small cottage in Essex. By saying this, he, developed an air of suspense around him., INTRUDER : Keep it to yourself, and just answer my questions. You live here alone? Well, do you?, The intruder was not intrigued by Gerrard‘s words. He wanted answers to his set of questions and did, not want to hear to what Gerrard had to say. He asked if Gerrard lived there alone., GERRARD : I‘m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice, is unfamiliar., Word meanings, Inflection: a change in the modulation of voice, Gerrard says that the way in which the intruder spoke, made him feel that he was telling him that he, lived alone rather than asking him if he did live alone. He added that the intruder‘s voice was not, familiar to imply that he wanted to know about him.

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INTRUDER : (with emphasis) Do you live here alone?, The intruder repeated his question with emphasis and asked Gerrard if he lived there alone., GERRARD : And if I don‘t answer?, Gerrard asked what would the intruder do if he did not answer his question., INTRUDER : You‘ve got enough sense not to want to get hurt., The intruder warned Gerrard that if he did not want any harm, then he should obey his orders., GERRARD : I think good sense is shown more in the ability to avoid pain than in the mere desire to do so., What do you think, Mr— er—, Gerrard spoke intelligently and replied that his good sense reflected in his ability to avoid pain than the, mere desire to avoid it. He asked the intruder about his opinion and addressed him as “Mr – er –” to, indicate that he wanted to know his name., INTRUDER : Never mind my name. I like yours better, Mr Gerrard. What are your Christian names?, The intruder replied that he need not know his name and on the other hand, asked Gerrard his Christian, name (i.e. the name he was given when he was baptised in the church)., GERRARD : Vincent Charles., Gerrard replied that his Christian name was Vincent Charles., INTRUDER : Do you run a car?, The intruder‘s next question was if Gerrard had a car., GERRARD : No., Gerrard replied negatively., INTRUDER : That‘s a lie. You’re not dealing with a fool. I‘m as smart as you and smarter, and I know, you run a car. Better be careful, wise guy!, The intruder said that Gerrard was lying. He said that he was not foolish. He was smarter than him and, knew that he had a car. He warned Gerrard not to befool him., GERRARD : Are you American, or is that merely a clever imitation?, Gerrard asked the intruder if he was really an American or was he copying American accent.

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INTRUDER : Listen, this gun‘s no toy. I can hurt you without killing you, and still get my answers.The, intruder got angry and said that his gun was not a toy. He could harm Gerrard and still would get a reply, to his questions., GERRARD : Of course, if you put it like that, I‘ll be glad to assist you. I do possess a car, and it’s in the, garage round the corner., Gerrard showed that he got scared and said that he would be happy to help the intruder. He accepted, that he had a car and said that it was in the garage., INTRUDER : That‘s better. Do people often come out here?, Then the intruder asked whether the place was frequented by many people., GERRARD : Very rarely. Surprisingly few people take the trouble to visit me. There‘s the baker and the, greengrocer, of course; and then there’s the milkman — quite charming, but no one so interesting as, yourself., Gerrard replied that he rarely had any visitors. He added that very few people underwent the trouble of, visiting him. Other than the baker, green grocer and the milkman, no one else bothered to visit him., INTRUDER : I happen to know that you never see tradespeople., The intruder said that he had come to know that Gerrard did not meet tradespeople., GERRARD : You seem to have taken a considerable amount of trouble. Since you know so much about, me, won‘t you say something about yourself? You have been so modest., Gerrard commented that the intruder had gone through a lot of trouble to gain information about him., He added that as the intruder knew a lot about him, he should disclose some details about himself too., He added that the intruder had been reserved and had not talked much about himself., INTRUDER : I could tell you plenty. You think you‘re smart, but I’m the top of the class round here. I, ‘ve got brains and I use them. That’s how I‘ve got where I have., WThe intruder said that he had a lot to talk about himself. In case Gerrard thought himself to be smart,, he was smarter. He had brains and used his intelligence to achieve things., GERRARD : And where precisely have you got? It didn‘t require a great brain to break into my little, cottage., Gerrard commented that the man had just broken into his small cottage which was not a big deal and, did not require much intelligence., INTRUDER : When you know why I‘ve broken into your little cottage, you’ll be surprised, and it won, ‘t be a pleasant surprise.

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The intruder said that the reason for his entering Gerrard‘s cottage would shock Gerrard., GERRARD : With you figuring so largely in it, that is understandable. By the way, what particular line of, crime do you embrace, or aren‘t you a specialist?, Word meanings, Embrace: accept, Gerrard replied that by seeing the intruder‘s behaviour, he knew that his reason for entering his house, would be shocking. Then he inquired about the crime that the intruder specialized in., INTRUDER : My speciality‘s jewel robbery. Your car will do me a treat. It’s certainly a dandy bus., Word meanings, Dandy: stylish, fashionable, The intruder replied that he specialized in jewel robbing. He added that Gerrard’s car would be, a gift for him because it was very stylish., , GERRARD : I‘m afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex., Gerrard commented that in Essex, jewels were hardly found. He wanted to say that it was futile for the, intruder to visit the area as he would not find any jewels there., INTRUDER : So are the cops. I can retire here nicely for a little while., The intruder added that just like jewels, cops were also scarce in Essex and so, he could live there, peacefully., GERRARD : You mean to live with me? A trifle sudden isn‘t it; you’ve not been invited., Gerrard asked if the intruder wanted to live with him. He commented that the decision was sudden and, that he had not invited the intruder to live with him., INTRUDER : You won‘t be here long; so I didn’t trouble to ask., The intruder replied that he did not take the trouble to ask permission from Gerrard because he won‘t, be there for long., GERRARD : What do you mean?, Gerrard asked that what did he mean by that., INTRUDER : This is your big surprise. I‘m going to kill you.

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The intruder replied that the surprise was that he intended to kill Gerrard., GERRARD : A little harsh, isn‘t it?, Gerrard said that the man sounded harsh., INTRUDER : (with heavy sarcasm) Yeah, I‘ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it‘s just, got to be done., The intruder replied sarcastically that he would be sorry to do that because he had developed a liking for, him., GERRARD : Why add murder to your other crimes? It‘s a grave step you’re taking., Gerrard said that killing a person was a serious crime and advised the intruder not to do so., INTRUDER : I‘m not taking it for fun. I’ve been hunted long enough., I‘m wanted for murder already, and they can’t hang me twice., The intruder said that he was being chased by the police as he had already murdered a person. If he, would kill another one, the punishment would still remain the same as they could not hang him to death, twice., GERRARD : You‘re planning a gratuitous double, so to speak. Admitted you’ve nothing to lose, but, what have you to gain?, Word meanings, Gratuitous double: done without reason., Gerrard said it meant that the intruder was planning to murder him without any reason. He agreed that, the intruder would not lose anything but asked him that what would he get by killing him. He wanted to, know the reason for him to kill Gerrard., INTRUDER : I‘ve got freedom to gain. As for myself, I’m a poor hunted rat. As Vincent Charles Gerrard, I‘m free to go places and do nothing. I can eat well and sleep and without having to be ready to beat it, at the sight of a cop., Word meanings, To beat it: to leave immediately, The intruder replied that in return for killing Gerrard, he would get freedom. As he had committed a, murder, he was hunted by the police and was hiding like a rat. Upon stealing the identity of Vincent, Charles Gerrard, he would live a life of freedom. He could go to places, eat and sleep without the fear of, being caught by the police.

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GERRARD : In most melodramas the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be, frustrated. You are much luckier., Gerrard commented that in many dramatic plays the villain was showed to be a foolish person. He, would delay being killed and eventually got frustrated due to the delay. Then he would commit some, foolish act and get trapped. But the intruder was luckier than such villains., INTRUDER : I‘m O.K. I’ve got a reason for everything. I‘m going to be Vincent Charles Gerrard, see., I’ve got to know what he talks like. Now I know. That posh stuff comes easy. This is Mr V.C. Gerrard, speaking. (Pantomime of phoning, in imitation cultured voice.) And that‘s not all. (He stands up.) Get, up a minute (Gerrard stands.) Now take a look at me., Word meanings, Posh: rich, showy, Pantomime: to mime or copy someone, The intruder replied that he was fine because he was doing this for a reason. He wanted to live on the, stolen identity of Vincent Charles Gerrard. He enacted Gerrards style of speaking which he had learnt, when he had overheard Gerrard talking on the phone. The intruder mimed Gerrard and asked how was, his performance., GERRARD : You‘re not particularly decorative., Gerrard commented that the acting was not very attractive., INTRUDER : No! Well, that goes for you, too. I‘ve only got to wear specs and I’ll be enough like you to, get away with it., The intruder commented that it wasn‘t so because Gerrard’s behaviour was such. He added that he, only required spectacles and he would look just like Gerrard., GERRARD : What about your clothes? They‘ll let you down if you’re not careful., Gerard asked the intruder that what would he do about his clothes. His dress sense was not like him and, could put him in trouble., INTRUDER : That‘ll be all right. Yours will fit me fine., The intruder replied that this was not a problem as he would wear Gerrard‘s clothes. They would fit, him well., GERRARD : That is extremely interesting, but you seem to miss the point of my remark. I said, you were, luckier than most melodramatic villains. It was not a tribute to your intelligence. You won‘t kill me for, a very good reason.

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Word meanings, Tribute: to show gratitude, respect or admiration for someone or something, Gerrard said that the intruder did not understand his remark when he said that the intruder was luckier, than most melodramatic villains. He added that he was not praising the intruder‘s intelligence but he, wanted to say that the intruder would not kill him until he had a major reason to do so., INTRUDER : So that‘s what you think., The intruder commented that that was what Gerrard thought., GERRARD : You‘ll let me go, and thank God you didn’t shoot sooner., Gerrard said that the intruder would leave him alive. He thanked God that the man had not shot at him, till that moment., INTRUDER : Come on. What‘s on your mind! Better be quick. This conversation bores me., The intruder ordered Gerrard to be quick and disclose all that was going on in his mind. He was getting, bored by the lengthy conversation., GERRARD : Your idea is to elude the police by killing me and taking on my identity?, Word meanings, Elude: escape, Gerrard said that the intruder‘s plan was to escape the police by killing Gerrard and stealing his, identity., INTRUDER : Yes, I like the idea., The intruder confirmed his plan., GERRARD : But are you sure it‘s going to help you?, Gerrard asked the intruder that was he sure that this plan would help him escape the police., INTRUDER : Now listen here. I‘ve got this all planned. I did a job in town. Things went wrong and I, killed a cop. Since then I’ve done nothing but dodge., Word meanings, Dodge: to avoid someone, here, the police.

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The intruder said that he had planned everything. He did a job in the town. Something went wrong and, he murdered a policeman. Since that day he was on the run., GERRARD : And this is where dodging has brought you?, Gerrard said that finally, the intruder had reached his cottage while running from the police., INTRUDER : It brought me to Aylesbury. That‘s where I saw you in the car. Two other people saw you, and started to talk. I listened. It looks like you’re a bit queer — kind of a mystery, Man, Word meanings, Queer: strange, The intruder said that while he was on the run, he reached a town called Aylesbury. There he saw, Gerrard and overheard two men discussing him. Their discussion revealed that Gerrard was strange and, mysterious., GERRARD : A mystery which I propose to explain., Gerrard added that he could explain the mystery that surrounded him., INTRUDER : (disregarding him) You phone your orders and sometimes you go away suddenly and come, back just the same. Those are just the things I want to do. Hearing about you was one of my luckiest, breaks., The intruder overlooked Gerrard‘s request and continued his speech. He said that Gerrard would, order things over the phone, would go away and return suddenly. He also wanted to do such things., Getting to know of Gerrard was the luckiest happening for him., GERRARD : Apparently you haven‘t the intelligence to ask why I am invested in this cloak of mystery., Word meanings, Invested in: taken up, adopted, Cloak: cape, robe, Gerrard commented that the intruder was not intelligent to guess that why was he surrounded by this, air of mystery., INTRUDER : (preparing to shoot) As I said before, this conversation bores me., The intruder prepared to shoot at Gerrard as he was getting bored by the conversation.

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GERRARD : Don‘t be a fool. If you shoot, you’ll hang for sure. If not as yourself, then as Vincent, Charles Gerrard., Gerrard warned the intruder not to act foolishly. If he shot at him, he would be hanged to death. He, added that even if he stole Gerrard‘s identity, he would be hanged to death., INTRUDER : What is this?, The intruder got curious upon hearing this., GERRARD : This is your big surprise. I said you wouldn‘t kill me and I was right. Why do you think I am, here today and gone tomorrow, never see tradespeople? You say my habits, Would suit you. You are a crook. Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?, The game‘s up as far as I’m concerned. Things went wrong with me. I said it with bullets and got, away. Unfortunately they got one of my men, and found things the fool should have burnt. Tonight I‘m, expecting trouble. My bag’s packed ready to clear off. There it is., Word meanings, Sunday-school teacher: used to indicate an honest man, Gerrard said that this was the big surprise for the intruder. The reason behind Gerrard being a secretive, man, his not have visitors and his activities being suitable for the intruder was that he was also a wrong, man. He was not an honest man like a school teacher. His game got over when he had to kill someone, with a gun. After that, one of his accomplice got caught by the police. They got evidence against Gerrard, from him. That particular night, Gerrard was expecting that the police could raid his house to catch him, and so, he had packed his bag and was ready to escape., INTRUDER : It‘s a bag all right and this is a gun all right. What’s all this?, The intruder had to clue to all this. He agreed that Gerrard had a bag and a gun but why was he carrying, odd stuff like artificial moustaches, wigs and props., GERRARD : That‘s a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not. Now do you believe me?, Word meanings, Disguise: give a different appearance in order to hide one‘s identity, Gerrard replied that he was carrying these props so that he could change his appearance in order to, hide himself. He hoped that the intruder would believe him., INTRUDER : (musingly) I don‘t know., The intruder was still doubtful about Gerrard‘s words.

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GERRARD : For God‘s sake clear that muddled head of yours and let’s go. Come with me in the car. I, can use you. If you find it‘s a frame, you’ve got me in the car, and you‘ve still got your gun., Word meanings, Muddled head: confused mind, Frame: false, Gerrard requested the intruder to believe his words and accompany him in his car. He added that the, intruder could help him escape and if he felt that Gerrard‘s words were false, he could kill him with his, gun., INTRUDER : May be you‘re right., The intruder believed Gerrard and said that probably he was right., GERRARD : Then don‘t waste time., (Goes and picks up hat and bag.), Gerrard was in a hurry. He picked up his hat and bag., INTRUDER : Careful, boss, I‘m watching you., The intruder warned Gerrard that he was watching his moves., GERRARD : I have got a man posted on the main road. He‘ll ring up if he sees the police, but I don’t, want to leave … (telephone bell rings) Come on! They‘re after us. Through here straight to the garage., Gerrard said that one of his accomplice had been positioned on the road to warn him if he saw the, police. Just then the telephone bell rang and Gerrard said that it was time to leave. He directed the, intruder to leave through the garage door., INTRUDER : How do I know that you are telling the truth?, The intruder doubted Gerrard‘s words., GERRARD : Oh, don‘t be a fool. Look for yourself., (Gerrard opens door and steps away. Intruder leans forward to inspect it, with his side towards Gerrard,, but with the revolver ready. As he turns his head, Gerrard gives him a push into the cupboard, knocking, the revolver out of his hand. He slams the door and locks it, picks up the revolver and goes to the phone,, where he stands with the gun pointed at the cupboard door.)

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Gerrard said that the intruder should not be foolish. He asked him to see for himself. He opened the, door and stepped to one side so that the intruder could see outside. The intruder leaned forward with, the gun still pointed towards Gerrard. As he turned his head, Gerrard pushed him into the cupboard and, the gun fell off the intruder‘s hand. (The door was not of the garage but it was a cupboard door). As, Gerrard pushed the intruder inside the cupboard, he closed the door and locked it. He picked up the, revolver and walked towards the phone, the gun pointed towards the cupboard, in case the intruder, tried to escape., INTRUDER : (rattles door and shouts) Let me out of here!, The intruder rattled the door of the cupboard and shouted to be freed., GERRARD : Hello. Yes, speaking. Sorry I can‘t let you have the props in time for rehearsal, I’ve had a, spot of bother — quite amusing. I think I‘ll put it in my next play. Listen, can you tell our friend the, Sergeant to come up here at once? You’ll probably find him in the Public Bar., Word meanings, Props: things used by actors to change appearance, Spot of bother: something that causes inconvenience or trouble, Gerrard answered the phone and said that he would not be able to deliver the props in time for the, rehearsal of the play because he had been troubled by someone. He added that he would add this, incident to his next play. This shows that Gerrard was a playwright. He asked the person to send the, sergeant to his residence. He added that probably the sergeant could be found in the public bar., If I Were You Summary, Gerrard was a playwright. He had to leave his house to deliver props for a rehearsal. Just then, an, intruder entered his home. He was carrying a gun. He wanted to kill Gerrard and live on his identity. The, intruder had committed a murder and was wanted by the police. So, he thought of stealing Gerrard‘s, identity so that he could live peacefully. He wanted to know details about Gerrard before killing him so, that he could imitate him well., Gerrard said that he was a crook too and that if the intruder stole his identity, even then he would be, chased by the police. He had killed someone and the police had evidence against him. He further added, that he was carrying false moustaches and other props so that he could disguise himself and hide from, the police. He sensed that the police could raid his house that night. He had positioned an accomplice on, the road to warn him of danger. Gerrard fooled the intruder to believe him by saying that if the intruder, felt that Gerrard was lying, he could kill him. As the phone rang, Gerrard said that it was time to leave., When the intruder did not believe Gerrard, he asked him to peep out through the door of the garage, and see the police for himself. In fact, the door was that of a cupboard. As the intruder bent forward,, Gerrard pushed him inside the cupboard and locked it. Then he called the sergeant as he would hand, over the intruder to the police.

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Extra Questions and Answers, Short Answer Type, Question 1., Briefly describe Gerrard‘s appearance., Answer:, Gerrard is a man of medium height and wears horn-rimmed glasses. When the play opens, he is dressed, in a lounge suit and a great coat. He talks in a cultured voice and his demeanour is confident., Question 2., Why does the Intruder intend to kill Gerrard?, Answer:, The Intruder is a criminal who is being chased by the police for having murdered a cop. As per his plan,, the Intruder intends to kill Gerrard in order to take on his identity and escape capture by the police. In, this way, he can lead a peaceful life without living in constant fear of arrest and punishment., Question 3., What impression do you form of the Intruder as he comes in? Give examples to illustrate., Answer:, The Intruder is similar in build to Gerrard enters from the right silently – revolver in hand. He is flashily, dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat. He seems to be a dangerous person as he is carrying a pistol and, threatens Gerrard. He claims to have killed a cop. He is mean, heartless and crafty, for he plans to kill, Gerrard and assume his identity in order to escape the police. He is over-confident because he claims, that Gerrard is no match for him., Question 4., What is Gerrard‘s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer., Answer:, Gerrard is associated with theatre as a writer, producer and director. He also supplies props and makeup materials to other theatre agencies. The following facts reveal his profession clearly., , He tells the Intruder that his actions are ‘melodramatic’ but not ‘very original’.

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He welcomes the Intruder as a ‘sympathetic audience’., He comments on the Intruder‘s ‘inflection of voice’., He tells someone over the phone that he cannot deliver the props in time., He also tells that person that he had ‘an amusing spot of bother’ which he might put into his next, play., Question 5., Why was Gerrard‘s schedule so irregular?, Answer:, Having a theatrical background, Gerrard devoted time to writing, producing and directing the plays. He, also supplied other theatre companies with props and make-up items. Therefore, his schedule was, irregular as it had to suit the requirements at the theatres., Question 6., Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest’. Was Gerrard being ironical or truthful?, Answer:, Gerrard‘s remark ‘you have been so modest’ was ironical. The Intruder had been boasting of his, intelligence and smartness. Hence, Gerrard ironically commented on his modesty and asked him to say, something about himself., Question 7., How did Gerrard fool the Intruder with his false story?, Answer:, Gerrard told the Intruder that he, too, was a criminal on the run. One of his recent crimes had gone, wrong and one of his men had been caught. The things which should had been burnt had been found., So, due to that he expected trouble that night. That‘s why, he wanted to clear off at the earliest., Question 8., How did Gerard lock the Intruder in the cupboard?, Answer:, Having convinced the Intruder that he himself was being wanted by cops and that police could any time, break into his home, Gerrard advised the Intruder to escape in his car. When he saw that the Intruder, was ready to come with him in his car, Gerrard opened the door of his cupboard and, as the Intruder

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stepped into the cupboard thinking it was an exit door, Gerrard gave him a push and locked the door, from outside., Question 9., What precautions did Gerrard take while calling the police?, Answer:, Gerrard was smarter than the Intruder. Having locked the Intruder inside the cupboard, he knocked the, revolver out of his hand. To make sure that the Intruder would not break out of the cupboard, Gerrard, went to the phone, where he stood with the gun pointed at the cupboard door., Question 10., “This is your big surprise”. Who says these words in the play? What and where? What is the surprise?, Answer:, Gerrard says these words when the Intruder asks him to clarify how he could still be hanged after, assuming Vincent Charles Gerrard‘s identity. This is a surprise for the Intruder who never suspected, Gerrard of being a criminal. According to his information, Gerrard seemed to be the perfect person who, could be easily eliminated and then impersonated. However, Gerrard has just turned the tables on him, by claiming to be a criminal on the run., Long Answer Type, Question 1., Why was Gerrard packing a bag at the beginning of the play? How did it help him to outwit and trap the, Intruder?, Answer:, Gerrard was packing a bag in the beginning of the play as he had to deliver some props to some, theatrical company for rehearsal. When the Intruder broke into his cottage and threatened to kill him, and steal his identity, Gerrard did not lose his cool. He spontaneously concocted a story that he himself, was a criminal and was trying to dodge the police. This story was supported by the aura of mystery that, surrounded him, his reclusive lifestyle, the bag he had been packing, the disguise outfit, false, moustaches etc., All this misled the Intruder into believing that Gerrard was speaking the truth. He did not doubt Gerrard, any longer and unsuspectingly got ready to escape along with him. When Gerrard indicates the door, that leads straight to the garage, the Intruder walks into a trap. Hence, the bag played an important role, in convincing the Intruder that Gerrard, too, was a criminal like him and was preparing to flee when he, broke into his cottage.

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Question 2., Bring out Gerrard‘s intelligence, presence of mind and sense of humour. How did these traits help him, outwit the Intruder?, Answer:, An intelligent and level-headed person, Gerrard did not show even the slightest of nervousness at the, sight of the gun-totting criminal enter his house and threaten to kill him. He knew that his wit and, presence of mind would not only help him to manage the crisis but would also contribute towards, unnerving the Intruder, and getting the better of him. Keeping the atmosphere light and lively with his, sense of humour and funny remarks, Gerrard surprised the Intruder, who had expected him to be afraid., Once he found out the Intruder was wanted for murder and had been on the run, and thus living in fear,, he instantly cooked up a story about his own criminal background. Convincing the Intruder that police, would arrive any minute to nab him, he impressed upon the Intruder that they would have to escape, immediately. Cleverly, he made him peep into the cupboard saying that it was an escape route., The moment the Intruder leaned forward to inspect it, Gerrard pushed him into the cupboard and, knocked the revolver out of his hand. He closed and locked the door. Thus, his intelligence, sense of, humour, and presence of mind turned the tables on the Intruder., Question 3., Why did the Intruder find Gerrard‘s cooked up story of criminal background convincing?, Answer:, In the beginning, the Intruder suspected every move made by Gerrard. He snubbed him when Gerrard, tried to begin a conversation regarding the Intruder‘s identity and curtly told him to answer only what, was asked. However, he was gullible enough to unsuspiciously walk into Gerrard’s trap because the, latter did not lose his cool, and employed his presence of mind to cook up the story that he, too, was, wanted by the police., Actually, Gerrard supported his claim of being a criminal by showing the Intruder his bag, and his, disguise outfits and false moustaches etc. The Intruder did not know about the theatrical background of, Gerrard and he found his story convincing. He believed that Gerrard was actually trying to evade the, police. Hence, the unsuspecting Intruder walked into Gerrard‘s trap. This indicates that although he, claimed to be the smartest person around, he was in fact not very intelligent. He was outwitted by a, smart Gerrard who foiled his plan.