Detailed explanation of “If I were You”, including definitions of difficult words. In addition, the explanation is followed by a lesson summary. Also, NCERT Question and Answers are also provided to help students understand this Chapter and do well in their exams.
Introduction
The chapter is a one-act play presenting a dialogue between two people, Gerrard, a playwright and an intruder, a criminal. The intruder entered Gerrard’s house with the plan of killing him and taking on his identity and live peacefully because both resemble each other. When Gerrard got to know of the intruder’s plan, he engaged the intruder into a conversation and told him a false story that he has killed a man. He also informed him that the police is about to catch them. With his cleverness, he convinced the intruder regarding the truth of the story and trapped him in the cupboard.
Summary
Gerrard told the intruder that he was feeling uncomfortable while standing with his hands lifted up. So, the intruder allows Gerrard to sit on the chair and he himself sat on the diwan. He then started to ask questions. The intruder wanted to know the basic information (like full name, habits talking style etc.) about Gerrard.
The intruder told Gerrard that he was a jewel robber. He had killed a policeman and he was running away from the police. He further informed Gerrard that he had planned to kill him and take his identity. He wanted to live a peaceful and carefree life as Vincent Charles Gerrard.
After listening to the intruder, Gerrard cleverly made up a false story and informed the intruder that he himself was a criminal. Gerrard had murdered someone and had run away. However, one of his men had been caught. He (Gerrard) was also running away from the police and had already packed his bag to run. He convinced the intruder by showing his disguise outfits including false moustache, etc.
Gerrard’s story almost convinced the intruder. The intruder began to think after this. This was an opportunity for Gerrard to work on his plan. Gerrard asked the intruder to hurry and run with him in his car as police is about to reach there soon. Gerrard opened the door to exit the house, which was actually the door of a cupboard.
The intruder looked inside to make sure that it was actually a door. While the intruder looked inside, Gerrard gave him a push and locked him in the cupboard. The gun fell down from the intruder’s hand. Gerrard picked the gun and called up the sergeant to arrest the intruder. The true identity of Gerrard, who was actually a playwright got revealed when he says that he got something for his next play from this experience.
Extra Questions
(1) Who is the Intruder and what kind of a mon is he? Why does he enter Gerrard’s house?
(2) What has the Intruder heard about Gerrard?
(3) Why does the Intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?
(4) What crime had the Intruder committed?
(5) How does the Intruder threaten Gerrard after entering his house? What is Gerrard’s reaction to his behaviour?
(6) What does Gerrard tell about his life when the intruder ask him to sit down and have a nice talk?
(7) Why does the intruder want to kill Gerrard?
(8) How does Gerrard befool the intruder with his false story?
(9) How does Gerrard convince the Intruder to follow his plan and he would be safe?
(10) Why does Gerrard show his travelling bag to the Intruder?
(11) Why did the Intruder say,” They can’t hang me twice”?
(12) How does Gerrard outsmart the Intruder?
(13) Why did Gerrard send for the sergeant?
(14) What idea of Gerrard’s personality do you form after reading the play?
(15) Why did the Intruder break into Gerrard’s cottage?
(16) Was Gerrard please to see the Intruder?
(17) How did Gerrard outwit the Intruder and save himself?
(18) What was Gerrard profession? What is he going to do when the Intruder enters his cottage?
(19) Why did Gerrard call the intruder “a sympathetic audience”?
(20) If Gerrard would have answered the questions of the intruder then what would have happened to him? Why?
(21) Why did Gerrard say that the intruder was luckier?
(22) How did the intruder become a criminal?
(23) How did Gerrard convince the intruder that he was not lying?
Word Meaning |
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| Page 138 | |
| intruder |
someone who breaks into a place
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| Page 139 | |
| flashily | in a way that looks too bright and expensive. |
| bumps | to hit something or someone |
| nonchalant | feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed |
| Page 140 | |
| gypsies | nomadic persons |
| imitation | to copy something |
| Page 141 | |
| embrace | belong to |
| dandy | good or impressive |
| trifle | slightly |
| gratuitous | not necessary or with no cause |
| Page 142 | |
| pantomime |
a way of expressing, using body movements and facial expressions.
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tribute
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a respect to someone/something |
| elude | to avoid or escape someone by being quick, skilful or clever |
| cloak | blanket |
| queer | strange and odd |
| dodging | avoiding |
| Page 143 | |
| clear off | go run away |
| musingly | in a manner that appears as though someone is thinking. |
| crook | a dishonest person |
| muddled | confused |
| Page 144 | |
| props | support material |
| leans | bows down |
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