Summary of the Play If I Were You by Douglas James
Introduction
The play If I Were You by Douglas James is a suspenseful one-act play that revolves around a clever playwright and a cunning intruder. The story, part of the Class 9 Beehive textbook, teaches an important lesson about wit, courage, and presence of mind in difficult situations.Meeting the Intruder
The play opens with the playwright, Gerrard, in his home. A stranger, who turns out to be an intruder, breaks in. The intruder is armed and intends to kill Gerrard, assuming his identity to escape from the law. The intruder reveals he is a criminal wanted for murder. His plan is simple: kill Gerrard, take over his identity, and live unnoticed.Gerrard's Wit and Calmness
Gerrard, however, stays calm and unafraid. Using his intelligence, he starts
conversing with the intruder. He analyses the situation quickly and plays along,
pretending to be a criminal himself. Gerrard claims he has also committed crimes
and is on the run, making the intruder doubt his plan.
Turning the Tables
When the intruder becomes distracted, Gerrard cleverly overpowers him. He disarms the intruder and locks him in a cupboard. Gerrard then calls the police, ensuring that the intruder is captured. The situation, which began as a life-threatening one, ends with Gerrard outsmarting the criminal without resorting to violence.Conclusion
If I Were You showcases how intelligence and composure can triumph over physical threats. Douglas James has crafted an engaging narrative that blends humour with tension, making it an ideal choice for students studying the Class 9 Beehive. The witty exchanges and unexpected twists make the play both entertaining and thought-provoking.Difficult Words/Expressions and Their Meanings
| Words/Expressions | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cultured | Sophisticated; well-mannered. |
| Count on | Depend on; rely on. |
| Engaged | Occupied; busy. |
| Melodramatic | Exaggerated. |
| To be smart | (American English) An informal way of saying that one is being too clever. |
| Inflection | Here, a tone of voice. |
| Wise guy | (American English) A person who pretends to know a lot. |
| A dandy bus | An informal expression for a fashionable vehicle. |
| Trap | A clever plan or trick to catch someone or something. |
| Tradespeople | Merchants; people who buy and sell goods. |
| Gratuitous | Unnecessary and usually harmful. |
| Dodge | Avoid. |
| Lucky break | An unexpected opportunity for success. |
| Sunday-school teacher | A Christian religious teacher who teaches on Sundays in Church. |
| Frame | A structure or outline that supports or encloses something. |
Thinking about the Text
1. “At last a sympathetic audience.”
(i) Who says this?
Gerrard says this.
(ii) Why does he say it?
He says this sarcastically because the intruder is threatening him with a gun but seems interested in listening to his story.
(iii) Is he sarcastic or serious?
He is sarcastic.
2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?
The intruder chooses Gerrard because Gerrard lives a solitary life, and his profession as a playwright allows for an unpredictable lifestyle. This would make it easier for the intruder to impersonate him and avoid suspicion.
3. “I said it with bullets.”
(i) Who says this?
Gerrard says this.
(ii) What does it mean?
It means he dealt with a dangerous situation by using a gun or violence.
(iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this?
It is not true. Gerrard says this to mislead the intruder into believing he is a criminal himself, thus making the intruder hesitant to kill him.
4. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.
Gerrard is a playwright.
- Quote: “In most melodramas, the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be frustrated. You are much luckier.”
This suggests Gerrard writes and understands dramatic plays.
5. “You’ll soon stop being smart.”
(i) Who says this?
The intruder says this.
(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
The intruder is annoyed by Gerrard’s clever remarks and calm attitude.
(iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?
The speaker believes that threatening Gerrard with a gun and eventually killing him will stop him from being "smart."
6. “They can’t hang me twice.”
(i) Who says this?
The intruder says this.
(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
The speaker, already guilty of murder, believes that killing Gerrard will not worsen his punishment since he is already facing the death penalty.
7. “A mystery I propose to explain.”
What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
The mystery is Gerrard’s peculiar behaviour and lifestyle, which the intruder finds intriguing. He intends to uncover Gerrard's true identity.
8. “This is your big surprise.”
(i) Where has this been said in the play?
The intruder says this while revealing his plan to kill Gerrard and take his identity.
(ii) What is the surprise?
The surprise is the intruder’s intention to murder Gerrard and impersonate him.
Thinking about Language
I. Choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets:
- The site of the accident was ghastly.
- Our college principal is very strict.
- I studied continuously for eight hours.
- The fog had an adverse effect on the traffic.
- Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant artist.
- The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary collage of science fiction and mystery.
- Our school will host an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation.
- Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and shake well before using the contents.
II. Irony in Gerrard’s Words
| What Gerrard Says | What He Means |
|---|---|
| "Why, this is a surprise, Mr —er —" | Pretends the intruder is a social visitor to hide his fear. |
| "At last a sympathetic audience!" | Pretends the intruder is there to listen to him, while the intruder seeks information. |
| "You have been so modest." | Mocks the intruder's arrogance. |
| "Your idea is not terribly original." | Belittles the intruder’s plan by pointing out its lack of creativity. |
| "In your case, a bag will do it." | Sarcastically implies that the intruder deserves nothing better than being stuffed in a bag. |
Dictionary Use
Here is the completed table based on the given nouns and their corresponding forms:
| Noun | Adjective | Adverb | Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sympathy | Sympathetic | Sympathetically | Sympathise | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. |
| Familiarity | Familiar | Familiarly | Familiarise | Close acquaintance with or knowledge of something. |
| Comfort | Comfortable | Comfortably | Comfort | A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. |
| Care | Careful | Carefully | Care | The provision of what is necessary for the health and welfare. |
| Surprise | Surprising | Surprisingly | Surprise | A feeling of mild astonishment caused by something unexpected. |
Speaking
1. Gerrard's Account of the Intruder's Visit
Speaking as Gerrard to a friend:
"You won’t believe what happened yesterday! I was at home, minding my own business, when suddenly, a strange man barged into my house. He was tall, rough-looking, and dressed in a rather shabby manner. He had a revolver in his hand and an air of overconfidence about him.
He spoke in a sharp, commanding tone and revealed his ridiculous plan to kill me and take over my identity. Apparently, he thought my solitary life would make it easy for him to impersonate me and avoid the police. He kept pacing back and forth, occasionally pointing his revolver at me, as if to intimidate me.
But you know me—I didn’t lose my composure. I started talking to him calmly, pretending to be intrigued by his plan. Then, I played my trump card. I told him that I, too, was a criminal on the run and that killing me would only bring him more trouble. That made him hesitate for a moment.
When he was distracted, I took my chance. I knocked the gun out of his hand and locked him in the cupboard. Then, I called the police and had him arrested. It was close, but my quick thinking saved me. Imagine if I’d panicked!"
2. Tips for Enacting the Play in Class
- Pay close attention to the italics before the dialogues. For example:
- If the tone is described as sarcastic, emphasise mockery in your voice.
- For ironic lines, maintain a calm tone but let the meaning reflect the opposite of what’s being said.
- Use appropriate body language:
- For Gerrard: Stay calm, confident, and use measured gestures.
- For the Intruder: Display nervousness, pacing back and forth, and speak in a threatening manner.
- Make the movements match the dialogue:
- For example, when Gerrard locks the intruder in the cupboard, act swiftly and convincingly.
Writing
I. Description of Gerrard and the Intruder
Gerrard
Gerrard is a smart and confident man, able to stay calm in the face of danger. His intelligence allows him to think quickly and cleverly, outwitting the intruder when the situation gets tense. Despite being faced with a dangerous situation, he remains cool and doesn't panic, which helps him find a way out. Gerrard is not only clever, but also witty; his sharp humour helps him disarm the intruder and keep him at bay. His nonchalant attitude towards the threat reveals his composed nature. Gerrard's confidence is further shown by the fact that he doesn't get intimidated by the intruder’s weapon. He relies on his quick thinking and presence of mind rather than force.
The Intruder
The intruder, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of Gerrard. He is flashy in his appearance, dressed in a way that reflects his bold and brash personality. His attempt to intimidate Gerrard is a sign of his nonchalant attitude towards breaking into someone's house, showing his audacity. The intruder may seem confident at first, but his lack of intelligence and humour exposes his cleverness as mere arrogance. He is far from smart, as he gets easily distracted by Gerrard's wit and outsmarts himself. Though he tries to appear in control, his overconfidence and poor planning ultimately lead to his downfall.
II. Story: "The Smart Escape"
One quiet afternoon, Gerrard, a playwright, was working in his studio when an intruder burst in. With a revolver in hand, the intruder demanded that Gerrard hand over his identity. He believed that killing Gerrard and taking over his life would help him escape the law. Gerrard, however, remained surprisingly cool and confident, not showing any sign of fear.
The intruder was flashy in his appearance, clearly attempting to appear more dangerous than he was. But Gerrard, with his sharp mind, quickly recognized the flaw in the intruder’s plan. "You’ve got it all wrong," he said with a witty smile. "I’m also on the run from the law. Killing me won't get you far." The intruder, a bit shaken, hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do next.
Gerrard seized the moment, using his clever thinking to trick the intruder into locking himself in a cupboard. As the intruder struggled, Gerrard calmly called the police. By the time they arrived, the intruder was arrested, his flashy plan having backfired. Gerrard had outwitted him with a combination of quick thinking and calm confidence.
In the end, it was not brute force, but smart wit that saved the day.
Main Characters in the Play If I Were You
Introduction
Douglas James presents two contrasting characters in the play If I Were You. Their interaction forms the core of the story. Gerrard, the sharp and resourceful playwright, and the unnamed intruder, a desperate and overconfident criminal, showcase a battle of wits. These characters provide the play with humour, suspense, and an engaging plot for Class 9 Beehive students.Gerrard
Gerrard is the protagonist of the play. He is a playwright, living alone in a small cottage. His intelligence and calm demeanour are his greatest strengths. When faced with a life-threatening situation, Gerrard uses wit instead of force to handle the intruder.
- Quick Thinker: Gerrard’s ability to assess the situation and craft a convincing lie helps him outwit the intruder. He claims to be a criminal, making the intruder hesitant and confused.
- Courageous: Despite the danger, he remains composed, showing no fear even when faced with a gun.
-
Resourceful: Gerrard’s actions demonstrate his ability to
turn a disadvantage into an advantage, such as when he locks the intruder in
a cupboard.
Gerrard’s cleverness teaches the importance of using intellect over brute force to solve problems.
The Intruder
The intruder is the antagonist, a criminal on the run from the police. His goal is to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to avoid capture.
- Overconfident: The intruder underestimates Gerrard, believing his plan to be foolproof. His arrogance becomes his downfall.
- Desperate: He is willing to go to any lengths to save himself, including committing another murder.
-
Naive: Despite his criminal background, he falls for
Gerrard’s fabricated story, proving that intelligence trumps experience in
deceit.
The intruder’s character adds tension and drives the plot forward, making the audience curious about how Gerrard will handle the threat.
Conclusion
The contrasting traits of Gerrard and the intruder highlight the theme of wit versus arrogance. If I Were You by Douglas James remains a delightful inclusion in Class 9 Beehive, offering students a thrilling lesson in handling challenges with calmness and intelligence.Plot of the Play If I Were You
Introduction
The play If I Were You by Douglas James is a suspenseful and humorous
one-act drama. It unfolds in a single setting where the protagonist, Gerrard,
encounters a dangerous intruder. The clever plot keeps readers of the
Class 9 Beehive engaged while teaching valuable lessons about wit and
composure.
Exposition: The Unexpected Visitor
The play begins with Gerrard, a playwright, in his cottage. Suddenly, an armed intruder barges in. The intruder’s goal is revealed: he plans to kill Gerrard, take on his identity, and escape the police. His confidence suggests he believes his plan is foolproof.
Rising Action: A Battle of Wits
As the intruder holds Gerrard at gunpoint, he demands compliance. Gerrard, however, remains surprisingly calm and begins to converse with him. The playwright’s calmness intrigues the intruder, and Gerrard seizes the moment to learn about his intentions. Using his sharp mind, Gerrard claims that he himself is a wanted criminal. This revelation unsettles the intruder, creating doubt and confusion about his plan.
Climax: Turning the Tables
When the intruder lowers his guard momentarily, Gerrard acts swiftly. He cleverly disarms the criminal and locks him in a cupboard. This unexpected turn of events showcases Gerrard’s quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Falling Action: The Intruder Defeated
With the intruder securely locked away, Gerrard calls the authorities. His calm approach and sharp intellect transform a life-threatening situation into a victory without resorting to violence.
Conclusion
The play ends on a triumphant note as Gerrard emerges victorious, proving that intelligence and presence of mind can overcome even the gravest threats. Douglas James’s If I Were You delivers a suspenseful yet humorous story, making it a memorable part of the Class 9 Beehive curriculum.
Main Themes of the Play If I Were You
Introduction
The play If I Were You by Douglas James explores themes that resonate deeply with readers, particularly students studying it in the Class 9 Beehive. From wit and courage to the triumph of intelligence over brute force, the play weaves a compelling narrative filled with suspense and humour.
1. Wit and Intelligence as Powerful Tools
A key theme in the play is the importance of wit and quick thinking. Gerrard, the protagonist, showcases how intelligence can outmatch physical strength or violence. His ability to analyse the situation and craft a clever response not only saves his life but also highlights the value of staying composed in adversity.
- Example: Gerrard pretends to be a criminal to confuse the intruder and gain control of the situation.
2. Presence of Mind in Danger
The play emphasises the need for presence of mind when faced with challenges. Gerrard’s calm and measured approach contrasts sharply with the intruder’s overconfidence. By maintaining his composure, Gerrard gains the upper hand in a seemingly hopeless scenario.
- Lesson: The play teaches that a level-headed approach often leads to better outcomes in dangerous situations.
3. Crime and its Consequences
The intruder’s character reflects the theme of crime and its consequences. His desperation to escape justice leads him to plan another murder, showing how one bad choice can spiral into more. However, his downfall demonstrates that crime ultimately does not pay.
- Moral: The play subtly suggests that intelligence and morality triumph over deceit and violence.
4. Appearances vs Reality
The theme of deception is evident throughout the play. Gerrard’s calm exterior hides his sharp intellect, while the intruder’s confidence masks his insecurity. This contrast reinforces the idea that appearances can be misleading.
Conclusion
The themes of If I Were You by Douglas James make it an engaging and thought-provoking story. Its lessons on wit, courage, and the perils of crime offer valuable insights to readers, making it a standout piece in the Class 9 Beehive curriculum.
