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How did Gerrad get rid of the intruder in the play "If I were you" and what is the central idea of the play?
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How did Gerrad get rid of the intruder in the play "If I were you" and...
Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage. He was a playwright. One day an intruder entered his cottage with the intention to kill him. The intruder looked like Gerrard. He wanted to impersonate Gerrard and escape from the law. But Gerrard was smarter. He understood his motive. Gerrard told him that he himself was a criminal and was expecting trouble that night itself. He convinced the intruder to escape from there.
He offered his help to save the intruder from police. He asked him to follow him towards garage. While on the way to the garage, Gerrard pushed the intruder into a cupboard and locked him inside. Thus he got rid of him. In such a condition, I would have acted in the same way. I also would have thought of such a plan. The play impresses upon us the need to be calm, composed and maintain presence of mind in times of trouble.
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How did Gerrad get rid of the intruder in the play "If I were you" and...
How Gerrad gets rid of the intruder:
In the play "If I were you," Gerrad gets rid of the intruder by using his wit and cleverness. When the intruder enters Gerrad's house, he pretends to be a doctor and convinces the intruder that he is mentally ill. Gerrad tells the intruder that he suffers from a condition called "reversal complex," where he believes he is the intruder and the intruder is actually Gerrad. Using this ruse, Gerrad successfully confuses and disorients the intruder, ultimately convincing him to leave the house.

The central idea of the play:
The central idea of the play "If I were you" revolves around the power of imagination and the ability to think on one's feet. The play explores the idea that with quick thinking and clever strategies, one can overcome difficult situations and outsmart their adversaries. Gerrad's ability to create a fictional scenario and convince the intruder of his supposed mental illness highlights the importance of wit and resourcefulness in challenging circumstances.

The play also touches upon the theme of identity and self-perception. Gerrad's act of reversing his own identity and projecting it onto the intruder reflects the idea that one's perception of oneself can be fluid and malleable. By pretending to be the intruder, Gerrad not only confuses the intruder but also questions the stability of his own identity.

Another theme present in the play is the idea of deception and its consequences. Gerrad's actions may be seen as deceitful, but they are driven by the need to protect himself and his property. The play raises ethical questions about the use of deception as a means of self-defense.

Overall, "If I were you" emphasizes the importance of quick thinking, imagination, and adaptability in navigating challenging situations. It prompts the audience to reflect on the power of the mind and the various ways in which one can confront and overcome adversity.
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Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow: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 trades people? 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.Intruder: It’s a bag all right and this is a gun all right. What’s all this?Gerrard: That’s a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not. Now do you believe me?Intruder: (musingly) I don’t know.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.Intruder: May be you’re right.Gerrard: Then don’t waste time. (Goes and picks up hat and bag.)Intruder: Careful, boss, I’m watching you.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.Intruder: How do I know that you are telling the truth?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.)Intruder: (rattles door and shouts) Let me out of here!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.Q. What did Gerrard do to the intruder?

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How did Gerrad get rid of the intruder in the play "If I were you" and what is the central idea of the play?
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