If I were you Summary Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9

Introduction

Douglas James' play, "If I Were You," is a captivating and entertaining story that combines elements of mystery, suspense, surprise, and humor. The plot revolves around an intruder who plans to murder Gerrard and assume his identity in order to evade the authorities. However, Gerrard's quick thinking and wit ultimately trap the intruder, highlighting the importance of intelligence and presence of mind in navigating difficult situations. 

Summary

If I Were You starts with the playwright, Gerrard, preparing to leave his home to attend a rehearsal. After talking on the phone, he starts to pack his travel bag when he notices an intruder enter from his right side.

Gerrard notices that he has a stark resemblance to Gerrard and is holding a revolver in his hands. Thus, he learns that he is a criminal who directs him to put his hands in the air. However, Gerrard is surprisingly cool even at a gunpoint and chats pleasantly with him. Finally, the intruders make Gerrard sit on a chair.

After hearing their conversation, we learn that Gerrard is a man who lives alone and owns a car. It is clear that he is kind of mysterious in some ways because he is constantly in and out. We see that Gerrard stays at his home and for some days isn’t there.

Moreover, he only talks on the phone without really meeting his tradesmen. After learning all this, we come to know about the intruder too. He is a criminal who is mainly a jewelry robber. After killing a policeman, he is fleeing from the police and due to this resemblance to Gerrard, he plans to kill him and assume his identity to get rid of the police.

Gerrard makes out that the intruder is not so smart but only over-confident. Thus, he plans something witty and lies to the intruder. He makes up a story that Gerrard is also a criminal and murderer himself. Much similar to the intruder, the police are also after him and if he ends up killing Gerrard, the intruder will be killed either way.

So, the intruder believes his story and Gerrard convinces him to go in the garage from where they both can flee in his car. After opening the garage door, we learn that it was actually a cupboard in which Gerrard locks up the intruder and informs the police of his whereabouts. Thus, we see that how a little alertness and cleverness saved Gerrard’s life.

Theme

The theme of the play emphasizes the need to retain one's presence of mind and a cool head in situations of crisis. Panic complicates matters but a cool temperament can help one escape from any tight comer with ease. Criminals, who mastermind most well-thought-out crimes, can also be outwitted because they are fearful of the law and of getting caught. Hence, tactful planning and handling of a situation can trap even 'experienced' criminals.

Conclusion

To sum up, we learn that we must never be over-confident and try to be alert at all times because intellect and cool-headedness can help us go a long way.

Glossary

1. Divan: A type of bed with a thick base and mattress
2. Count on: To depend on someone or something
3. Flashily: In a way that looks bright, cheap and showy
4. Bumps: To hit something
5. Intruder: Someone who enters a place illegally 
6. Melodramatic: Behaving or reacting in an exaggerated way
7. Nonchalant: Behaving in a calm and relaxed way
8. Sympathetic: Someone who is kind, caring, and concerned about others
9. Inflection: The way in which the sound of your voice changes during speech
10. Greengrocer: A person who sells vegetables
11. Tradespeople: People whose job involves selling goods
12. Modest: Not talking too much about one's own abilities
13. Plenty: More than enouge
14. The wilds of: An area where few or no people live
15. Trifle: Slightly
16. Fancy: To suddenly start to like someone
17. Sarcasm: The use of remarks which means the opposite of what someone says
18. Grave: Seriously bad
19. Hunted: To try to find somebody
20. Gratuitous: Unnecessary
21. Melodrama: A story or film in which the characters shows strong emotions than real people do
22. Posh: Fashionable
23. Pantomime: An act of expressing thoughts through movements rather than speech
24. Elude: To not be caught by anyone
25. Dodge: To move quickly and suddenly in order to avoid somebody
26. Luckiest break: Fortunate and unexpected turn of events
27. Cloak: To cover or hide something
28. Clear off: To go away
29. Disguise: To change the appearance
30. Slam: To shut something with a lot of force, making a loud noise
31. Rattle: Sharp knocking sounds
32. Sergeant: Refers to a police officer
33. Cultured: Well-educated and able to understand and enjoy art, literature, etc.
34. Lounge suit: A man’s formal suit, consisting of  jacket and trousers, worn during business hours
35. Horn-rimmed: Horn-rimmed specs have a thick dark plastic frame