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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.

If I were you Summary Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9

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.

Question for Summary - If I were you
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What is the main theme of the play "If I Were You"?
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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.

Question for Summary - If I were you
Try yourself:
What is the main theme of the play?
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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
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FAQs on If I were you Summary Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9

1. What is the central theme of the story "If I were you" in Class 9?
Ans. The central theme of the story "If I were you" in Class 9 revolves around the concept of empathy and understanding the perspective of others.
2. Who are the main characters in the story "If I were you" in Class 9?
Ans. The main characters in the story "If I were you" in Class 9 are Mr. Purcell and Frankie.
3. What is the significance of the title "If I were you" in Class 9?
Ans. The title "If I were you" in Class 9 reflects the idea of putting oneself in someone else's shoes to understand their feelings and experiences.
4. How does the story "If I were you" in Class 9 emphasize the importance of communication?
Ans. The story "If I were you" in Class 9 highlights the importance of clear communication and how misunderstandings can be resolved through open and honest conversations.
5. How does the story "If I were you" in Class 9 teach a lesson on empathy and understanding?
Ans. The story "If I were you" in Class 9 teaches a valuable lesson on empathy and understanding by showing how empathy can bridge the gap between people and lead to better relationships.
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