Class 9 English Chapter 9 Important Question Answers - If I were you

Very Short Answer Type Important Questions

Q2. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans: The intruder entered Gerrard's cottage because he was a criminal wanted for petty crimes and murder. His plan was to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to evade capture by the police.

Q3. How did Gerrard react to find the intruder in his room?
Ans: Gerrard was shocked and scared to find an armed stranger in his cottage. Despite his fear, he attempted to hide his emotions and acted as if he welcomed the intruder. The intruder ordered Gerrard to keep his hands up, stay calm, and answer questions about his personal life.

Q4. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about his childhood?
Ans: Gerrard revealed to the intruder that he was kidnapped by gypsies during his childhood.

Q5. What was Gerrard’s Christian name?
Ans: Gerrard's Christian name is Vincent Charles.

Q6. What did the intruder tell Gerrard about his specialty?
Ans: The intruder revealed to Gerrard that his speciality was jewel robbery. He expressed a particular interest in Gerrard's car, describing it as a dandy bus.

Q7. What did the intruder want to know of Gerrard?
Ans: The intruder wanted to learn how Gerrard communicated and interacted with others.

Q8. Why did the intruder want to hurt but not to kill Gerrard?
Ans: The intruder aimed to hurt Gerrard rather than kill him because he wanted to extract information before committing murder. His intention was to gain answers to his questions, which he believed would be crucial for his plans.

Q9. What is Gerrard’s profession?
Ans: Gerrard is a playwright.

Q10. What crime had the intruder committed?
Ans: The intruder had committed murder by killing a policeman.

Q11. Where did Gerrard imprison the intruder?
Ans: Gerrard imprisoned the intruder in a cupboard. He pushed the intruder inside, knocking the revolver from his hand, and then quickly locked the door.

Short Answer Questions

Q2. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about himself? Was he telling the truth? Why/Why not?
Ans: Gerrard joked with the intruder, claiming he had been kidnapped by gypsies as a child and was now alone in life. He was not being truthful; instead, he aimed to demonstrate that he was not afraid of the armed criminal. As the play progressed, Gerrard began to invent stories about himself, showcasing his quick thinking and ability to handle the situation.

Q3. What sort of information does the intruder want from Gerrard?
Ans: The intruder seeks personal details from Gerrard. He wants to know if Gerrard lives alone, his Christian name, whether he owns a car, and if he receives visitors. This information is vital for the intruder's plan to escape the police by assuming Gerrard's identity.

Q4. What made Gerrard ask the intruder, Are you an American?
Ans: Gerrard asked the intruder if he was an American because the intruder referred to him as a ‘wise guy’. This term is a casual American expression for a man, prompting Gerrard to question the intruder's nationality based on his choice of words.

Q5. What sort of a person is the intruder? Give examples to illustrate.
Ans: An intruder is a dangerous individual, as he carries a pistol and claims to have killed a police officer. He is mean, heartless, and crafty; he plans to kill Gerrard and take on his identity to escape the police. His overconfidence is evident when he asserts that Gerrard is no match for him. Additionally, he displays a boastful and uncouth nature, as shown by his crude remark, “Put up your paws.”

Q6. The intruder announced, “I’m going to kill you”. Was Gerrard nervous? How would you describe Gerrard’s reactions?
Ans: Confident in his presence of mind, Gerrard remained unruffled despite the intruder's threat. He was so calm and nonchalant that it irritated the intruder. Gerrard's sense of humour further enraged the intruder, showcasing his ability to stay composed under pressure.

Q7. Why does the intruder intend to kill Gerrard?
Ans: The intruder is a criminal on the run from the police for having already murdered a police officer. He plans to kill Gerrard to assume his identity, which he believes will help him evade capture. By doing this, he hopes to live a peaceful life without the constant fear of arrest and punishment.

Q8. Who was the intruder in Gerrard’s house? Why did he break into his house?
Ans: The intruder who broke into Gerrard’s house was a criminal on the run. He had committed murder, specifically killing a police officer, and was being pursued by law enforcement. His intention for breaking in was to murder Gerrard and assume his identity to escape the police.

Q9. How did Gerrard behave on seeing a gun-toting stranger in his cottage?
Ans: Gerrard remained calm and completely unfazed when he encountered the gun-wielding stranger in his cottage. He did not show any signs of panic or tension in his voice. Instead, he maintained his usual demeanour and spoke to the intruder in a casual manner.

Q10. Why does the intruder not kill Gerrard immediately?
Ans: The intruder does not kill Gerrard immediately because he wants to gather all the necessary information from him first. Without this information, his plan to disguise himself and assume Gerrard's identity will not be successful.

Q11. Where did Gerrard live? Why was it a suitable place for the intruder’s plan?
Ans: Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage in a secluded area of Essex. The lack of nearby population made it easy for someone to commit a crime without being noticed. Additionally, the cottage was rarely visited, making it an ideal location for the intruder to successfully execute his plan.

Q12. Why does the intruder call himself ‘a poor hunted rat’?
Ans: The intruder refers to himself as ‘a poor hunted rat’ because he is being pursued by the police. He feels the need to constantly evade capture. Having already committed murder, he is trying to escape punishment by hiding, much like a rat trying to avoid a cat.

Q13. Why did the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wanted to take on?
Ans: The intruder chose Gerrard because they shared a similar physical appearance. Additionally, Gerrard lived alone and had an isolated lifestyle, which made him an easy target. The intruder believed that by killing Gerrard and assuming his identity, he could lead a peaceful life, free from the law and its consequences.

Q14. Why has the criminal been called an intruder all through the play?
Ans: The term intruder refers to someone who enters a place without permission, much like a criminal. Throughout the play, the character is labelled as an intruder because he forcibly enters Gerrard’s cottage and attempts to steal his identity. Additionally, he remains secretive, refusing to share any details about himself, including his name.

Q15. Bring out the contrast between Gerrard and the intruder.
Ans: The intruder is characterised as coarse, boastful, and an irritable egoist. He is overconfident, believing he is the smartest person in the room. In contrast, Gerrard is pleasant, cool-headed, and refined. He is lively and intelligent, yet remains modest and humble. While the intruder brags about his abilities, Gerrard demonstrates that he is far more clever and resourceful.

Q16. Why did very few people come to Gerrard’s house? Who were the few people who visited him?
Ans: Gerrard lived alone in a secluded cottage, which contributed to his irregular schedule due to his theatrical performances. As a result, very few people visited his home. The only visitors he received were his regular suppliers, including the baker, the greengrocer, and the milkman.

Q17. “They cannot hang me twice.” Who says this and why?
Ans: The intruder says this because he is already wanted for having murdered a police officer. If he succeeds in killing Gerrard, he will face the death penalty for both murders. Therefore, he believes he cannot be hanged twice for his crimes.

Q18. “A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
Ans: Gerrard, the speaker, aims to clarify the mystery surrounding his unusual life. He leads a life marked by an irregular routine, avoids tradesmen, and often leaves and returns home in a hurry. To explain his peculiar behaviour, Gerrard has fabricated a story suggesting he is a criminal wanted for multiple crimes.

Q19. “This is your big surprise”. Who says these words in the play? When and where? What is the surprise?
Ans: This is your big surprise. These words are spoken by Gerrard when the intruder questions how he could still be killed after taking on Gerrard's identity. The surprise is significant for the intruder, who never anticipated that Gerrard could be a criminal. The intruder believed Gerrard was the ideal target to eliminate and impersonate, unaware of Gerrard's true capabilities.

Q20. Why and how did Gerrard persuade the intruder to get into the cupboard?
Ans: Gerrard created a convincing story about his own criminal past. He made the intruder believe that the police were searching for him and that he was expecting a call from a friend who would inform him of their arrival. When the phone rang, Gerrard quickly urged the intruder into the cupboard, claiming it was a passage to the garage, which would serve as an escape route.

Q21. How does Gerrard propose to use the intruder’s episode?
Ans: Gerrard, being a man of the theatre, finds it amusing to outsmart the intruder. He sees the experience of tricking a criminal by a clever yet innocent person as intriguing. Consequently, he decides to use this episode as inspiration for his next play.

Q22. Gerrard describes this encounter with the intruder as an amusing spot of bother. What light does this attitude reflect on Gerrard?
Ans: Gerrard refers to his encounter with the intruder as an amusing spot of bother. This phrase suggests that he finds the situation somewhat entertaining despite the danger involved. Gerrard's calm demeanour during the confrontation indicates that he is not overly frightened. Instead, he seems to view the incident with a sense of irony, as if it is a dramatic scene from a play rather than a real-life threat. His ability to maintain a sense of humour in such a tense moment highlights his cleverness and composure.

Q23. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.
Ans: Gerrard is a professional involved in the theatre as a writer, producer, and director. He also provides props and makeup materials to other theatre companies. His profession is evident through several statements he makes during the play. He describes the intruder's actions as melodramatic and not very original, indicating his familiarity with theatrical elements. Gerrard refers to the intruder as a sympathetic audience, showcasing his theatrical perspective. He also comments on the intruder's inflexion of voice, demonstrating his awareness of performance nuances. Furthermore, he informs someone on the phone that he cannot deliver the props in time, highlighting his role in the logistics of theatre production. Lastly, he mentions having an amusing spot of bother that he might incorporate into his next play, further confirming his identity as a playwright.

Q24. Why was Gerrard’s schedule so irregular?
Ans: Gerrard's schedule was irregular due to his background in theatre. He spent time writing, producing, and directing plays, which required flexibility. Additionally, he provided props and make-up for various theatre companies, necessitating a schedule that could adapt to the demands of the theatres.

Q25. Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest’. Was Gerrard being ironic or truthful?
Ans: Gerrard's comment, ‘you have been so modest’, was ironic. The intruder had been boasting about his intelligence and cleverness. Therefore, Gerrard was mocking him regarding his supposed modesty and encouraging him to share more about himself.

Q27. Why did the intruder want Gerrard to speak to him?
Ans: The intruder aimed to assume Gerrard's identity after killing him. To do this, he needed to understand how Gerrard communicated and interacted with others. The only way to gain this insight was by having Gerrard speak to him, which is why he insisted on the conversation.

Q29. Why did he send for the sergeant?
Ans: A jewel thief and murderer broke into Gerrard's cottage with the intention of killing him. To protect himself, Gerrard managed to trap the intruder in a cupboard. After securing the situation, he called the police and requested the sergeant to come and arrest the intruder.

Q30. How does Gerrard imprison the intruder and save his life?
Ans: Gerrard cleverly tricks the intruder into thinking he can escape. He tells the intruder to flee with him, claiming that the police might arrive soon. Gerrard opens a door, suggesting it leads to the garage. As the intruder steps forward to check, Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard and quickly shuts the door, effectively imprisoning him. This action not only captures the intruder but also ensures Gerrard's own safety.

Important Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Gerrard talks pleasantly with the intruder. Was he really pleased to see the criminal?
Ans: Gerrard lives alone in his house when an intruder unexpectedly enters, brandishing a gun and threatening his life. Despite the danger, Gerrard remains calm and composed. He quickly realises that the intruder has malicious intentions, but he understands that fighting back could lead to his death. Instead, he chooses to engage the intruder in a friendly conversation, which surprises the criminal. The intruder observes Gerrard's calmness and remarks on it. By speaking pleasantly, Gerrard successfully delays the intruder's plan to kill him. He falsely claims to be pleased to see the intruder, which is a clear lie. This tactic allows Gerrard to assess the intruder's intelligence and realise that he can easily outsmart him. Gerrard's behaviour demonstrates his sensibility and ability to handle a crisis effectively. Ultimately, he manages to trap the intruder in a cupboard and calls the police for assistance.

Q2. The intruder is boastful. He threatens Gerrard, “I’ll make you crawl” Was he able to carry out his threat? What happened to him?
Ans: An intruder forcefully enters Gerrard's room, brandishing a revolver and threatening to kill him. However, Gerrard remains calm and engages the intruder in conversation, which surprises him. The intruder, believing Gerrard is merely trying to be clever, boasts about his intelligence and threatens, “I’ll make you crawl.” Yet, the outcome reveals the intruder's foolishness. Instead of making Gerrard submit, the intruder ends up trapped in a cupboard. During their conversation, the intruder reveals that he is a jewel thief who has murdered a policeman and is currently evading capture. He plans to kill Gerrard and assume his identity. Gerrard, recognising the intruder's lack of intelligence, cleverly tricks him into the cupboard, locks him inside, and calls the police. Thus, the intruder's boast is proven false.

Q3. Gerrard says, “In most melodramas, the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be frustrated. Does this statement holds good for the play ‘If I Were You’?
Ans: In most melodramas, the villain often delays his plans, leading to his own frustration. This is evident in the play If I Were You, where the villain, an intruder, aims to kill the hero, Gerrard, and assume his identity. However, the intruder's foolishness becomes apparent as he continuously postpones the act of murder. The intruder has researched Gerrard extensively but is unaware that Gerrard is a skilled stage actor. When the intruder confronts Gerrard, he tries to engage him in conversation, allowing Gerrard to tactfully delay the situation. This delay provides Gerrard with the necessary time to devise a plan to escape. Ultimately, the intruder's intentions are thwarted when Gerrard cleverly pushes him into a cupboard, locking him inside. This twist highlights how the intruder's failure to act decisively leads to his downfall, echoing the typical melodramatic theme of the villain's own foolishness causing his defeat.

Q4. The best way to deal with a crisis is not to lose your calm. Discuss this statement with reference to the behaviour of Gerrard in the play.
Ans: A calm person is often more successful than someone who loses their temper or acts rashly. In the play, Gerrard demonstrates this by saving his life through his composed behaviour. When faced with an intruder armed with a gun, most people would panic and act foolishly, fearing for their safety. However, Gerrard maintains his calmness and patience. He pretends to be pleased to see the intruder and engages him in friendly conversation. This approach allows Gerrard to learn more about the intruder and buy time to plan his next move. By not succumbing to fear, Gerrard's cool demeanour ultimately saves his life and enables him to outsmart the criminal.

Q5. Why was Gerrard packing a bag at the beginning of the play? How did it help him to outwit and trap the intruder?
Ans: Gerrard was packing a bag at the start of the play because he needed to deliver some props to a theatrical company for a rehearsal. When the intruder broke into his cottage and threatened him, Gerrard remained calm. He quickly created a story, claiming he was a criminal trying to avoid the police. This narrative was supported by the items in his bag, such as a gun, a disguise outfit, and false moustaches, which misled the intruder into believing Gerrard's tale. The intruder became so convinced that he was ready to escape with Gerrard, no longer doubting him. Consequently, he followed Gerrard's instructions, leading to his eventual capture. Thus, the bag was crucial in convincing the intruder that Gerrard was also a criminal preparing to flee when he entered the cottage.

Q6. Bring out Gerrard’s intelligence, the presence of mind, and sense of humour. How did these traits help him outwit the intruder?
Ans: Gerrard displayed remarkable intelligence and presence of mind when confronted by a gun-wielding intruder. He remained completely calm, which not only helped him manage the situation but also unnerved the intruder, who likely felt fear himself. To lighten the mood, Gerrard used his sense of humour and crafted a convincing story about his own criminal past. He suggested that the police would arrive shortly, urging the intruder to escape quickly. Gerrard cleverly directed the intruder's attention to a cupboard, claiming it was a way out. As the intruder leaned in to check, Gerrard seized the moment to push him inside, knocking the revolver from his hand. He then locked the cupboard door, effectively trapping the intruder. Thus, Gerrard's intelligence, quick thinking, and humour allowed him to turn the tables and outsmart the intruder.

Q7. Why did the intruder find Gerrard’s cooked-up the story of his criminal background convincing?
Ans: The intruder was not gullible; he was cautious and suspicious of Gerrard's every move. When Gerrard attempted to engage him in conversation about his identity, the intruder dismissed him, insisting he only answer direct questions. Despite this, the intruder fell into Gerrard's trap. Gerrard remained calm and used his quick thinking to create a convincing story about being wanted by the police himself, which caught the intruder off guard.

Q8. Imagine you are Gerrard. Write a letter to your friend describing what happened when the intruder broke into your house.
You may describe:

• The intruder’s appearance
• his way of speaking, mannerism, and movement
• his plan to evade the law
• your success in outwitting him

Ans: (Address)
 (Date)
Dear ……….
Today I am feeling extremely excited to share with you a very interesting experience which I think may form the plot for my next play.
It so happened that today, in the afternoon, when I was about to leave my cottage with my bag to supply props and make-up at the Globe Theatre, I heard somebody hit against the table in my room. On turning, I saw a man with a physique like mine, wearing a very gaudy overcoat. Aiming his gun at me, he told me in an uncultured manner to put my “paws up”. He did not. shoot me at once because he needed some information about me. He told me that he had killed a cop and was having a difficult time dodging the police. He wanted to kill me and take up my identity to escape arrest.
But will you believe it that I foiled his plan by outwitting him through a concocted story? I maintained my cool and told him that I myself was a criminal charged with murder. I warned him that if he assumed my identity after killing me, he would still be arrested and executed. I told him that I was expecting an alert call from one of my friends, and just then the phone rang. Actually, the call was from one of my clients at the theatre who wanted confirmation about the props that I had assured to supply.
My story worked perfectly and when I offered the man to escape with me in my car, he agreed readily. I asked him to peep into the cupboard which I claimed was connected to the garage and the secret escape route. When he learned to peep, I pushed him in the cupboard, snatched his gun, and locked him.
I then answered the phone and asked the caller to send the sergeant to arrest the criminal.
I’m sure you too will find this a smart enough act to be used as a plot for the next play. We can plan the details when we meet on Sunday.
Your loving friend
Gerrard

Q9. The intruder’s plan was clever but not feasible. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Ans: At first glance, the intruder's plan to kill Gerrard and take on his identity seems clever. However, it is ultimately not feasible. Firstly, if Gerrard were killed, disposing of his body would pose significant challenges, increasing the likelihood of detection and arrest. Even if the intruder managed to handle this aspect, Gerrard's theatrical clients would likely grow suspicious if they couldn't reach him. This could prompt them to involve the police, leading to the intruder's capture. Thus, while the plan may appear straightforward and foolproof in theory, it is far too complicated to execute successfully in reality. The intruder's scheme, despite his confidence, would likely unravel due to the numerous risks involved.