Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 11 Notes – If I Were You Nextoper

By Douglas James

Introduction

Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 11 Notes If I Were You is a one-act play written by Douglas James. It is a suspenseful yet humorous drama involving only two characters — Gerrard, a playwright, and an Intruder, a criminal who breaks into Gerrard’s cottage. The intruder intends to kill Gerrard and take his identity to escape the police.

The play is filled with sharp dialogue, wit, irony, tension, and sudden twists. Through clever thinking, calm behaviour, and psychological insight, Gerrard outwits the intruder and saves his own life.

The core message is simple:
Violence and crime never solve problems. Intelligence, patience, and calm communication can save lives.

Detailed Summary 

Scene Setting

The scene takes place inside a small cottage. The furniture is simple — a table, chairs, a divan, and a telephone. Gerrard is talking on the phone when the play begins.

Entry of the Intruder

While Gerrard is packing his bag, a man dressed in flashy clothes enters silently with a revolver. He bumps into the furniture and gets Gerrard’s attention.

The intruder points a gun at Gerrard and orders him to “put his paws up”.

Intruder’s Intention

The intruder tells Gerrard:

• he wants to kill him
• he will take Gerrard’s identity
• he wants to live freely without being chased by the police

He thinks Gerrard lives alone, receives few visitors, and has a mysterious lifestyle that will help him hide.

Gerrard’s Calm Reaction

Instead of panicking, Gerrard remains calm and speaks in a sarcastic, humorous tone. He tries to confuse the intruder by asking questions.

He finds out:

• the intruder is a jewel thief
• he is wanted for killing a policeman
• he calls himself “a hunted rat”
• he believes Gerrard will be easy to replace

The Twist — Gerrard’s Story

Gerrard suddenly reveals a shocking truth:

• he is ALSO a criminal
• he too is hunted
• he keeps a disguise kit in the cottage
• he is expecting trouble
• his bag is packed to escape

This shocks the intruder.

But this is actually a lie.
Gerrard uses this story cleverly to make the intruder trust him.

Gerrard Overpowers Him

At the right moment, Gerrard tricks the intruder, takes his gun, and locks him in a cupboard.

Gerrard’s Compassion

Instead of calling the police immediately, Gerrard offers the intruder a chance to:

• reform
• leave crime
• work with him in theatre
• change his life

He proves that intelligence, kindness, and calm behaviour can change even a criminal’s heart.

Summary in Bullet Points

• Gerrard lives alone in a cottage.
• A criminal intruder enters with a gun.
• He wants to kill Gerrard and live as “Gerrard”.
• Gerrard stays calm and witty throughout.
• Intruder reveals he is already wanted for murder.
• Gerrard tricks him by pretending to also be a criminal.
• Intruder gets scared and confused.
• Gerrard overpowers him and locks him up.
• Gerrard then offers him a chance to change.

Moral: Calm mind + intelligence > violence.

Word Meanings (English + Hindi)

Character Sketch

Gerrard

• Calm, intelligent, witty
• Lives alone in a cottage
• Playwright by profession
• Thinks quickly in dangerous moments
• Uses humour and logic to outsmart the intruder
• Kind-hearted; gives the intruder a chance to reform
• Courageous and composed under pressure

Summary:
Gerrard is a clever, confident man who uses brain over violence.

The Intruder

• Criminal, jewel thief
• Wanted for killing a policeman
• Short-tempered, nervous, desperate
• Plans to kill Gerrard
• Fearful of being caught
• Easily confused and fooled
• Pretends to be smart but is gullible

Summary:
The intruder is dangerous but emotionally weak. Gerrard easily manipulates him.

Themes & Moral of the Play

1. Intelligence Over Violence

Gerrard defeats the intruder not by fighting but by clever thinking.

2. Crime Does NOT Pay

The intruder’s life is full of fear and failure.

3. Appearances Can Be Deceiving

The intruder thinks Gerrard is harmless — he is wrong.

4. Compassion and Reform

Gerrard does not punish the intruder harshly. He gives him a chance to change.

5. Courage & Presence of Mind

Gerrard stays calm even with a gun pointed at him.

Moral:
Use intelligence and calm behaviour to solve conflicts, not violence.

Literary Devices Used

Important Lines with Explanation

1. “You’ll soon stop being smart.”

Intruder warns Gerrard in anger, but ironically Gerrard stays smart throughout.

2. “I said it with bullets.”

Gerrard pretends to be a criminal to scare the intruder.

3. “This is your big surprise.”

Gerrard reveals the fake story to trick the intruder emotionally.

4. “Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?”

Gerrard ironically suggests he is not innocent.

Short Question and Answers (2–3 marks)

Q1. Why does the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
He wants to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to escape the police.

Q2. Why does Gerrard remain calm?
He understands that panic will make things worse. His calmness helps him analyse the intruder’s behaviour.

Q3. What is Gerrard’s profession?
He is a playwright. He mentions props, rehearsals, and his theatrical lifestyle.

Q4. Why does the intruder want Gerrard’s identity?
Because Gerrard lives alone, meets few people, and has a mysterious lifestyle — perfect cover for a criminal.

Q5. What was the intruder’s “big surprise”?
That Gerrard pretended to be a criminal, confusing the intruder completely.

Q6. Why does Gerrard say “You’re luckier than most melodramatic villains”?
Because the intruder delays killing him, giving Gerrard time to think and outwit him.

Q7. What does Gerrard mean by “cloak of mystery”?
His habit of keeping secrets and living alone.

Q8. What made the intruder believe Gerrard?
Gerrard’s suitcase, disguise outfit, and confident tone created a convincing story.

Q9. Why does Gerrard offer help to the intruder?
He believes the intruder can change and deserves a chance.

Q10. What lesson does the play teach?
Calm thinking and intelligence can turn danger into opportunity.

Long Question and Answers (5–6 marks)

Q1. How does Gerrard outsmart the intruder?

Gerrard remains calm even when the intruder points a gun at him. Instead of resisting, he engages him in conversation and gathers useful information. He discovers the intruder is insecure and fearful, despite acting tough. Gerrard then tells a fabricated story that he too is a criminal. This shocks the intruder and confuses him emotionally.

By showing a packed bag and a disguise kit, Gerrard makes the intruder believe the story. At the perfect moment, Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard, locks him, and takes his gun. Thus, Gerrard uses intelligence, timing, and psychological manipulation to save himself.

Q2. Discuss the theme of “Appearances can be deceptive” in the play.

The intruder believes Gerrard is an easy target because he lives alone and receives few visitors. He assumes Gerrard is harmless. But Gerrard is clever, observant, and mentally strong. His calmness surprises the intruder.

Gerrard appears gentle, cultured, and harmless — but he is sharp and aware. His theatrical background helps him act convincingly. Thus, the play shows that outward appearances do not reveal a person’s true strength.

Q3. How does the play highlight the importance of calmness during danger?

Gerrard’s behaviour is the best example of calmness. Instead of panicking or pleading, he speaks confidently. His sense of humour reduces tension. This calmness allows him to:

• observe the intruder
• understand his weaknesses
• create a believable story
• plan a counter-move
• finally overpower him safely

The play teaches that staying calm in stressful situations gives you mental clarity and control.

Q4. Compare the personalities of Gerrard and the Intruder.

Gerrard’s intelligence defeats the intruder’s aggression. Their contrast creates the dramatic tension in the play.

Q5. Why does Gerrard offer to help the intruder instead of punishing him?

Gerrard believes that every person deserves a second chance. He realises the intruder is not truly evil but desperate and scared. Instead of handing him to the police, Gerrard gives him an opportunity to change and work with him. This shows Gerrard’s compassion, wisdom, and humanity.

Conclusion

If I Were You is a brilliant one-act play that mixes suspense, humour, and moral lessons. Gerrard’s cleverness and the intruder’s desperation create an engaging story. The play teaches that intelligence, calmness, and empathy are more powerful than violence. It encourages readers to handle difficult situations with logic and patience.

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