About the Play & Author

Play Title
If I Were You
Author
Douglas James
Genre
One-Act Play / Thriller / Comedy
Setting
A lonely cottage in Essex, England
Key Characters
Gerrard, The Intruder
Central Theme
Intelligence over brawn, Presence of mind
Textbook
Beehive (Class 9 NCERT/Assam Board)
Chapter Number
Chapter 11

About the Play: "If I Were You" is a brilliant, fast-paced one-act play. It relies heavily on witty dialogue, irony, and suspense. The play explores what happens when a physically strong but intellectually average criminal tries to outsmart an physically average but highly intelligent playwright.

As your teacher, I want you to read this play paying special attention to how Gerrard uses his words as weapons. The Intruder has a gun, but Gerrard has an agile mind. Notice how Gerrard never panics; instead, he spins a web of lies that eventually traps the very man who came to kill him.

Learning Objectives What you will learn from this chapter

  • Analyze the use of irony, sarcasm, and wit in dialogue.
  • Understand the importance of presence of mind and maintaining calm in a crisis.
  • Compare and contrast the character traits of Gerrard (the protagonist) and the Intruder (the antagonist).
  • Explore how suspense is built and resolved in a one-act play structure.
  • Master vocabulary specific to theatrical and thriller genres (e.g., melodramatic, nonchalant, pantomime).
  • Practice converting dramatic dialogue into narrative storytelling.
  • Learn to identify clues that reveal Gerrard's true profession early in the play.

Play Summary If I Were You — Complete Overview

Story at a Glance
A criminal breaks into the lonely cottage of a man named Gerrard with the intention of murdering him and stealing his identity. However, Gerrard remains perfectly calm and invents a clever story that he himself is a wanted criminal expecting the police. He tricks the Intruder into hiding in a cupboard, successfully trapping him.

The play opens in a small cottage in Essex. Gerrard, a cultured and sophisticated man, is packing a travel bag and talking on the phone. After he hangs up, a flashily dressed Intruder silently enters the room holding a revolver. The Intruder physically resembles Gerrard. Instead of panicking, Gerrard greets him pleasantly, though with heavy sarcasm and irony, masking any fear.

The Intruder reveals his sinister plan. He is a jewel thief who has recently killed a policeman and is constantly on the run ("dodging"). He has noticed that Gerrard lives a solitary, mysterious life, rarely sees tradespeople, and has a similar physical build. The Intruder plans to murder Gerrard, steal his identity (Vincent Charles Gerrard), and live the rest of his life free from police pursuit, using Gerrard's car and "posh" accent to blend in.

Gerrard, showing immense presence of mind, engages the Intruder in conversation to buy time. He realizes that the Intruder is overconfident but not very bright. Gerrard decides to outwit him. He mocks the Intruder's plan, telling him that killing a "Sunday-school teacher" might be safe, but he is no such thing. Gerrard concocts a brilliant lie: he claims that he is also a dangerous criminal, a "mystery man" who avoids people because the police are after him. He says that one of his men was caught, and he is expecting trouble tonight, which is why his bag is already packed to "clear off."

To prove his story, Gerrard shows the Intruder his travel bag, which contains a disguise outfit (false moustaches, etc.). In reality, these are just theatrical props for a play he is directing. The Intruder begins to doubt his own plan. Taking advantage of this hesitation, Gerrard urges the Intruder to escape with him in his car. He tells the Intruder that the police are coming and points to a door, claiming it leads straight to the garage.

The Intruder leans forward to inspect the door, keeping his gun ready but turning his head slightly. Seizing the moment, Gerrard gives him a hard push, knocking him into the space, which is actually a cupboard, not a door to the garage. Gerrard slams the door, locks it, and knocks the revolver out of the Intruder's hand. As the trapped Intruder rattles the door, Gerrard casually picks up the phone to call the police, noting that the incident was "quite amusing" and that he will likely put it in his next play.

Board Exam Tip
The most frequent exam question asks how Gerrard outwitted the Intruder. Your answer must clearly state the three steps: 1) Staying calm, 2) Inventing the lie that he was also a criminal, and 3) Using his theatrical props to prove the lie and tricking the Intruder into the cupboard.

Detailed Explanation Scene-by-Scene Analysis

The Intrusion and Gerrard's Calm

When the Intruder enters with a gun, a normal person would freeze or scream. Gerrard's reaction is crucial: "Why, this is a surprise, Mr-er-" He uses a "nonchalant" (casual, calm) tone. This immediately frustrates the Intruder, who wants to see him "crawl." Gerrard uses irony (e.g., "At last a sympathetic audience!") to maintain psychological control. The Intruder has the physical power (the gun), but Gerrard immediately takes the intellectual high ground.

The Interrogation and The Plan

The Intruder asks questions to ensure Gerrard lives alone and has a car. He reveals his plan: he will kill Gerrard and take his identity because he is a "hunted rat" wanted for killing a cop. The Intruder is very proud of his plan, claiming he has "brains." Gerrard subtly points out the flaw: the Intruder is "luckier than most melodramatic villains" because he delays the killing to talk, which gives Gerrard the time he needs to formulate an escape.

Gerrard's Brilliant Lie

Gerrard turns the Intruder's logic against him. He asks, "Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?" He builds a story that perfectly fits the facts the Intruder already knows: Gerrard is mysterious, he doesn't see tradespeople, and he takes sudden trips. Gerrard claims this is because he is a major crook, a murderer who says things "with bullets." The presence of the packed bag (actually for a play) serves as the perfect 'evidence' that he is about to flee.

The Climax and The Trap

The fake moustache seals the deal; the Intruder is confused ("musingly: I don't know"). Gerrard creates fake urgency, saying his lookout on the main road has seen the police. He hurries the Intruder toward the "garage door." The stage direction here is key: the Intruder turns his head while leaning in. Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard. The play ends on a comic note: Gerrard returns to his phone call, viewing the whole life-threatening event as merely "a spot of bother" to be used as material for his next theatrical script.

Understanding the Irony
The ultimate irony of the play is the Intruder's statement: "I've got brains and I use them." He actually has very little brainpower. He is easily manipulated by a man whose only weapons are words and theatrical props.

Important Word Meanings Vocabulary from the Play

Word / Phrase Meaning Usage in Story
Cultured Sophisticated; well-mannered (here referring to a tone of voice) His voice is cultured, indicating he is educated.
Count on Depend on; rely on You mustn't count on me being here.
Engaged Occupied; busy Whilst he is thus engaged, another man enters.
Melodramatic Exaggerated, sensational, and overly emotional Holding a gun like that is all very melodramatic.
Nonchalant Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed 'Nonchalant' is your word, I think, for being calm.
Inflection A change in the tone or pitch of the voice It's a question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.
Wise guy An informal way of saying that one is being too clever or sarcastic Better be careful, wise guy!
Tradespeople Merchants or shopkeepers I know that you never see tradespeople.
Dandy bus An informal expression for an attractive, fashionable vehicle Your car will do me a treat; it's a dandy bus.
Gratuitous Unnecessary and usually harmful You're planning a gratuitous double murder.
Dodge Avoid or evade (especially the police) Since then I've done nothing but dodge.
Lucky break An unexpected opportunity for success Hearing about you was one of my luckiest breaks.
Pantomime Exaggerated mime or acting without words He does a pantomime of phoning.

Textbook Questions & Answers Thinking about the Text — All Exercises

Exercise I — Short Answer Questions
1. "At last a sympathetic audience." (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does he say it? (iii) Is he sarcastic or serious?
(i) Gerrard says this. (ii) He says it because the Intruder forces him to sit down and asks to have a "nice little talk" about Gerrard's life. (iii) He is being highly sarcastic. He knows the Intruder is not sympathetic at all, but rather a criminal who has broken in with a gun to extract information.
2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?
The Intruder chooses Gerrard because they are of similar physical build. Furthermore, he observed that Gerrard lives a solitary, mysterious life in a lonely cottage, rarely has visitors, and never sees tradespeople. The Intruder believes that by taking Gerrard's identity, he can live comfortably and avoid police detection without anyone noticing the difference.
3. "I said it with bullets." (i) Who says this? (ii) What does it mean? (iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker's reason for saying this?
(i) Gerrard says this. (ii) It means that when things went wrong for him, he used a gun (bullets) to kill someone to escape. (iii) No, it is a complete lie. Gerrard is a playwright, not a murderer. His reason for saying this is to trick the Intruder into believing that he, too, is a dangerous, wanted criminal, thereby making the Intruder's plan to take his identity seem like a terrible mistake.
4. What is Gerrard's profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.
Gerrard's profession is that of a playwright or a theatre director. The parts of the play that support this are: 1) He has a bag containing "a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not." 2) At the end, he says into the phone, "Sorry I can't let you have the props in time for rehearsal." 3) He adds, "I've had a spot of bother... I think I'll put it in my next play."
5. "You'll soon stop being smart." (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? (iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?
(i) The Intruder says this. (ii) He says it because Gerrard is answering his threats with casual, witty, and sarcastic remarks, showing no fear. (iii) According to the Intruder, telling Gerrard the "big surprise"—that he plans to murder him—will stop Gerrard from acting smart and make him crawl with fear.
6. "They can't hang me twice." (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it?
(i) The Intruder says this. (ii) He says it to justify his plan to murder Gerrard. He is already wanted by the police for murdering a cop. Since the punishment for one murder is hanging, committing a second murder (killing Gerrard) won't result in a worse punishment, as he can only be hanged once.
7. "A mystery I propose to explain." What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
The speaker is Gerrard. The "mystery" is why he lives such a secretive life—why he is here today and gone tomorrow, why he never sees tradespeople, and why he talks on the phone instead of meeting people. Gerrard proposes to "explain" this by lying that he is a criminal on the run.
8. "This is your big surprise." (i) Where has this been said in the play? (ii) What is the surprise?
(i) This phrase is used twice. First by the Intruder (when revealing his plan), and later by Gerrard (when revealing his own fake identity). (ii) When the Intruder says it, the surprise is his intention to kill Gerrard and steal his identity. When Gerrard says it, the surprise is his fabricated story that he is also a dangerous criminal expecting the police to arrive any minute.

Character Sketches Gerrard & The Intruder

Gerrard (The Protagonist)

Gerrard is a cultured, quick-witted playwright who proves that brains are vastly superior to brawn.

Cool and Nonchalant: His defining characteristic is his absolute calm under extreme pressure. When faced with a gun, he doesn't panic. He maintains a casual, polite demeanor that actively frustrates his attacker.

Highly Intelligent and Witty: Gerrard uses sarcasm and irony as weapons. He easily controls the flow of the conversation, manipulating the Intruder into delaying the murder by playing on his ego.

Quick Thinker: He creates a flawless, believable lie on the spot. He uses the elements in his room (his travel bag, his theatrical props, the phone ringing) to weave a story that he is a wanted criminal, brilliantly turning the Intruder's plan upside down.

The Intruder (The Antagonist)

The Intruder is a jewel thief and murderer who is dangerous but intellectually shallow.

Overconfident: He boasts repeatedly about his "brains" and how smart he is. He believes his plan to steal Gerrard's identity is foolproof.

Gullible: Despite his boasts, he is easily fooled. He falls into the classic villain trap of talking too much, which gives Gerrard time to think. He accepts Gerrard's lie without proper verification.

Desperate: His actions are driven by the desperation of being a "hunted rat." His fear of the police makes him jumpy, which Gerrard exploits to push him into the cupboard.

Themes & Central Ideas

1. Intelligence vs. Physical Force: The play highlights the triumph of intellect over brute strength. The Intruder has the physical advantage (the revolver), but Gerrard holds the intellectual advantage. Gerrard's presence of mind, quick thinking, and ability to weave a narrative prove far more powerful than a gun.

2. Appearance vs. Reality: The Intruder judges Gerrard based on superficial appearances—he looks similar, lives alone, and seems like an easy target (a "Sunday-school teacher"). However, the reality is that Gerrard is a sharp, theatrical mind. Similarly, Gerrard uses false appearances (theatrical props like fake moustaches) to create a fake reality that traps the Intruder.

3. The Importance of Remaining Calm: The story serves as a lesson in crisis management. Had Gerrard panicked or begged for his life, the Intruder would likely have killed him. His "nonchalant" attitude kept him alive long enough to formulate an escape plan.

Moral / Message of the Story

Central Message
Presence of mind and a cool head can help one escape even the most life-threatening situations. Panic is the enemy; intellect is the best weapon.

Douglas James's play teaches us that in a crisis, keeping our wits about us is our greatest asset. Gerrard did not have a weapon to defend himself; his only defense was his ability to stay calm, analyze his opponent, and use words to manipulate the situation. The Intruder lost because he allowed his ego and his fear to override his common sense.

For students, the message is that intelligence and quick thinking will always outsmart blind aggression. Whenever you are faced with a difficult or threatening situation, the first step is always to remain calm. A clear mind will see solutions that a panicked mind will completely miss.

Extra Short Answer Questions 2–3 Marks | Exam Oriented

1. What is the setting of the play?
The play is set in the simple interior of a small, lonely cottage in Essex, which belongs to Gerrard.
2. How does the Intruder look when he enters?
The Intruder is similar in build to Gerrard. He enters silently holding a revolver and is flashily dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat.
3. What is the Intruder's 'speciality' in crime?
The Intruder states that his speciality is jewel robbery, and he intends to use Gerrard's "dandy bus" (car) for his crimes.
4. Why does the Intruder say, "I'm a poor hunted rat"?
He says this because he has killed a policeman in town and has been constantly dodging and running from the police ever since.
5. What are Gerrard's Christian names?
Gerrard's Christian names are Vincent Charles.
6. Why does Gerrard call the Intruder "luckier than most melodramatic villains"?
Gerrard calls him lucky because, unlike typical villains who delay killing their victims and get caught, the Intruder is allegedly doing it for a "very good reason" (stealing identity). It is a sarcastic comment to keep the Intruder talking.
7. What props does Gerrard show the Intruder?
Gerrard shows him a travel bag containing a disguise outfit, including false moustaches, which he claims are to help him hide from the police.
8. What does Gerrard do immediately after locking the Intruder in the cupboard?
Gerrard picks up the revolver, goes to the phone, keeping the gun pointed at the cupboard, and calls to ask a Sergeant to come up and arrest the Intruder.

Long Answer Questions 5 Marks | Board Exam Level

1. How does Gerrard outwit the Intruder and save his own life? Describe his plan step-by-step.

Gerrard outwits the Intruder by relying purely on his presence of mind and his ability to spin a believable lie.
Step 1 (Staying Calm): Instead of panicking at the sight of the gun, Gerrard remains "nonchalant." He engages the Intruder in a conversation, playing on the man's ego to delay the murder.
Step 2 (The Lie): When the Intruder reveals his plan to steal Gerrard's identity, Gerrard flips the script. He claims that he, too, is a wanted criminal and a murderer. He uses the facts the Intruder already knows—that Gerrard lives alone, has few visitors, and travels suddenly—to "prove" he is hiding from the police.
Step 3 (The Evidence): Gerrard uses his theatrical props (a bag packed with fake moustaches) as proof of his impending escape. When the phone rings, he lies that it is his lookout warning him the police are coming.
Step 4 (The Trap): Creating a sense of urgent panic, Gerrard tells the Intruder to escape with him through the "garage door." He opens a door and, when the Intruder leans in to look, Gerrard pushes him inside, locking what is actually a cupboard. Thus, he secures his safety without using any violence.

2. Contrast the characters of Gerrard and the Intruder. Why does Gerrard ultimately win?

Gerrard and the Intruder look physically similar, but intellectually they are polar opposites. Gerrard is a cultured, sophisticated playwright. He is cool-headed, highly intelligent, and possesses a sharp wit. His main strength is his psychological control; he refuses to show fear, which constantly unsettles his opponent.

The Intruder, on the other hand, is a crude, flashily dressed criminal. While he boasts about having "brains" and being at "the top of the class," he is actually quite gullible and arrogant. His reliance on physical power (the gun) makes him intellectually lazy. He talks too much, revealing his entire plan, which gives Gerrard the information needed to formulate an escape.

Gerrard ultimately wins because he uses intellect over brute force. He understands that the Intruder is a desperate, hunted man. By creating a fake scenario that preys on the Intruder's fear of the police, Gerrard easily manipulates him. Brains outmatch bullets in this encounter.

3. Explain the irony in the Intruder's statement: "I've got brains and I use them. That's how I've got where I have."

The Intruder makes this statement to boast about his intelligence, claiming that his cleverness is what has kept him free from the police. However, the statement is steeped in deep situational irony.

First, where exactly has his "brain" gotten him? As Gerrard dryly points out, it has brought him to a lonely cottage as a desperate, hunted rat running from a murder charge. He hasn't achieved success; he has achieved a life of constant fear and "dodging."

Second, the ultimate irony is revealed in the climax. The man who boasts so loudly about his intelligence is easily fooled by a simple, fabricated story. He fails to verify Gerrard's claims, blindly trusts a man he was about to murder, and is effortlessly pushed into a cupboard. His statement highlights his arrogant overconfidence, which is precisely the flaw that leads to his downfall and capture.

4. Bring out the significance of the title, 'If I Were You'.

The title 'If I Were You' is highly appropriate and operates on multiple levels in the play. On a literal level, it refers to the Intruder's sinister plan. The Intruder wants to kill Gerrard and literally become him. He says, "I'm going to be Vincent Charles Gerrard," planning to adopt his lifestyle, clothes, and voice. His entire motivation is based on the premise: "If I were you, I would be safe from the police."

On a psychological and ironic level, the title reflects Gerrard's manipulation. To survive, Gerrard has to put himself in the Intruder's shoes. He creates a narrative that makes the Intruder think, "If I were you (a wanted criminal), taking your identity would be a terrible mistake because the police would hang me anyway." Finally, if the Intruder had truly possessed Gerrard's intelligence (If I were you), he would not have fallen for such a simple trick. The title perfectly encapsulates the theme of identity theft and mental role-playing.

5. What clues does the author provide early in the play to suggest Gerrard's true profession?

Douglas James cleverly drops subtle clues throughout the play that point to Gerrard's profession in the theatre long before he explicitly reveals it at the end.

First, the opening stage directions describe his voice as "cultured," fitting for an actor or director. His vocabulary is sophisticated and dramatic; he uses words like "melodramatic," "pantomime," and "sympathetic audience." When the Intruder threatens him, Gerrard treats the situation like a badly written script, saying the Intruder's entrance is "not very original." He also mocks the Intruder for delaying the kill, noting that "In most melodramas the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing." Furthermore, his travel bag contains a disguise outfit with false moustaches, which are standard theatrical props. These clues ensure that Gerrard's final revelation—that he needs his props for a rehearsal—feels earned and logical rather than just a sudden twist.

Grammar & Writing Skills Thinking about Language

I. Correct Word Choice

Choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets.

  • 1. The site of the accident was ghastly.
  • 2. Our college principal is very strict.
  • 3. I studied continuously for eight hours.
  • 4. The fog had an adverse effect on the traffic.
  • 5. Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant artist.
  • 6. The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary collage of science fiction and mystery.
  • 7. Our school will host an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation.
  • 8. Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and shake well before using the contents.

II. Understanding Irony

Irony is when we say one thing but mean the opposite. Gerrard uses irony to hide his fear and mock the Intruder.

  • Expression: "You seem to have taken a considerable amount of trouble."
    What he means: He is mocking the Intruder, implying that despite researching Gerrard's life (taking trouble), the Intruder's plan is still foolish.
  • Expression: "I'm afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex."
    What he means: He is sarcastically pointing out that the Intruder is a bad jewel thief for targeting a poor cottage in a rural area where there are obviously no jewels.
  • Expression: "A little harsh, isn't it?" (in response to "I'm going to kill you").
    What he means: He is treating a death threat as a mild social rudeness, using massive understatement to show he is not intimidated.

III. Dictionary Use (Parts of Speech)

Complete the table using the base words:

Noun Adjective Adverb Verb Meaning
sympathy sympathetic sympathetically sympathize Feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune
familiarity familiar familiarly familiarize Close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
comfort comfortable comfortably comfort A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
care careful carefully care Serious attention applied to doing something correctly
surprise surprising / surprised surprisingly surprise An unexpected or astonishing event or fact

IV. Writing Task: Narrative Story

Topic: Convert the play into a short story. Title: The Cupboard Trap.

Vincent Charles Gerrard was packing his travel bag for a theatrical rehearsal in his lonely Essex cottage when a man stepped out of the shadows. The intruder, dressed in a flashy overcoat, held a revolver aimed directly at Gerrard's chest. Startlingly, the man looked almost exactly like Gerrard.

Refusing to panic, Gerrard greeted the man with nonchalant sarcasm. The Intruder angrily revealed his plan: he was a jewel thief wanted for murdering a policeman. He intended to kill Gerrard, take on his identity, and live peacefully in the cottage. Gerrard realized he had to act fast. Relying on his quick wit, he burst into laughter. He told the Intruder that his plan was fundamentally flawed because he, Gerrard, was also a wanted murderer on the run!

To prove his massive lie, Gerrard showed the Intruder his theatrical bag, pointing out the fake moustaches and disguise outfits, claiming he was preparing to flee. Just then, the telephone rang. Gerrard yelled that it was a warning from his lookout—the police were arriving! Seizing the Intruder's moment of panic, Gerrard urged him toward a door, claiming it led to the garage. As the Intruder leaned in to check, Gerrard shoved him hard into the dark space and slammed the door. It wasn't a garage; it was a cupboard. Gerrard calmly picked up the phone, trapping the would-be killer, and asked for the police to come and collect his unexpected guest.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 50 Questions — Exam Ready

How to Use
The correct answer is highlighted in green. Cover the options and try to answer first, then check!
Q1 Who is the author of the play 'If I Were You'?
a) William Shakespeare
b) Douglas James
c) Anton Chekhov
d) Oscar Wilde
Q2 Where does Gerrard live?
a) In a busy city apartment
b) In a lonely cottage in Essex
c) In a large mansion
d) In a hotel room
Q3 What was Gerrard doing when the play opens?
a) Cooking dinner
b) Sleeping
c) Standing by the table making a phone call
d) Reading a book
Q4 What is Gerrard wearing when the Intruder enters?
a) A police uniform
b) A lounge suit and a great coat
c) Pajamas
d) A flashy overcoat
Q5 How does the Intruder enter the room?
a) He knocks on the door
b) He breaks the window
c) He enters from the right silently with a revolver in hand
d) He drops from the roof
Q6 How does the Intruder dress?
a) In a tuxedo
b) In a police uniform
c) Flashily in an overcoat and a soft hat
d) In rags
Q7 What is Gerrard's immediate reaction to the Intruder?
a) He screams for help
b) He attacks him
c) He greets him pleasantly and nonchalantly
d) He faints
Q8 What does the Intruder tell Gerrard to do?
a) Sit down on the floor
b) Put those paws up
c) Hand over his money
d) Call the police
Q9 The Intruder says, "I want to know a few things, see." What does he want to know?
a) Where the money is hidden
b) If Gerrard lives alone and runs a car
c) The history of the cottage
d) The train schedule
Q10 What is Gerrard's full name?
a) William Charles
b) Vincent Charles Gerrard
c) George Harris
d) Douglas James
Q11 Does Gerrard run a car?
a) No, he takes the bus
b) Yes, it's in the garage round the corner
c) He has a bicycle
d) He rents a car
Q12 Who are the few people that visit Gerrard?
a) Police officers
b) His relatives
c) The baker, the greengrocer, and the milkman
d) Postmen
Q13 What is the Intruder's specialty in crime?
a) Bank robbery
b) Jewel robbery
c) Forgery
d) Pickpocketing
Q14 Why does the Intruder think the cottage is a good place for him?
a) It has lots of jewels
b) It is close to the city
c) Cops are few and far between in the wilds of Essex
d) It has a secret tunnel
Q15 What is the Intruder's "big surprise" for Gerrard?
a) He is his long-lost brother
b) He is a police officer
c) He is going to kill him
d) He is buying the cottage
Q16 Why is the Intruder on the run?
a) He robbed a bank
b) He killed a cop
c) He escaped from prison
d) He stole a car
Q17 What does the Intruder plan to do after killing Gerrard?
a) Bury the body and leave
b) Sell the house
c) Take on Gerrard's identity (Vincent Charles)
d) Call the police and confess
Q18 Why does the Intruder choose Gerrard's identity?
a) Because Gerrard is rich
b) Because they have a similar physical build and Gerrard is a mystery man
c) Because Gerrard has a beautiful wife
d) Because Gerrard asked him to
Q19 Where did the Intruder first see Gerrard?
a) In London
b) In Aylesbury
c) At the train station
d) At a theatre
Q20 Gerrard says, "Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?" What does he imply?
a) He loves teaching
b) He is very religious
c) He is not an innocent, harmless man, but a criminal himself
d) He works on Sundays
Q21 What lie does Gerrard tell the Intruder?
a) That the house is rigged with explosives
b) That he has a terminal illness
c) That he is also a wanted murderer expecting the police
d) That he is a police inspector in disguise
Q22 What evidence does Gerrard show the Intruder to prove his lie?
a) A newspaper article
b) A police badge
c) His travel bag packed with disguise outfits and false moustaches
d) A dead body
Q23 What does Gerrard claim the telephone ring means?
a) It's a wrong number
b) It's his man on the main road calling to say the police are coming
c) It's his mother
d) It's the theatre director
Q24 Where does Gerrard tell the Intruder to escape through?
a) The front door
b) The window
c) Straight to the garage through a specific door
d) The chimney
Q25 What is the "garage door" in reality?
a) A bathroom
b) A cupboard
c) The actual garage
d) A bedroom
Q26 How does Gerrard trap the Intruder?
a) He shoots him
b) He ties him up
c) He pushes him into the cupboard and locks it
d) He hits him with a chair
Q27 What happens to the Intruder's revolver?
a) He fires it
b) Gerrard knocks it out of his hand when pushing him
c) He drops it in panic
d) It runs out of bullets
Q28 What is Gerrard's actual profession?
a) A criminal
b) A jewel thief
c) A playwright/theatre professional
d) A teacher
Q29 Who does Gerrard ask to be sent up at the end of the play?
a) A doctor
b) The Sergeant (police)
c) His friend
d) The baker
Q30 Where does Gerrard say the Sergeant can probably be found?
a) At the police station
b) In the Public Bar
c) In the garden
d) On the road
Q31 What does Gerrard intend to do with this incident?
a) Write a book about it
b) Forget it ever happened
c) Put it in his next play
d) Report it to the news
Q32 What does 'nonchalant' mean?
a) Very angry
b) Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed
c) Terrified
d) Crying
Q33 The Intruder says "I said it with bullets." What does he mean?
a) He wrote a letter
b) He used a gun to kill someone
c) He bought bullets
d) He warned someone
Q34 What does 'dandy bus' refer to?
a) A public bus
b) A fancy car
c) A boat
d) A train
Q35 Gerrard describes the Intruder's plan to kill him and take his identity as:
a) A great idea
b) A gratuitous double
c) A sad mistake
d) A funny joke
Q36 The tone of Gerrard's dialogue throughout the play is primarily:
a) Pleading and fearful
b) Sarcastic, witty, and ironic
c) Angry and violent
d) Depressed
Q37 What is the meaning of 'pantomime'?
a) A type of gun
b) Exaggerated acting without words
c) A telephone
d) A police car
Q38 Why does the Intruder need to learn how Gerrard talks?
a) Because he wants to act in a play
b) Because Gerrard's voice is 'cultured' and 'posh', and he must mimic it to steal his identity
c) Because he is deaf
d) Because he wants to mock him
Q39 What props does Gerrard use to convince the Intruder?
a) A fake gun
b) Disguise outfit with false moustaches
c) A police uniform
d) Blood
Q40 How does the Intruder react when Gerrard shows him the bag?
a) He shoots immediately
b) He runs away
c) He looks at it musingly and says "I don't know"
d) He laughs
Q41 What mistake does the Intruder make at the door?
a) He drops his gun
b) He leans forward and turns his head, taking his eyes off Gerrard
c) He walks in without looking
d) He closes his eyes
Q42 The theme of the play emphasizes:
a) The power of weapons
b) The triumph of intelligence and presence of mind over brute force
c) The sadness of a lonely life
d) The failure of the police
Q43 What does the Intruder shout from inside the cupboard?
a) "I'll kill you!"
b) "Let me out of here!"
c) "Help me!"
d) "I surrender!"
Q44 Gerrard's ability to remain calm is best described as his:
a) Cowardice
b) Presence of mind
c) Foolishness
d) Luck
Q45 The word 'inflection' in the play refers to:
a) A disease
b) A change in the tone or pitch of voice
c) A type of weapon
d) A car part
Q46 What does Gerrard say about the Intruder's appearance?
a) You're very handsome
b) You're not particularly decorative
c) You look like a cop
d) You look like me
Q47 The play is a:
a) Tragedy
b) One-act play / Thriller comedy
c) Musical
d) Historical drama
Q48 Gerrard's lie that things went wrong and he 'said it with bullets' is a mirror of:
a) The Intruder's actual past
b) A movie he watched
c) A book he read
d) His father's life
Q49 The title 'If I Were You' primarily refers to:
a) Gerrard wishing he was strong
b) The Intruder's plan to take on Gerrard's identity
c) A song they sing
d) A philosophical debate
Q50 Gerrard's attitude towards the whole event at the end is that it was:
a) Traumatic
b) Quite amusing
c) Depressing
d) Life-ruining

Assertion & Reason Questions Board Exam Pattern

Instructions
Choose: (A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation. (C) A is true but R is false. (D) A is false but R is true.
Assertion (A):
The Intruder decides to kill Gerrard and steal his identity.
Reason (R):
The Intruder resembles Gerrard physically and Gerrard lives a solitary, mysterious life.
Answer: (A) — Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.
Assertion (A):
Gerrard actually killed someone with bullets in his past.
Reason (R):
Gerrard fabricates this story to convince the Intruder that he is also a wanted criminal.
Answer: (D) — A is false (Gerrard never killed anyone), R is true.
Assertion (A):
Gerrard successfully pushes the Intruder into the cupboard.
Reason (R):
The Intruder carelessly turns his head while leaning in, giving Gerrard a physical advantage.
Answer: (A) — Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.
Assertion (A):
The Intruder is "luckier than most melodramatic villains."
Reason (R):
He shoots Gerrard immediately without wasting any time talking.
Answer: (C) — A is true (Gerrard says this), R is false (the Intruder delays the killing by talking, which is exactly why he fails).
Assertion (A):
Gerrard remains calm and nonchalant throughout the encounter.
Reason (R):
He relies on his intelligence and presence of mind rather than physical force.
Answer: (A) — Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.

Fill in the Blanks 30 Questions — All Important

1.The play "If I Were You" is written by Douglas James.
2.The play is set in a lonely cottage in Essex.
3.Gerrard is wearing horn-rimmed glasses when the play opens.
4.The Intruder enters silently with a revolver in his hand.
5.Gerrard greets the Intruder in a nonchalant and pleasant manner.
6.The Intruder's speciality in crime is jewel robbery.
7.The Intruder calls Gerrard's car a dandy bus.
8.The Intruder is wanted for killing a cop (or policeman).
9.The Intruder describes himself as a poor hunted rat.
10.Gerrard's full name is Vincent Charles Gerrard.
11.The Intruder saw Gerrard in the town of Aylesbury.
12.Gerrard asks the Intruder if he is an American or if his accent is an imitation.
13.Gerrard claims that the Intruder is planning a gratuitous double murder.
14.Gerrard asks if the Intruder thinks he is a Sunday-school teacher.
15.Gerrard lies that he also "said it with bullets" to escape the police.
16.Gerrard's travel bag is actually filled with theatrical props.
17.Gerrard shows the Intruder a false moustache to prove his lie.
18.When the telephone rings, Gerrard claims it is his lookout on the main road.
19.Gerrard tells the Intruder to escape through the door to the garage.
20.The "garage door" is actually the door to a cupboard.
21.Gerrard knocks the revolver out of the Intruder's hand.
22.Gerrard tells the person on the phone to send the Sergeant up at once.
23.He says the Sergeant can be found in the Public Bar.
24.Gerrard calls the life-threatening incident "quite amusing."
25.Gerrard plans to use this incident in his next play.
26.The Intruder claims that "posh stuff comes easy" to him.
27.Gerrard's main weapon in the play is his intelligence (or presence of mind).
28.The Intruder tells Gerrard, "You'll soon stop being smart."
29.The Intruder justifies his murder plan by saying, "they can't hang me twice."
30.Gerrard successfully outwits the Intruder.

Important Extracts Reference to Context — Board Exam Pattern

"I'm not taking it for fun. I've been hunted long enough. I'm wanted for murder already, and they can't hang me twice."
Questions: (a) Who is the speaker? (b) What 'step' is he talking about taking? (c) Explain the logic behind "they can't hang me twice."

(a) The Intruder is the speaker.

(b) He is talking about taking the grave step of murdering Gerrard.

(c) His logic is that since he is already wanted for a murder whose punishment is death by hanging, committing a second murder (killing Gerrard) won't result in any additional punishment.

"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 tradespeople? You say my habits would suit you. You are a crook. Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?"
Questions: (a) Who is speaking to whom? (b) What is the 'big surprise'? (c) What does the speaker imply by asking if he is a 'Sunday-school teacher'?

(a) Gerrard is speaking to the Intruder.

(b) The big surprise is Gerrard's fabricated revelation that he is also a wanted criminal on the run, which ruins the Intruder's plan.

(c) He implies that he is not a harmless, innocent, or highly moral person, but rather a hardened criminal himself.

"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."
Questions: (a) Why does the speaker want to 'go' quickly? (b) What does 'frame' mean in this context? (c) What does the speaker do immediately after this to secure his escape?

(a) Gerrard creates a false sense of urgency, claiming the police have been spotted by his lookout and are coming to arrest them.

(b) A 'frame' refers to a trap or a lie designed to deceive the Intruder.

(c) He opens a door claiming it leads to the garage, and when the Intruder looks inside, Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard and locks it.

Previous Year Questions Assam Board & NCERT Pattern

1. (3 Marks) Why does the Intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on? [NCERT Pattern]
The Intruder chooses Gerrard because they share a similar physical build. Moreover, he noticed that Gerrard lives a mysterious, isolated life in a lonely cottage, rarely sees tradespeople, and possesses a car, making him the perfect target for identity theft.
2. (5 Marks) How did Gerrard outwit the Intruder? [Assam Board Pattern]
Refer to Long Answer Question 1. Outline the steps: his calm demeanor, his brilliant lie about being a murderer himself, his use of the disguise props as 'evidence', and the final trick of pushing the distracted Intruder into the cupboard.
3. (3 Marks) What is Gerrard's profession? What clues tell us this? [NCERT Pattern]
Gerrard is a playwright or theatre director. The clues are his "cultured" voice, his theatrical vocabulary (melodramatic, pantomime), his bag full of fake moustaches and disguise outfits (props), and his final statement about needing props for a rehearsal and writing a new play.
4. (5 Marks) Discuss the theme of "intelligence over physical strength" in the play. [Board Exam Style]
Refer to the Themes and Long Answer Question 2. Explain how the Intruder's gun (strength) is rendered useless by Gerrard's quick wit, psychological manipulation, and calm presence of mind (intelligence).
5. (2 Marks) What was the "big surprise" Gerrard gave the Intruder? [Assam Board]
The "big surprise" was Gerrard's fake revelation that he was not an innocent man, but a dangerous murderer himself who was expecting the police to arrive at any moment.

Board Exam Preparation Tips Score 100% in This Chapter

Presence of Mind

Whenever you write about Gerrard's victory, use the phrase "presence of mind." This is the exact keyword examiners look for in character sketches and plot summaries.

The Cupboard Trap

Be very specific about the ending. It wasn't the garage door; it was a cupboard. Gerrard pushed him because the Intruder made the mistake of turning his head.

The Irony

Highlight the irony of the Intruder's boast: "I've got brains." Explain how a man who thinks he is a genius is defeated by a simple lie and a fake moustache.

Justification of Murder

Remember the line "they can't hang me twice." It explains exactly why the Intruder has absolutely no hesitation in planning the murder.

Gerrard's Profession

If asked how we know he is in theatre, list the 3 clues: 1) His vocabulary, 2) The props/bag, 3) His phone call at the end regarding rehearsals.

Prepare for Extract Questions

Study the dialogue where Gerrard reveals his "big surprise" (the lie about being a criminal). This is the turning point of the play and highly testable.

Common Mistakes Students Make

❌ Mistake 1: Believing Gerrard's lie
Some students write that Gerrard actually was a murderer. Remember, it was a fabrication (lie) to trick the Intruder. He is just a playwright!
❌ Mistake 2: Saying Gerrard fought the Intruder
There is no physical fight or wrestling. Gerrard wins entirely through conversation and a single, sudden push when the Intruder is distracted.
❌ Mistake 3: Confusing the 'Big Surprise'
The Intruder's big surprise is his plan to *kill* Gerrard. Gerrard's big surprise is his *fake criminal identity*. Make sure you clarify whose surprise you are talking about.
❌ Mistake 4: Missing the role of the props
The fake moustaches are crucial. They serve as the "evidence" that convinces the gullible Intruder that Gerrard's story is true. Don't skip this detail.
❌ Mistake 5: Misunderstanding the ending
Gerrard does not run away. He locks the Intruder in the cupboard and calmly calls the police. He regains complete control of his house.

Revision Notes & Mind Map Summary

🏠

The Setup

Gerrard in his lonely Essex cottage. Packing theatrical props. Cultured and calm.

🔫

The Intruder

A hunted murderer enters with a gun. Plans to kill Gerrard and steal his identity (looks similar, lives alone).

🧠

Gerrard's Tactics

Stays nonchalant. Uses irony and sarcasm to keep the Intruder talking and delay the murder.

🤥

The Big Lie

Gerrard claims he is also a murderer on the run. Shows his theatrical props as "disguises" to prove it.

🚪

The Trap

Phone rings (creates panic). Gerrard tells Intruder to escape through the 'garage' door. It’s actually a cupboard.

📞

The Climax

Pushes Intruder inside, locks door, takes gun, calls police. Views the incident as material for a play.

📖

Key Words

Nonchalant, Gratuitous, Melodramatic, Pantomime, Frame.

🏆

Theme

Intellect, wit, and presence of mind are superior to brute force and weapons.

Quick Revision Formula for Board Exam
Gun Threat → Calm Conversation → The Fake Criminal Story → Props as Proof → Distraction → Cupboard Trap → Police Call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who wrote 'If I Were You'?
The play was written by Douglas James.
What is the most important question for exams?
Explaining the step-by-step process of how Gerrard outwits the Intruder using his presence of mind is the most critical question.
Why did the Intruder want to kill Gerrard?
The Intruder was wanted for killing a cop. Because he and Gerrard looked similar, he planned to kill him and assume his identity to escape the police.
What was Gerrard's real profession?
Gerrard was a playwright and theatre director, which explains his cultured voice and his possession of fake moustaches and disguise outfits.
What is the meaning of 'nonchalant'?
It means feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed, which perfectly describes Gerrard's attitude when facing a gun.
Why is the title 'If I Were You' appropriate?
It refers to the Intruder's plan to literally become Gerrard, and also reflects Gerrard's psychological manipulation of putting himself in the Intruder's shoes to outsmart him.
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Hafijul Islam

Founder & Chief Content Creator, Student Sahayak

This page has been carefully researched, written, and reviewed by Hafijul Islam and the Student Sahayak team — a group of experienced educators and content writers dedicated to creating high-quality, exam-focused study material for students across Assam and India. All content is aligned with the 2025-26 NCERT and Assam Board (SEBA) curriculum.

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