📘 IF I WERE YOU
By Douglas James
(Class 9 English – Beehive)
✅ 1–40: Short Question-Answers (2–3 lines answers)
- Who is the author of “If I Were You”?
🔵 Douglas James is the author of this dramatic and suspenseful play. - Who are the main characters in the story?
🟢 Gerrard and a criminal intruder are the central characters. - What is Gerrard’s profession?
🟡 He is a playwright who writes drama and lives a secluded life. - Where does Gerrard live?
🔴 He lives alone in a cottage in the countryside. - How does the intruder enter Gerrard’s house?
🔵 He sneaks in with a gun while Gerrard is working. - What does the intruder want from Gerrard?
🟣 He wants to murder Gerrard and steal his identity. - Why does the intruder want to impersonate Gerrard?
🟢 To escape from the law and live freely without being caught. - How does Gerrard react to the intruder?
🟡 He remains calm and composed and doesn’t panic. - What story does Gerrard tell the intruder?
🔴 He tells a false story that he himself is a criminal in hiding. - Why does Gerrard pretend to be a criminal?
🔵 To scare the intruder and stop him from killing him. - What props does Gerrard show to support his lie?
🟣 A traveling bag, disguise materials, and a false phone call. - What mistake does the intruder make?
🟢 He underestimates Gerrard and believes his fake story. - How does Gerrard trap the intruder?
🟡 He tricks him, knocks the gun away, and handcuffs him. - What happens to the intruder at the end?
🔴 Gerrard calls the police and has him arrested. - What does this play teach us about presence of mind?
🔵 That staying calm and clever can help us in tough situations. - Why is Gerrard a unique character?
🟣 He is fearless, intelligent, and humorous, even in danger. - Why did the intruder think Gerrard was an easy target?
🟢 Because Gerrard lived alone and seemed mysterious. - How does the title “If I Were You” suit the play?
🟡 It refers to the intruder’s desire to take Gerrard’s place. - What is the tone of the story?
🔴 It’s suspenseful with elements of wit and humor. - What does Gerrard reveal about his routine?
🔵 That he often travels, has no visitors, and keeps to himself. - Why doesn’t Gerrard live a normal social life?
🟣 As a playwright, he prefers solitude and quiet to work. - How is the intruder different from Gerrard?
🟢 He is impatient, aggressive, and lacks intelligence. - What does the intruder plan to do after killing Gerrard?
🟡 He plans to live in Gerrard’s house and assume his identity. - What name does the intruder give himself?
🔴 He doesn’t reveal a real name; he avoids telling personal details. - What kind of criminal is the intruder?
🔵 He is a petty criminal who is on the run from the police. - What lesson does the intruder learn in the end?
🟣 That crime and shortcuts never succeed in the long run. - Why does Gerrard say “You won’t kill me for a very good reason”?
🟢 Because he wants to startle the intruder and gain time. - How does Gerrard use psychology against the intruder?
🟡 He tells a believable fake story to confuse and trap him. - What is Gerrard’s attitude during the entire situation?
🔴 He remains witty, fearless, and sharp-minded throughout. - What would have happened if Gerrard had panicked?
🔵 The intruder might have killed him and escaped. - What values does Gerrard display in the story?
🟣 He shows courage, intelligence, presence of mind, and quick thinking. - Why is the intruder desperate?
🟢 Because the police are chasing him, and he has no escape plan. - What makes the ending of the play satisfying?
🟡 The villain is caught, and the clever hero wins without violence. - Does the play support violence in self-defence?
🔴 No, it promotes intelligence and calm thinking instead. - What does Gerrard do after overpowering the intruder?
🔵 He locks him up and contacts the police calmly. - Is Gerrard a real criminal?
🟣 No, he just pretends to be one to save himself. - What is Gerrard’s biggest strength?
🟢 His cleverness and quick thinking in dangerous situations. - How does the story reflect the theme of identity?
🟡 It shows how identity can be misused or stolen by others. - What genre does the play belong to?
🔴 It is a one-act drama with elements of thriller and humour. - What message does the play “If I Were You” convey?
🔵 That intelligence, wit, and presence of mind are stronger than violence.
✅ 41–45: Long Question-Answers (100–120 words each)
41. Describe Gerrard’s character in the play.
🟦 Gerrard is a calm, witty, and intelligent playwright. He lives a solitary life but is alert and aware of the world around him. When faced with danger, he doesn’t panic. Instead, he uses his intelligence and storytelling skills to outsmart the criminal intruder. Gerrard’s clever plan to pretend to be a criminal on the run turns the tables. His calm behaviour and sharp mind help him trap the intruder without violence. He remains polite, humorous, and logical even under pressure. His quick thinking saves his life and shows that intelligence is more powerful than brute force.
42. How does Gerrard outsmart the criminal intruder?
🟩 Gerrard outsmarts the criminal intruder by staying calm and using his intelligence. He tells the intruder a fake but believable story that he himself is a criminal, living a secret life. He supports his story with props like a bag, disguise items, and phone calls. The intruder, confused and frightened, lowers his guard. At the right moment, Gerrard attacks him, takes away his gun, and locks him up. He then calls the police. This shows how presence of mind and wit can defeat even armed criminals. Gerrard’s quick actions save his life and expose the intruder’s foolishness.
43. What does the intruder’s character reveal about criminals?
🟥 The intruder is shown as overconfident, impatient, and lacking proper planning. He believes that by killing Gerrard and stealing his identity, he can live a peaceful life. However, his ignorance, arrogance, and poor decision-making lead to his downfall. The story reveals that criminals often fail because they underestimate others and don’t think things through. It also shows that crime cannot help one escape reality. The intruder learns a lesson that shortcuts and violence don’t lead to success. His character teaches us that intelligence, not crime, is the real power in life.
44. What is the significance of the title “If I Were You”?
🟨 The title “If I Were You” is very appropriate because it captures the main idea of the play. The intruder wants to kill Gerrard and live his life. He literally says, “If I were you…” while talking to Gerrard. However, the twist is that Gerrard turns the situation around and proves that his life is not what the intruder expected. The title also reflects the theme of identity and mistaken assumptions. It reminds us that appearances can be deceptive, and trying to become someone else is not the solution. The title is catchy and meaningful.
45. What does the play teach us about handling danger?
🟧 The play teaches us that staying calm, thinking smartly, and using presence of mind are the best ways to handle danger. Gerrard, instead of panicking, uses his intelligence and storytelling ability to save his life. He doesn’t resort to violence at first but carefully observes the intruder and then acts at the right time. His actions show that fear only makes the situation worse, while confidence and wit can defeat even powerful threats. The play gives the message that brain is more powerful than brawn and that courage and cleverness can help us in difficult times.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
46. What values does Gerrard show in the play?
🟦 Gerrard shows courage, quick thinking, intelligence, and non-violence.
47. What lesson do we learn from the intruder’s failure?
🟩 Crime and dishonesty never lead to success. Planning without wisdom fails.
48. How does the story help in real-life situations?
🟥 It teaches us to remain calm and use our mind in tough times.
49. Why is presence of mind important in danger?
🟨 It helps us make wise decisions and avoid harm, just like Gerrard did.
50. What message does “If I Were You” give to youth?
🟧 Choose intelligence over shortcuts, and never give in to crime or fear.