Class 9 English - BIHAR
Prose: If I Were You
If I Were You is a clever one-act play by Douglas James included in the Class 9 English curriculum for Bihar Board (BSEB) students. The story revolves around Gerrard, a playwright who lives alone in a lonely cottage. One day, an intruder carrying a gun breaks in with the intention of murdering Gerrard and assuming his identity to escape the police. However, Gerrard remains calm and uses his presence of mind to outsmart the criminal through a fabricated story about his own criminal background. This chapter is very important for board exams as it tests reading comprehension and tests students on quick thinking, dialogue delivery, and character analysis.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Presence of Mind
Gerrard remains calm and composed even when facing a life-threatening situation with a gun-toting intruder, showing how intelligence triumphs over physical force.
Climax and Plot Twist
The play takes a sudden turn when Gerrard convinces the intruder that he is also a criminal fleeing from the law, tricking him into entering a cupboard which is actually a trap.
Character Contrast
The contrast between Gerrard, who is cultured, witty, and calm, and the Intruder, who is foolish, boastful, and easily manipulated, drives the narrative.
Identity Theft
The central motive of the intruder is to steal Gerrard's identity to hide from the police, which backfires when Gerrard uses disguise and play-acting to trap him.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions about the plot, character sketches of Gerrard and the Intruder, and extract-based reference-to-context questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the real motive of the intruder in entering Gerrard's cottage?
The intruder wanted to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to escape from the police who were chasing him.
How did Gerrard manage to outsmart the intruder?
Gerrard tricked the intruder by making up a false story that he was also a criminal and was about to flee, convincing the intruder to step into a cupboard to escape the police, and then locking him inside.
Is Gerrard really a criminal as he tells the intruder?
No, Gerrard is not a criminal; he is a harmless playwright who uses his quick wit and acting skills to fool the intruder.
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