Class 9 – Ch9 – If I Were You (Beehive) Summary in English & Hindi

Summary in English & Hindi:

“If I Were You” is a one-act play written by Douglas James. It is a clever and humorous story filled with wit, suspense, and quick thinking. The play revolves around the encounter between Gerrard, a smart playwright, and an intruder who breaks into his house with a dangerous plan. Through intelligence and presence of mind, Gerrard turns the situation in his favor and teaches an important lesson — that intelligence and calmness can overcome any danger.

Detailed Summary:

The play opens in Gerrard’s house — a small cottage where he lives alone. Gerrard is a playwright, a writer who spends most of his time working on scripts for stage plays. He is witty, confident, and has a great sense of humor. One day, while he is preparing to go out, a mysterious man suddenly enters his home. This man is an intruder, armed with a revolver. His appearance and actions clearly show that he is a criminal on the run.

The intruder orders Gerrard to sit down and keep quiet. He reveals his plan — he intends to kill Gerrard and take his identity. The intruder has been watching Gerrard’s house for a long time and believes that Gerrard is the perfect person to impersonate because he lives alone and travels often. The criminal thinks that after killing Gerrard, he can live safely as Gerrard without getting caught by the police.

However, Gerrard’s calm and witty nature completely surprises the intruder. Instead of panicking, Gerrard begins to talk confidently, making sharp, humorous remarks. He tries to understand the intruder’s motive and cleverly begins to play a psychological game. Gerrard tells the intruder that he is not just an ordinary playwright — he is actually a criminal himself, wanted by the police, and uses his house as a secret hideout. He pretends that he too lives under a false identity and is constantly being chased by the law.

Gerrard then claims that the police are expected to arrive any moment, and if the intruder stays, both of them will be arrested. To convince him further, Gerrard tells him that his car is parked outside and that they can escape together through the garage. The intruder, believing Gerrard’s words, lowers his guard. Gerrard then smartly opens the door to a cupboard which the intruder thinks leads to the garage. The moment the intruder steps inside, Gerrard slams the door and locks him in — it was actually a cupboard, not an exit! Gerrard then calls the police to report the incident.

Through his wit and intelligence, Gerrard not only saves his life but also manages to capture the criminal without any violence. The play ends on a humorous note, as Gerrard mockingly tells the intruder that his story might soon become part of his next play.

Character Sketch:

Gerrard – Smart, witty, brave, calm under pressure, and humorous. His presence of mind and confidence turn a dangerous encounter into a moment of triumph.
The Intruder – A cunning criminal but overconfident and foolish. His arrogance and lack of quick thinking lead to his downfall.

Theme:

The central theme of “If I Were You” is the power of intelligence and self-control. The play shows that quick thinking and confidence can help overcome even the most threatening situations. It also highlights how appearances can be deceiving — Gerrard, though gentle and artistic, proves to be braver and smarter than the armed intruder.

Message:

The story conveys that presence of mind, intelligence, and a calm attitude are stronger weapons than physical power. In life, danger and challenges are unavoidable, but reacting wisely can turn any situation in one’s favor.

हिन्दी सारांश:

अध्याय “इफ आई वर यू” एक हास्य और रोमांच से भरा नाटक है जिसे डगलस जेम्स ने लिखा है। यह नाटक एक बुद्धिमान लेखक गैरार्ड और एक अपराधी घुसपैठिए के बीच के संघर्ष को दर्शाता है। लेखक अपनी बुद्धि और सूझबूझ से एक खतरनाक परिस्थिति को हास्यपूर्ण विजय में बदल देता है।

कहानी की शुरुआत गैरार्ड के छोटे से घर से होती है। वह एक नाटककार है जो अकेला रहता है। एक दिन, जब वह बाहर जाने की तैयारी कर रहा होता है, एक अजनबी व्यक्ति बंदूक लेकर उसके घर में घुस जाता है। वह अपराधी गैरार्ड को धमकाता है और कहता है कि वह उसे मारकर उसकी पहचान अपना लेगा ताकि पुलिस उसे पकड़ न सके।

लेकिन गैरार्ड घबराने के बजाय शांत और चतुराई से बात करता है। वह अपराधी को यह विश्वास दिलाता है कि वह भी एक अपराधी है और पुलिस से बचने के लिए अलग-अलग नामों से रहता है। गैरार्ड कहता है कि पुलिस कभी भी उसके घर पहुँच सकती है, इसलिए दोनों को तुरंत भागना होगा। वह अपराधी को यह सोचने पर मजबूर कर देता है कि बचने का रास्ता एक दरवाजे से है, जबकि असल में वह दरवाजा एक अलमारी का होता है। जैसे ही अपराधी अंदर जाता है, गैरार्ड दरवाजा बंद कर देता है और पुलिस को बुला लेता है।

इस प्रकार गैरार्ड अपनी सूझबूझ से न केवल अपनी जान बचाता है बल्कि अपराधी को पकड़वा भी देता है।

संदेश: यह नाटक सिखाता है कि संकट के समय घबराने के बजाय शांत रहना और बुद्धि का प्रयोग करना ही असली साहस है। शक्ति से नहीं, बल्कि समझदारी से हर कठिन परिस्थिति पर विजय पाई जा सकती है।