Question 2 - Chapter 9 - If I were You - Beehive - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 9

Read the extract and answer the following questions-

Extract : 

GERRARD : I’m afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex.

 INTRUDER : So are the cops. I can retire here nicely for a little while. 

GERRARD : You mean to live with me? A trifle sudden isn’t it; you’ve not been invited. INTRUDER : You won’t be here long; so I didn’t trouble to ask. 

GERRARD : What do you mean? 

INTRUDER : This is your big surprise. I’m going to kill you

GERRARD : A little harsh, isn’t it? 

INTRUDER : (with heavy sarcasm) Yeah, I’ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it’s just got to be done. 

GERRARD : Why add murder to your other crimes? It’s a grave step you’re taking. INTRUDER : 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. 

GERRARD : You’re planning a gratuitous double, so to speak. Admitted you’ve nothing to lose, but what have you to gain?

(If I were you )

Question (i)

What does the word "gratuitous" mean in the context of the extract? Answer in one word.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

  Unnecessary

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning of the word "gratuitous" and how it is used in the context of the extract.

• 👉 Gratuitous means something that is done without a good reason or justification. It can also mean something that is given or done free of charge.

• 👉 In the context of the extract, Gerrard uses the word "gratuitous" to describe Intruder's plan to kill him. He says that Intruder is planning a "gratuitous double", meaning that he is going to kill two people (Gerrard and a policeman) without a good reason.

• 👉 Therefore, the word that best matches the meaning of "gratuitous" in this context is "unnecessary", which is a synonym for gratuitous. Unnecessary means something that is not needed or required.

• 👉 Hence, the answer is unnecessary. 🙅

Question (ii)

 Why does Intruder say that he has taken a fancy to Gerrard? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer:

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Answer as written by the student:

Intruder says that he has taken a fancy to Gerrard because he likes his name and appearance and wants to impersonate him. He thinks that by stealing Gerrard's identity and car, he can escape from the police and start a new life.

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to find out why Intruder says that he has taken a fancy to Gerrard and what his motive is.

• 👉 The extract reveals that Intruder is a wanted criminal who has killed a policeman. He has broken into Gerrard's house because he thinks that Gerrard has a similar appearance and background as him. He wants to steal his identity and car and run away.

• 👉 The extract shows that Intruder says that he has taken a fancy to Gerrard with heavy sarcasm. He does not really like him or care about him. He only likes his name and appearance because they suit his plan. He says "I like yours better, Mr Gerrard" and "I'm as smart as you and smarter".

• 👉 Therefore, Intruder says that he has taken a fancy to Gerrard because he likes his name and appearance and wants to impersonate him. 😈

Question (iii) 

Read the following statements (a)-(c) and identify which one is an example of sarcasm in the extract.

• (a) You mean to live with me? A trifle sudden isn’t it; you’ve not been invited.
• (b) A little harsh, isn’t it?
• (c) Yeah, I’ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it’s just got to be done.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(c) Yeah, I’ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it’s just got to be done.

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to understand what sarcasm is and how to recognize it in the extract.

• 👉 Sarcasm is a form of irony or mockery that expresses contempt or ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means. It usually involves a tone of voice that conveys insincerity or exaggeration.

• 👉 Statement (a) is not an example of sarcasm in the extract because it is a question that expresses surprise and indignation . Gerrard asks Intruder if he intends to live with him without being invited. He does not say the opposite of what he means or mock him.

• 👉 Statement (b) is not an example of sarcasm in the extract because it is a question that expresses disbelief and objection. Gerrard asks Intruder if his plan to kill him is not too harsh or cruel. He does not say the opposite of what he means or mock him.

• 👉 Statement (c) is an example of sarcasm in the extract because it is a statement that expresses contempt and ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means. Intruder tells Gerrard that he will be sorry to kill him and that he has taken a fancy to him, but he has to do it anyway. He does not mean what he says or care about him. He mocks him with his tone of voice.

• 👉 Therefore, statement (c) is an example of sarcasm in the extract. 😒

Question (iv)

 State TRUE or FALSE.

 Intruder has a clear and foolproof plan to escape from the police after killing Gerrard.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

FALSE

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to find out if Intruder has a clear and foolproof plan to escape from the police after killing Gerrard.

• 👉 The extract reveals that Intruder is a wanted criminal who has killed a policeman. He has broken into Gerrard's house because he thinks that Gerrard has a similar appearance and background as him. He wants to steal his identity and car and run away.

• 👉 The extract shows that Intruder does not have a clear and foolproof plan to escape from the police after killing Gerrard. He is vague and uncertain about his next steps. He says things like "I can retire here nicely for a little while" and "I'm as smart as you and smarter". He does not explain how he will avoid detection or suspicion.

• 👉 Therefore, the statement that Intruder has a clear and foolproof plan to escape from the police after killing Gerrard is false.

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