Question 1 - Chapter 9 - If I were You - Beehive - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 9

Read the extract and answer the following questions-

Extract : 

GERRARD : I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.

 INTRUDER : (with emphasis) Do you live here alone? 

GERRARD : And if I don’t answer?

 INTRUDER : You’ve got enough sense not to want to get hurt.

 GERRARD : I think good sense is shown more in the ability to avoid pain than in the mere desire to do so. What do you think, Mr— er—

 INTRUDER : Never mind my name. I like yours better, Mr Gerrard. What are your Christian names? 

GERRARD : Vincent Charles

. INTRUDER : Do you run a car? 

GERRARD : No. INTRUDER : That’s a lie. You’re not dealing with a fool. I’m as smart as you and smarter, and I know you run a car. Better be careful, wise guy! 

GERRARD : Are you American, or is that merely a clever imitation?

 INTRUDER : Listen, this gun’s no toy. I can hurt you without killing you, and still get my answers. 

GERRARD : Of course, if you put it like that, I’ll be glad to assist you. I do possess a car, and it’s in the garage round the corner.

(If I were you )

Question (i)

What is the name of the character who is threatening Gerrard with a gun? Answer in one word.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

  Intruder

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to identify the name of the character who is threatening Gerrard with a gun in the extract.

• 👉 The extract is a dialogue between two characters: Gerrard and Intruder. Gerrard is the owner of the house where the scene takes place. Intruder is a criminal who has broken into the house and wants to steal Gerrard's identity.

• 👉 The extract shows that Intruder is threatening Gerrard with a gun and asking him questions about his name, car, etc. He says things like "You've got enough sense not to want to get hurt", "Listen, this gun's no toy", and "I can hurt you without killing you".

• 👉 Therefore, the name of the character who is threatening Gerrard with a gun is Intruder. 🔫

Question (ii)

Why does Intruder want to know Gerrard's Christian names? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

Intruder wants to know Gerrard's Christian names because he plans to impersonate him and escape from the police. He says "I like yours better, Mr Gerrard" and "I'm as smart as you and smarter". He thinks that by knowing Gerrard's full name and other details, he can fool others and avoid capture.

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to understand why Intruder wants to know Gerrard's Christian names 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 asks Gerrard several questions about his name, car, etc. He also compliments his name and claims to be smarter than him. These clues suggest that he wants to know Gerrard's Christian names because he plans to impersonate him and escape from the police.

• 👉 Therefore, Intruder wants to know Gerrard's Christian names because he plans to impersonate him and escape from the police. 🚓

Question (iii)

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

• (a) I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me.
• (b) Do you live here alone?
• (c) Better be careful, wise guy!

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(a) I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me.

Step by step explanation:

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

• 👉 Inflection is the change in pitch or tone of voice that conveys meaning or emotion. It can also affect the grammatical function of a word or sentence.

• 👉 Statement (a) is an example of inflection in the extract because Gerrard uses it to explain why he did not answer Intruder's question. He says that he thought Intruder was telling him something, not asking him something. This implies that Intruder's voice was unfamiliar and did not have the right inflection for a question.

• 👉 Statement (b) is not an example of inflection in the extract because it is a simple question that does not show any change in pitch or tone of voice. It does not convey any meaning or emotion beyond asking for information.

• 👉 Statement (c) is not an example of inflection in the extract because it is a warning that shows Intruder's anger and impatience. It does not affect the grammatical function of the sentence or change its meaning.

• 👉 Therefore, statement (a) is an example of inflection in the extract. 🗣️

Question (iv)

 How does Gerrard show his wit and courage in this extract? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

Gerrard shows his wit and courage in this extract by using sarcasm, humour, and clever questions to challenge Intruder. He does not show fear or panic when faced with a gun. He also tries to find out more about Intruder's plan and identity.

Step by step explanation:

• 👉 To answer this question, we need to analyze how Gerrard shows his wit and courage in this extract.

• 👉 The extract shows that Gerrard is witty and courageous because he does not let Intruder intimidate him or control him. He uses sarcasm, humour, and clever questions to challenge Intruder and make him angry or confused.

• 👉 For example, he says things like "A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar", "And if I don't answer?" , "What do you think, Mr— er—", "Are you American, or is that merely a clever imitation?", etc. These remarks show that he is mocking Intruder's voice, accent, name, etc.

• 👉 The extract also shows that Gerrard does not show fear or panic when faced with a gun. He says things like "I think good sense is shown more in the ability to avoid pain than in the mere desire to do so" and "Of course, if you put it like that, I'll be glad to assist you". These statements show that he is calm and confident.

• 👉 The extract also shows that Gerrard tries to find out more about Intruder's plan and identity. He asks him questions like "What are your Christian names?" and "Do you run a car?". These questions show that he is curious and alert.

• 👉 Therefore, Gerrard shows his wit and courage in this extract by using sarcasm, humour, and clever questions to challenge Intruder. He does not show fear or panic when faced with a gun. He also tries to find out more about Intruder's plan and identity. 💡