NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 9 If I Were You

As per the CBSE Syllabus 2025-26, this chapter is now listed as Chapter 9. We bring you the most reliable and accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English – Chapter 11: If I Were You. Every question from the Beehive textbook has been answered in detail to help students strengthen their preparation. 

To excel in examinations, having a strong command over the textbook is essential, and these NCERT Solutions are designed to make that easier. Prepared by experienced subject-matter experts in line with CBSE guidelines, these solutions are well-structured, comprehensive, and student-friendly. 

They not only support effective learning but also boost confidence during revision. For added convenience, the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English are also available in downloadable PDF format, so you can study anytime, anywhere.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9 PDF Download

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 9 cover the play “If I Were You” by Douglas James. The drama revolves around Gerrard, a playwright, who cleverly uses his wit and presence of mind to escape from a murderer. Just as Gerrard is preparing to leave for rehearsals, an unexpected visitor arrives, leading to a tense yet smartly handled situation. To help students understand the text better, we have provided detailed and accurate NCERT Solutions for class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9 – If I Were You in a simple and accessible format.

If I Were You Class 9 Questions and Answers

Question 1

“At last a sympathetic audience.”

1. Who says this?
2. Why does he say it?
3. Is he sarcastic or serious?

Answer:

1. Gerrard says this.
2. He says it when the intruder shows concern for him.
3. He is sarcastic, not serious.

Question 2: Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?

Answer: The intruder chooses Gerrard because Gerrard lives mysteriously—he works alone, takes orders by phone, and often disappears. This makes it easy for the intruder to assume his identity.

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Question 3

“I said it with bullets.”

1. Who says this?
2. What does it mean?
3. Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying it?

Answer:

1. Gerrard says this.
2. It means he isn’t helpless; he can defend himself if needed.
3. It’s not literally true. He says it to scare the intruder and make him believe Gerrard is dangerous.

Question 4

What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.

Answer: Gerrard is a playwright. He says, “Sorry I can’t let you have the props in time for rehearsal …” which shows he works in drama.

Question 5

“You’ll soon stop being smart.”

1. Who says this?
2. Why does the speaker say it?
3. What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?

Answer:

1. The intruder says this.
2. He says it because Gerrard continues to act confident despite the threat.
3. According to him, a bullet will stop Gerrard from being smart.

Question 6

“They can’t hang me twice.”

1. Who says this?
2. Why does the speaker say it?

Answer:

1. The intruder says this.
2. He says it because he has already committed one murder and believes another won’t change his punishment.

Question 7

“A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?

Answer: The mystery is Gerrard’s secretive lifestyle—taking orders over the phone and disappearing suddenly. The intruder wants Gerrard to explain how he lives this way.

Question 8

“This is your big surprise.”

1. Where has this been said in the play?
2. What is the surprise?

Answer:

1. Gerrard says this during his final move against the intruder.
2. The surprise is that Gerrard has turned the tables—the intruder will be captured instead of killing him.

Long-answer type questions

Question: Explain how Gerrard turns the tables on the intruder and saves his life.

Answer: Gerrard remains calm even when faced with danger. He uses clever deception—he feigns cooperation, lures the intruder to show confidence, and lets him believe he can assume Gerrard’s identity. He leads him toward a cupboard disguised as a door, then forces him inside and locks it. Meanwhile, he calls the police and gets the intruder arrested. Thus, by smart thinking, controlled composure, and tactical use of the environment, Gerrard outwits his enemy and ensures his safety.

Question: Discuss the themes of deception and identity in the play If I Were You.

Answer: Deception and identity are central to the drama. The intruder intends to usurp Gerrard’s identity to escape justice. Gerrard counters this by constructing a false narrative about himself, deceiving the intruder into trusting him. The play explores how identity is vulnerable to manipulation and highlights the power of mental agility over brute force. At the end, the theme reinforces that true identity cannot be stolen simply by appearance; it depends on awareness, wit, and moral resolve.

Question : How does irony function as a literary device in If I Were You? Provide examples.

Answer: Irony is used frequently by Gerrard to mask his fear and assert dominance. When he says “At last, a sympathetic audience!” he is not sincerely praising the intruder; in fact, he is mocking him. Or when Gerrard says “You have been so modest”, he means the opposite—he criticizes the intruder’s audacity to demand information. These ironic remarks keep the intruder off balance, prevent aggression, and expose Gerrard’s mental strength. Irony thus becomes a weapon in psychological battle.