If I were you Summary

 

The Play Begins at Gerrard’s House Where The Intruder Enters

The play begins in the lodge of Gerrard. He is a playwright. We find that Gerrard is talking with somebody on the phone. He is going somewhere. So after the conversation is finished, he begins packing the travelling sack. All of a sudden a man enters quietly from the right. He is like Gerrard in appearance. He has a pistol in his hand. This intruder is a criminal. He orders Gerrard to raise his hands up. Gerrard obeys him, however, isn’t anxious. He talks wonderfully to the intruder. The intruder cautions him not to try to be smart and answer his questions. Gerrard says he can’t feel good while his hands are up. The intruder tells him for sitting on the chair.

The Intruder Talks About Gerrard And Himself

From their interaction, we come to know about the intruder and also Gerrard. We become aware that Gerrard’s full name is Vincent Charles Gerrard. He lives there alone. He has a car also. He is a kind of mystery man. In some day he is here and the exact following day he is at nowhere to be seen. He gives his orders on the telephone and never meets tradesmen. Then the intruder talks Gerrard about himself. He informs him that he is a murderer and a criminal. He has practical experience in a jewel burglary. He has murdered a policeman. Presently the police are after him. He knows that he looks to some extent like Gerrard.

The Intruder Discloses His Plan

Then the intruder expresses his plan to Gerrard. He tells Gerrard that he has chosen to murder Gerrard and live there under the guise of Gerrard. From the intruder’s manner of talking, Gerrard surmises that he is a stupid, bombastic man. It would not too hard to get rid of this man.

Gerrard Designs a Story to Save Himself

Gerrard makes up a story. He says that he is also a vicious person and murderer. The police are also looking for him. That is the reason he lives bafflingly. He frequently disappears from that place. He tells the intruder that it would be an indiscretion to murder him. If he killed him, he would be put on gallows if not as himself, then as Gerrard. The intruder starts thinking. This is an opportunity for Gerrard. He smartly tells the intruder that he will take him to a safe place in his car. He asks the intruder that he shall hurry as the police may reach there anytime. The intruder is taken in. Gerrard opens the door and requests that the intruder to enter in. He reveals to him that the door goes to the garage and they will escape in his vehicle. Just when the intruder turns his head to get in, Gerrard pushes him and snatches the revolver out of his hand. Then, he closes the door and locks it. In fact, the doorway does not prompt to any garage. It is the entryway of his cupboard. The intruder shouts from inside to give him a chance to come out. But, Gerrard takes the telephone and calls the police to come. In this way, Gerrard spares his life by a smart trick.