Introduction to the Play
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Character Introduction
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Let's discuss the two main characters introduced in the play. Who can tell me who Gerrard is?
Gerrard seems to be a cultured man living alone in a cottage.
Correct! He is well-mannered and composed. What about the Intruder?
The Intruder is a criminal. He wants to kill Gerrard and take his identity.
Exactly! This creates a tense atmosphere. Remember, 'Gerrard is cultured; the Intruder is chaotic.'
Thatβs a good way to remember their differences.
And this tension leads to their verbal exchanges, revealing their personalities. Can anyone summarize their dialogue?
Gerrard uses sarcasm and wit, while the Intruder is aggressive and straightforward.
Well summarized! This dynamic is crucial as we analyze their interactions further.
Themes of Identity and Deception
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Now that we understand the characters, let's delve into the themes. What theme stands out from Gerrard's interaction with the Intruder?
The theme of identity is important. The Intruder wants to take over Gerrardβs identity.
Yes! And how does this reflect the idea of deception?
The Intruder deceives Gerrard by threatening him and planning to impersonate him.
Exactly! Memory aid: 'ID for Identity and Deception.' They are intertwined here.
Thatβs easy to remember! It shows how characters can manipulate roles.
Right! Gerrard's cleverness ultimately turns this deception back on the Intruder. Would anyone like to predict how this may unfold?
It seems like Gerrard might outsmart the Intruder!
Narrative Techniques
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Let's analyze the narrative style. How does the playwright create tension in their dialogue?
The use of sarcasm from Gerrard and the Intruder's threats creates a sense of urgency.
Very true! This dynamic keeps the audience on edge. What are some key phrases that illustrate this?
'Put those paws up!' really shows the Intruder's aggressive tone.
Exactly! And what about Gerrard's reply? How does he respond?
He uses humor: 'This is all very melodramatic...'
Correct! This wit establishes his character and helps build rapport with the audience. Remember this: 'Dramatic tension = aggressive dialogue + clever retorts.'
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section outlines the initial conflict in the play, where Gerrard, a cultured individual living alone, is confronted by an armed intruder. The intruder aims to murder Gerrard and assume his identity, leading to a witty exchange that reveals both characters' cleverness and motivations.
Detailed
Introduction to the Play
The opening scene of the play sets the stage in Gerrard's cottage, where he is engaged in a phone call. We are introduced to Gerrard, a cultured man, contrasted with an unnamed intruder who is armed and aggressive. The intruder's intention is to kill Gerrard and steal his identity, perceiving it as a means to escape his life of crime. This confrontation sets up a battle of wits, where Gerrard shows remarkable composure and cleverness while navigating the threats posed by the intruder. Throughout the dialogue, multiple themes arise, including identity, deception, and the nature of heroism in unexpected circumstances.
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Gerrard's Cottage and Intruder's Intent
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
β’ Gerrard lives alone in a lonely cottage. An intruder, who is a criminal, enters his cottage. He intends to murder Gerrard and take on his identity. Does he succeed?
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the main setting and conflict of the play. Gerrard, the main character, is portrayed as a solitary figure living in a remote cottage. The entry of an intruder raises the tension, as this intruder has malicious intentions; he wants to kill Gerrard and assume his identity. This sets up a dramatic scenario that drives the narrative forward.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine someone living in a peaceful neighborhood when suddenly an unexpected visitor breaks in, with intentions to harm them. Just like in movies where tension builds when heroes face threats, this play's conflict creates a similar atmosphere of suspense.
Key Terminology in the Play
Chapter 2 of 6
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Chapter Content
β’ The following words and phrases occur in the play. Do you know their meanings? Match them with the meanings given, to find out.
cultured an informal expression for a fashionable vehicle
count on unnecessary and usually harmful engaged exaggerated
melodramatic sophisticated; well mannered
to be smart here, a tone of voice inflection avoid
wise guy an unexpected opportunity for success
a dandy bus trap
tradespeople a Christian religious teacher who teaches on Sundays in Church
gratuitous (American English) a person who pretends to know a lot
dodge depend on; rely on
lucky break (American English) an informal way of saying that one is being too clever
Sunday-school teacher occupied; busy
frame merchants
Detailed Explanation
The section provides a glossary of terms that are important for understanding the dialogue in the play. Knowing these definitions helps students grasp the nuances in character interactions and the overall themes. Words like 'cultured' and 'melodramatic' can give insights into the personalities and motivations of characters, while terms like 'wise guy' and 'lucky break' highlight the intruder's attitude.
Examples & Analogies
Think of when you watch a movie and hear characters use specific slang or terminology. Understanding those words not only helps you follow along with the plot but also deepens your appreciation for the characters. Similarly, in this play, knowing the terminology is crucial for fully engaging with the story.
Scene Setup
Chapter 3 of 6
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Chapter Content
S CENE: A small cottage interior. There is an entrance back right (which may be curtained). Another door to the left must be a practical door. The furniture is simple, consisting of a small table towards the left, a chair or two, and a divan rather upstage on the right. On the table is a telephone.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk describes the physical setting of the play. The small cottage is minimalist in its decoration, which reflects Gerrard's solitary lifestyle. The mention of a telephone implies communication with the outside world, contrasting with Gerrard's isolation. The description provides an image that helps the audience visualize the space where the drama unfolds.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a small, cozy room where someone lives alone. The sparse furniture and simple setup might suggest a life of solitude or a retreat from the chaos of the outside world. This scene can be compared to any simple living arrangement where the focus is on a solitary life, evoking feelings of either comfort or loneliness.
Gerrard and the Intruder's Encounter
Chapter 4 of 6
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Chapter Content
(When the curtain rises Gerrard is standing by the table making a phone call. He is of medium height, and wearing horn-rimmed glasses ... He is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. His voice is cultured.) GERRARD : ...Well, tell him to phone up directly. I must know... Yes, I expect Iβll still be here, but you mustnβt count on that... In about ten minutesβ time. Right-ho. Goodbye.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk opens with Gerrard engaged in a phone call, establishing him as a proactive character. His appearance (medium height, horn-rimmed glasses, stylish attire) and cultured voice hint at his personality as refined and sophisticated. His conversation suggests he might be involved in urgent matters, indicating intelligence and alertness, which sets the stage for the tension that follows with the entry of the intruder.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a high-stakes businessperson who is engrossed in an important call. Their appearance and demeanor suggest professionalism and seriousness, preparing us for a dramatic moment when something unexpected happens. Just like how unexpected events can change the course of a business deal, Gerrardβs calm demeanor sets him up for a sudden challenge.
The Intruder's Threat
Chapter 5 of 6
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Chapter Content
(He puts down the phone and goes to the divan on the left, where there is a travelling bag, and starts packing. Whilst he is thus engaged, another man, similar in build to Gerrard enters from the right silently β revolver in hand. He is flashily dressed in an overcoat and a soft hat. He bumps accidentally against the table, and at the sound Gerrard turns quickly.) GERRARD : (pleasantly) Why, this is a surprise, Mrβ erβ
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the intruder as a threatening yet somewhat clumsy figure who disrupts Gerrard's preparations. The fact that he is armed and has a flashy appearance suggests he brings danger and chaos into the otherwise calm setting. Gerrard's pleasant manner, even in the face of a weapon, highlights his composure and intelligence, indicating that he is not easily intimidated.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine being in your home and suddenly, an unexpected and threatening visitor shows up. Your reaction can vary from fear to quick-thinking. Gerrard's calm and polite response mirrors how some people might choose to defuse a tense situation with humor or calm communication, showing bravery in an unexpected crisis.
Gerrard's Wit and Strategy
Chapter 6 of 6
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Chapter Content
GERRARD : At last a sympathetic audience! Iβll tell you the story of my life. How as a child I was stolen by the gypsies, and why at the age of thirty-two, I find myself in my lonely Essex cottage, how...
Detailed Explanation
Gerrard's comment about having a 'sympathetic audience' is rich in irony. He uses humor and sarcasm to take control of the conversation, suggesting that he can outwit the intruder. The reference to his life story serves as a distraction while also displaying his skill in handling dangerous situations through clever dialogue. This hints at Gerrard's intelligence and composure under pressure.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a comedian on stage who uses humor to calm a rowdy crowd. By telling a funny story, they shift focus from potential chaos to shared laughter. Gerrardβs strategy mirrors this technique as he humorously engages the intruder to regain the upper hand in a life-threatening situation.
Key Concepts
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Identity: The theme of how identity can be assumed and manipulated is central to the play.
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Tension: The dynamic interplay between the characters creates a dramatic tension essential to the plot.
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Dialogue: The witty exchanges reveal character traits and advance the storyline.
Examples & Applications
Gerrard's line 'This is all very melodramatic' exemplifies his clever use of sarcasm to diffuse the situation.
The Intruder's threats show his attempt to assert control over Gerrard, which contrasts sharply with Gerrard's casual demeanor.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Gerrard is neat, Intruder's deceit; words we exchange, danger doesn't rearrange.
Stories
Imagine a cultured playwright in a quiet cottage, suddenly interrupted by a flashy intruder seeking a new life.
Memory Tools
Remember: IC (Identity Crisis) for the theme, as the Intruder wishes to live as Gerrard.
Acronyms
IDEA - Identity, Deception, Entrapment, Adaptation.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Intruder
A person who enters a place without permission, often with malicious intent.
- Cultured
Characterized by refined taste, manners, or knowledge; sophisticated.
- Melodramatic
Overly emotional, sensational, or exaggerated in behavior or presentation.
- Identity
The characteristics, feelings, or beliefs that make a person or group different from others.
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