Read the play carefully and find the words and expressions Gerrard uses in an ironic way. Then say what these expressions really mean. Two examples have been given below. Write down three more such expressions along with what they really mean.
| What the author says | What he means |
|---|---|
| Why, this is a surprise, Mr —er— | He pretends that the intruder is a social visitor whom he is welcoming. In this way, he hides his fear. |
| At last a sympathetic audience! | He pretends that the intruder wants to listen to him, whereas actually the intruder wants to find out information for his own use. |
| I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you're saying. | Gerrard pretends that he doesn't understand the intruder's words, while actually he's stalling and buying time to think of a plan. |
| Oh, I'm just a playwright, you know. Nothing too important. | Gerrard downplays his profession to seem less threatening to the intruder, hiding the fact that he is capable of outsmarting him. |
| It's a good thing you're here! I could use a bit of help. | Gerrard uses sarcasm, suggesting that the intruder might help him, while actually planning to manipulate the situation to his advantage. |