Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman - Moments - Class 9 - NCERT Q&A Solved

 Summary of "Iswaran the Storyteller"

The story is about Mahendra, a junior supervisor working for a firm that hires out supervisors to various construction sites. He moves frequently for work and is accompanied by his cook, Iswaran. Iswaran is a resourceful and talented cook who can conjure up delicious meals even in the most desolate places. Additionally, Iswaran is an excellent storyteller who narrates gripping tales filled with adventure, suspense, and horror.

One night, after Iswaran shares a particularly terrifying ghost story, Mahendra experiences a chilling encounter. He wakes up to see a ghostly figure outside his window, which greatly unsettles him. The next morning, Iswaran casually mentions that Mahendra had seen the ghost he had described, which frightens Mahendra enough to make him decide to leave the place immediately.

Answers to 'Think About It'

1. In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?

   • Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra because he is not only a skilled cook who can prepare delicious meals in difficult conditions, but also a loyal companion who follows Mahendra to all his postings. Additionally, Iswaran entertains Mahendra with his storytelling, making life more enjoyable.

2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?

   • Iswaran describes the uprooted tree on the highway as a monstrous beast lying sprawled across the road, creating suspense and drama in his narration. He aims to captivate and thrill his listeners by adding an element of surprise and excitement to an otherwise mundane incident.

3. How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?

   • Iswaran narrates the story of the tusker with great enthusiasm and detail, describing how he bravely confronted and subdued a rampaging elephant with a single blow to its toenail. While his storytelling is vivid and engaging, the tale itself seems exaggerated and implausible, adding to the charm of Iswaran’s storytelling prowess.

4. Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters?

   • The author states this because Iswaran's captivating stories filled with suspense, horror, and drama provide Mahendra with entertainment and excitement, compensating for the lack of television in his living quarters.

5. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?

   • On a full-moon night, Mahendra hears a low moan near his window and, despite trying to ignore it, eventually sees a ghostly figure outside. This frightens him and makes him reconsider his disbelief in ghosts, showing how Iswaran’s stories have influenced his imagination.

6. Can you think of some other ending for the story?

   • An alternate ending could be Mahendra discovering that the ghostly figure was actually a prank played by Iswaran to teach him a lesson about respecting local beliefs and traditions. This revelation could lead to a deeper bond between the two characters, with Mahendra appreciating Iswaran’s storytelling even more.

Qualities of a Good Storyteller

A good storyteller like Iswaran possesses:

• Imagination: Creating vivid and engaging stories.
• Dramatic Flair: Using expressive gestures and voice modulation to captivate the audience.
• Suspense Building: Keeping the listeners on edge with unexpected twists.
• Relatability: Weaving elements of everyday life into the stories to make them more believable and entertaining.