Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions - Iswaran the Storyteller - NCERT Class 9, Chapter 3

Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller

'Iswaran the Storyteller' by R.K. Laxman narrates the story of Mahendra, a junior supervisor, and his cook Iswaran, who had a knack for telling fascinating stories. Iswaran’s storytelling brings suspense, humor, and sometimes fear into their otherwise monotonous life. Mahendra dismisses his ghost stories as mere imagination until one night, he experiences something that shakes his beliefs.

Iswaran the Storyteller in Hindi

'इस्वरन द स्टोरीटेलर' आर.के. लक्ष्मण द्वारा लिखित कहानी है, जिसमें महेंद्र, एक जूनियर सुपरवाइजर, और उसका रसोइया इस्वरन है, जो कहानियाँ सुनाने में माहिर था। इस्वरन की कहानियाँ उनके एकरस जीवन में रोमांच, हास्य, और कभी-कभी भय लेकर आती हैं। महेंद्र इन भूतिया कहानियों को केवल कल्पना मानता है, लेकिन एक रात का अनुभव उसकी धारणाओं को हिला देता है।

THINK ABOUT IT

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

Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra not only because of his excellent cooking and housekeeping skills, but also because of his entertaining storytelling. His ability to narrate engaging stories filled with suspense, humor, and drama makes Mahendra’s otherwise monotonous life enjoyable. Iswaran’s resourcefulness in providing fresh ingredients and his dedication to Mahendra further add to his value.

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 large, bushy beast sprawled across the road. He adds suspense to his narration by making the event seem frightening at first. His intent is to create a sense of excitement and drama in his listeners, making even ordinary events sound extraordinary.

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

Iswaran narrates the story of a mad elephant (tusker) that enters a town, causing destruction. He adds to the drama by describing how he, as a young boy, managed to bring the elephant down by striking it on its toenail. While his storytelling is vivid and captivating, the incident appears exaggerated and somewhat implausible. Nevertheless, the entertainment value of his story is undeniable.

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 makes this statement because Iswaran’s engaging storytelling filled the void of entertainment in Mahendra’s life. Iswaran’s ability to narrate gripping and imaginative tales was so entertaining that Mahendra didn’t feel the need for a TV for amusement.

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

Despite Mahendra’s disbelief in ghosts, on a full-moon night, he experiences what seems to be a ghostly figure outside his window. He hears moaning sounds and sees a cloudy, dark form carrying a bundle. This encounter leaves him terrified, and it shakes his previously firm stance on ghosts being imaginary.

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

One possible alternate ending could be that Mahendra confronts his fear and goes outside to investigate the dark figure. Upon closer inspection, he finds that it’s a harmless old man carrying a sack of belongings, thereby debunking the idea of the ghost and proving that his imagination had been playing tricks on him.

TALK ABOUT IT

Is Iswaran a fascinating storyteller? Discuss with your friends the qualities of a good storyteller. Try to use these qualities and tell a story.

Iswaran is indeed a fascinating storyteller due to his ability to add drama, suspense, and humor to even the simplest of incidents. A good storyteller captivates their audience with vivid descriptions, emotional engagement, and a sense of timing. Discuss with your friends how you can incorporate these elements into your own storytelling, and practice telling a story using these techniques.

About the Author

R.K. Laxman, known for his iconic 'Common Man' cartoons, was also a brilliant storyteller. 'Iswaran the Storyteller' reflects his humor and wit while capturing the power of imagination and the art of storytelling.