📘 ISWARAN THE STORYTELLER
🖋️ By R. K. Narayan
📚 Class 9 – Moments (Supplementary Reader)
✅ 1–40: Short Question Answers (2–3 lines)
- 🔵 Who is Iswaran?
▪️ Iswaran is Mahendra’s cook and servant who also entertains him with amazing stories. - 🟢 What is Mahendra’s job?
▪️ Mahendra is a junior supervisor who moves from place to place due to his work. - 🟡 What is special about Iswaran?
▪️ He is a skilled storyteller who adds drama and suspense to even simple events. - 🔴 Where did Mahendra live?
▪️ Mahendra stayed at remote work sites, often in temporary shelters. - 🔵 How did Iswaran serve Mahendra?
▪️ He cooked, cleaned, and entertained Mahendra with his lively stories. - 🟣 What kind of stories did Iswaran tell?
▪️ He narrated ghost stories, heroic tales, and strange incidents. - 🟢 What is unique about Iswaran’s storytelling style?
▪️ He used gestures, dramatic pauses, and expressive language to create suspense. - 🟡 What is Iswaran’s favorite author?
▪️ He liked reading Tamil thrillers, which inspired his storytelling. - 🔴 Why was Mahendra fond of Iswaran?
▪️ Because Iswaran was obedient, resourceful, and kept him entertained. - 🔵 What did Iswaran claim about his strength?
▪️ He claimed he once stunned a wild elephant with a stick. - 🟣 How did Iswaran describe the elephant incident?
▪️ He made it sound very dramatic and heroic, though it seemed exaggerated. - 🟢 Was the elephant story true?
▪️ It was likely exaggerated or fictional to impress Mahendra. - 🟡 What was Iswaran’s morning ritual?
▪️ He would perform yoga and then read Tamil books before starting work. - 🔴 What role did suspense play in his stories?
▪️ Suspense made his stories engaging and kept Mahendra interested. - 🔵 What ghost story did Iswaran tell Mahendra?
▪️ He spoke of a ghost woman with matted hair and a shrill cry. - 🟣 When did Iswaran share the ghost story?
▪️ Just before Mahendra was about to sleep, increasing his fear. - 🟢 What effect did the ghost story have on Mahendra?
▪️ He became frightened and began to believe he saw the ghost. - 🟡 Did Mahendra confront Iswaran about the ghost?
▪️ No, but he was deeply disturbed and couldn’t sleep properly. - 🔴 What did Mahendra see one night?
▪️ A figure outside his window moaning — just like the ghost Iswaran described. - 🔵 How did Mahendra react to the figure?
▪️ He was terrified and began to believe in Iswaran’s ghost story. - 🟣 Was the ghost real?
▪️ The story leaves it unclear, adding to the mystery. - 🟢 What decision did Mahendra make after the incident?
▪️ He decided to leave the place and requested a transfer. - 🟡 Why did Mahendra want to leave?
▪️ He was scared by the supposed ghost and could not stay there peacefully. - 🔴 Did Iswaran believe in ghosts?
▪️ Yes, or at least he said so and told ghost stories with great belief. - 🔵 How does the story reflect Indian oral storytelling traditions?
▪️ It shows how narration, tone, and imagination play a big role in Indian tales. - 🟣 Was Mahendra rational?
▪️ Initially yes, but he became superstitious after Iswaran’s stories. - 🟢 What literary devices does the author use?
▪️ Suspense, humour, and irony. - 🟡 What does Iswaran’s character symbolize?
▪️ He represents the power of storytelling and imagination. - 🔴 How did the ghost story affect Mahendra’s work life?
▪️ It disrupted his peace of mind and made him want to leave the site. - 🔵 How is humour used in the story?
▪️ Through Iswaran’s exaggerations and dramatic style. - 🟣 Why do readers enjoy Iswaran’s character?
▪️ Because of his vivid imagination and quirky storytelling. - 🟢 What makes the story engaging?
▪️ The blending of realistic events with fantasy and suspense. - 🟡 Is the story realistic or fictional?
▪️ It’s a mix — realistic setting, but fictional or exaggerated events. - 🔴 Why is Mahendra’s job important to the story?
▪️ It takes him to strange places, perfect for ghost stories. - 🔵 How did Iswaran deal with loneliness?
▪️ Through reading and creating entertaining stories. - 🟣 How did Mahendra begin his days?
▪️ Listening to Iswaran’s lively accounts while sipping tea. - 🟢 What is the central theme of the story?
▪️ The power of imagination and storytelling. - 🟡 How does the author build suspense?
▪️ Through Iswaran’s slow, dramatic narration. - 🔴 What quality made Iswaran a good companion?
▪️ His ability to entertain, cook, and take care of everything. - 🔵 Why is the story titled “Iswaran the Storyteller”?
▪️ Because storytelling defines his personality and drives the plot.
✅ 41–45: Long Question Answers (100–120 words)
- 🟦 Describe the character of Iswaran.
▪️ Iswaran is a lively, imaginative, and devoted servant who entertains his master, Mahendra, with thrilling stories. He reads Tamil thrillers and uses their elements in his storytelling. His ability to turn simple incidents into dramatic tales makes him unique. He is not just a cook but also a companion who fills Mahendra’s lonely life with excitement. Iswaran often uses gestures and dramatic pauses to keep Mahendra hooked. Though his stories seem exaggerated, they are amusing and captivating. He is also caring and efficient in his duties. His personality reflects the rich oral storytelling tradition of India. - 🟩 How does the story show the power of storytelling?
▪️ The story shows how powerful storytelling can influence even a rational mind. Iswaran’s vivid imagination and narrative skills make ordinary events seem extraordinary. His tale about the ghost woman affects Mahendra deeply, to the point that he begins to hallucinate. Despite being logical and educated, Mahendra ends up believing in the supernatural. This proves how strong and persuasive oral storytelling can be. The story also highlights how people often let their imagination take over reality. Iswaran’s influence through his words reflects how narratives can shape our thoughts, fears, and actions. - 🟥 What effect did the ghost story have on Mahendra?
▪️ The ghost story narrated by Iswaran deeply disturbed Mahendra. Though he did not believe in ghosts initially, he was shaken after hearing about the female spirit. The dramatic way in which Iswaran described the ghost made Mahendra feel its presence. One night, he actually saw a white figure with matted hair outside his window and was terrified. This made him lose sleep and peace of mind. The ghost story had such a powerful psychological impact that Mahendra requested a transfer to a different place. This shows how stories can influence our emotions and decisions. - 🟨 What are the main themes in “Iswaran the Storyteller”?
▪️ The story presents several important themes: the power of imagination, the charm of storytelling, and human psychology. It highlights how stories can entertain, educate, and even influence emotions. Iswaran’s creativity and narration show how the art of storytelling is a vital part of culture. The story also reflects the psychological impact of fear and belief in the supernatural. Mahendra, though rational, is overwhelmed by the emotional power of Iswaran’s tales. The narrative also shows the strong bond between a master and a faithful servant in a light-hearted way. - 🟧 Why does Mahendra decide to leave the place?
▪️ Mahendra decides to leave the work site because he is haunted by fear after hearing and experiencing the ghost story told by Iswaran. Though he never believed in ghosts before, the vivid details of the tale disturb his mind. One night, he sees a ghost-like figure outside his window and becomes terrified. The incident makes it impossible for him to live there peacefully. As a result, he requests a transfer to escape the place. This decision reflects how imagination and fear can overpower logic and affect our behavior.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
- 🟦 What moral lesson does the story give us?
▪️ It teaches us that imagination has great power, and we should not let fear take over reason. - 🟩 What does the story reveal about human psychology?
▪️ That even a logical person can fall prey to fear and belief in the supernatural. - 🟥 How does Iswaran show creativity?
▪️ Through his dramatic and engaging storytelling, turning normal events into thrilling tales. - 🟨 What value do we learn from Mahendra’s character?
▪️ Adaptability, discipline, and dedication to his job — but also how fear can affect anyone. - 🟧 How does the story promote oral traditions?
▪️ It shows that storytelling is a powerful cultural and emotional connector, keeping people engaged.