3. Iswaran the Storyteller - Class 9 - Moments

Author: R.K. Laxman

Textbook: Moments

Genre: Humorous Narrative / Supernatural Tale / Frame Story

📝 Summary

The story is narrated by Mahendra, a supervisor who travels frequently for work and lives in remote areas. He is accompanied by Iswaran, his loyal cook, who not only manages the household but also entertains Mahendra with his captivating storytelling. Iswaran is known for his dramatic narration, complete with gestures and suspense, making even mundane incidents sound extraordinary.

He once tells Mahendra an elaborate story of how he brought down a mad elephant with a single blow using a Japanese martial art. On another occasion, Iswaran describes a terrifying ghost of a woman seen near their worksite, which used to be a burial ground. Though Mahendra initially dismisses the ghost story as nonsense, he is later deeply disturbed when he sees a dark form one night resembling the ghost Iswaran described.

The story ends on a chilling note when Iswaran casually mentions that Mahendra saw the ghost himself — confirming Mahendra’s fears. Unable to bear the eerie environment, Mahendra decides to resign and leave.

👤 Character Sketch: Iswaran

Iswaran is Mahendra’s cook and caretaker. He is deeply loyal and accompanies Mahendra to even the most remote job postings. Iswaran is a resourceful and skilled cook, and he is also a voracious reader of Tamil thrillers. His storytelling skills are extraordinary; he adds suspense, drama, and vivid imagery to every tale he tells. He often leaves his stories unfinished to build tension. His imagination, devotion, and theatrical personality make him a fascinating and entertaining character.

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices

📖 Title Justification

The title “Iswaran the Storyteller” is perfectly justified as the chapter revolves around Iswaran’s vivid and imaginative narration. Through his stories, Iswaran entertains, influences, and ultimately terrifies Mahendra. His ability to blend fact with fiction, suspense with drama, makes him the central figure of the narrative and a true storyteller.

✅ One-Mark Questions (Exam-Style Answers)

Q1. In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?

👉 Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra because he is a devoted cook, manages household chores, and entertains Mahendra with engaging stories.

Q2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway?

👉 He dramatizes the sight by calling it a beast lying across the road, creating suspense before revealing it was a fallen tree.

Q3. How does Iswaran narrate the story of the mad elephant?

👉 He adds exaggerated details, including how he knocked down the elephant with a stick, making the tale sound thrilling and heroic.

Q4. What makes Mahendra decide to resign from his job?

👉 After seeing a ghostly figure one night and hearing Iswaran say he saw it too, Mahendra becomes terrified and decides to quit and leave the place.

Q5. What was Mahendra’s initial opinion about ghosts?

👉 Mahendra dismissed ghosts as imaginary and told Iswaran not to speak such nonsense.

✅ Three-Mark Questions (Exam-Ready Answers)

Q1. How does Iswaran influence Mahendra’s thoughts despite being a rational man?👉 Although Mahendra considered himself rational and denied the existence of ghosts, Iswaran’s vivid stories began to affect him psychologically. After hearing about the female ghost, Mahendra started feeling uneasy and even imagined seeing a ghostly figure one night. This proves how powerful and convincing Iswaran’s storytelling was.

Q2. Describe the story of the mad elephant narrated by Iswaran.

👉 Iswaran narrates an incident from his school days when a mad elephant caused chaos in his town. He claims he brought the elephant down by hitting it on the toenail using a martial art technique, paralyzing it temporarily. He tells the story with drama and suspense, making it sound incredibly heroic.

Q3. Why is the setting of the workplace important in the story?

👉 The workplace, being remote and formerly a burial ground, adds to the spooky atmosphere. It supports Iswaran’s ghost story and heightens Mahendra’s fear. The isolation and darkness of the place create a perfect setting for supernatural experiences.

🧠 Value-Based Question

Q. What does “Iswaran the Storyteller” teach us about the power of words and belief?

👉 The story shows how powerful words can shape emotions and even alter beliefs. Although Mahendra prided himself on being logical, Iswaran’s vivid ghost story influenced him deeply. It teaches us that stories, whether true or not, can impact our thinking and that fear often arises from suggestion rather than reality.

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