Struggling with Iswaran the Storyteller? This ultimate guide has everything Class IX students need to ace their exams! From a crisp summary and word meanings to exam-ready Q&A, MCQs, and detailed explanations in Hindi and Urdu—get all your doubts cleared and fall in love with the story. Your top grades are just a click away!
- Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman
- Words Meaning of Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman
- Iswaran the Storyteller Questions and Answers
- Extra Questions and Answers
- MCQs – Iswaran the Storyteller
- Detailed Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller in Hindi
- Detailed Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller in Urdu
Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman
Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman is a delightful tale from the NCERT Solution Moments book for Class 9 English. It revolves around Iswaran, a loyal and talkative cook working for Mahendra, a junior supervisor. Iswaran has an amazing talent for storytelling. He narrates gripping tales full of suspense, exaggeration, and vivid details.
One story he tells is about a ghostly woman that haunts a factory area. His dramatic style makes the stories seem real, even though they’re clearly exaggerated. Mahendra enjoys listening but dismisses the tales as nonsense.
One night, Mahendra sees a figure resembling Iswaran’s ghostly description. It terrifies him. The story ends with Mahendra deciding to leave the place.
Through its humour and twists, the story highlights the power of imagination and how it influences others. It’s a must-read for exam preparation and fun learning.
Words Meaning of Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Laxman
| Word/Expression | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Storyteller | Someone who tells stories |
| Junior supervisor | A person who manages workers at a lower level |
| Impromptu | Done without preparation |
| Descriptive style | A way of speaking or writing that includes a lot of details |
| Eerie | Strange and scary |
| Captivating | Very interesting, holds your attention |
| Exaggeration | Making something seem bigger or better than it really is |
| Paranormal | Related to ghosts or supernatural things |
| Imaginative | Full of ideas and creativity |
| Loyal | Faithful and trustworthy |
| Gripping | Very exciting and interesting |
| Fascinated | Very interested or amazed |
| Dreadful | Very bad or scary |
| Subtle hint | A small or indirect suggestion |
| Trance-like state | A condition where a person seems half-awake and half-dreaming |
| Labourers | Workers, usually doing hard physical work |
| Decided to leave | Made a choice to go away from a place |
| Vivid details | Very clear and detailed descriptions |
| Spine-chilling | Very scary, making you feel shivers |
Iswaran the Storyteller Questions and Answers
Think About It
1. In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
Very Short Answer:
Iswaran is an asset because he cooks, cleans, and entertains Mahendra with fascinating stories.
Short Answer:
Iswaran’s multitasking makes him indispensable to Mahendra. Apart from cooking and cleaning, his storytelling keeps Mahendra entertained in the lonely quarters, filling the absence of other distractions.
2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
Short Answer:
Iswaran describes the uprooted tree as a monstrous thing lying across the road, resembling a giant beast. He exaggerates to create suspense and make his story thrilling for his listeners.
3. How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
Short Answer:
Iswaran narrates the story of the tusker in a dramatic style, describing how he subdued the rampaging elephant with a wooden club. It doesn’t seem plausible due to its exaggerated nature.
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?
Long Answer:
The author says this because Iswaran’s storytelling was so engaging that it kept Mahendra entertained in their remote living quarters, where there was no television. Iswaran’s vivid descriptions, expressions, and ability to create suspense made his stories almost like watching an exciting TV show. This skill made up for the lack of modern entertainment in their isolated surroundings.
5. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?
Short Answer:
On a full-moon night, Mahendra sees a ghostly figure by his window, matching Iswaran’s description. Terrified, he decides to leave the place despite his disbelief in spirits.
6. Can you think of some other ending for the story?
Long Answer:
An alternate ending could be Mahendra deciding to confront the ghost. He might realise it’s either a trick of the mind or someone playing a prank. This ending could emphasise the theme of rationality versus superstition, making the story thought-provoking in a different way.
Extra Questions and Answers
Think About It
7. What does Iswaran do when he is not cooking or cleaning?
Very Short Answer:
Iswaran reads Tamil thrillers and narrates captivating stories to Mahendra.
Short Answer:
When not cooking or cleaning, Iswaran spends his time reading Tamil novels. His favourite pastime is narrating fascinating, exaggerated stories that keep Mahendra entertained.
8. How does Iswaran’s storytelling style captivate Mahendra?
Short Answer:
Iswaran uses vivid descriptions, sound effects, and dramatic pauses while narrating stories. His expressions and tone make even the most ordinary events seem thrilling and believable.
9. Why does Mahendra finally decide to leave the place?
Short Answer:
Mahendra decides to leave after seeing a ghostly figure outside his window. This experience, coupled with Iswaran’s stories, shakes his belief that ghosts are imaginary.
10. What is the central message of Iswaran the Storyteller?
Long Answer:
The story highlights the power of imagination and storytelling. It shows how vivid descriptions and emotions can influence people, even those who consider themselves rational. The story also subtly explores the themes of loyalty and the human tendency to enjoy exaggeration and drama.
11. How does Iswaran prepare Mahendra for his ghost stories?
Short Answer:
Iswaran builds suspense by talking about the eerie surroundings and strange incidents. He uses pauses and a serious tone to make his ghost stories sound convincing.
12. What role does exaggeration play in Iswaran’s stories?
Short Answer:
Exaggeration makes Iswaran’s stories dramatic and engaging. It adds suspense and keeps the listener hooked, even if the stories seem far-fetched or unrealistic.
13. What qualities of Iswaran make him unique?
Short Answer:
Iswaran is loyal, hardworking, and creative. His exceptional storytelling skills and ability to find humour and drama in ordinary situations make him unique.
14. How does Mahendra react to Iswaran’s ghost stories initially?
Short Answer:
Initially, Mahendra dismisses Iswaran’s ghost stories as nonsense. He believes they are mere figments of imagination and laughs at them.
15. What is the significance of the full moon night in the story?
Short Answer:
The full moon night is significant as it adds an eerie atmosphere to the story. It is the night when Mahendra sees the ghostly figure, proving Iswaran’s story true in his mind.
16. How does the story Iswaran the Storyteller entertain and educate readers?
Long Answer:
The story entertains readers with its humour, suspense, and vivid storytelling. It also educates by showcasing the power of imagination and how creativity can make mundane life interesting. It subtly hints at the impact of loyalty and companionship, making it enjoyable and meaningful for readers of all ages.
MCQs – Iswaran the Storyteller
Detail-Based Questions
- According to the story, what was Iswaran’s favourite pastime?
a. Watching TV
b. Reading Tamil thrillers
c. Playing chess
d. Listening to music
Answer: b. Reading Tamil thrillers - What does Iswaran say about the ghost he describes?
a. It was an old man with a lantern.
b. It was a woman carrying a foetus in her arms.
c. It was a shadowy figure with glowing eyes.
d. It was a headless warrior.
Answer: b. It was a woman carrying a foetus in her arms.
Inference Questions
- What can be inferred about Iswaran’s storytelling skills?
a. He was a trained actor.
b. He could make ordinary events sound extraordinary.
c. He often read ghost stories.
d. He exaggerated only to frighten people.
Answer: b. He could make ordinary events sound extraordinary. - It can be inferred that Mahendra decided to leave the place because:
a. He was scared of the ghostly figure he saw.
b. Iswaran insisted on moving.
c. The place became unsafe.
d. He was bored of the stories.
Answer: a. He was scared of the ghostly figure he saw.
Main Idea or Purpose Questions
- What is the main idea of the story Iswaran the Storyteller?
a. The importance of loyalty in relationships.
b. The power of imagination and storytelling.
c. The fear of supernatural beings.
d. The challenges of living in remote places.
Answer: b. The power of imagination and storytelling. - What is the author’s purpose in writing this story?
a. To warn against superstition.
b. To entertain with an engaging narrative.
c. To provide lessons on loyalty.
d. To criticise exaggerated tales.
Answer: b. To entertain with an engaging narrative.
Vocabulary in Context Questions
- What does the word “figment” mean in the context: “Ghosts are a figment of the imagination”?
a. A real entity
b. A false creation
c. A vivid dream
d. A strange experience
Answer: b. A false creation - What does “plausible” mean in the context: “Does the story of the tusker appear plausible?”
a. Believable
b. Interesting
c. Exaggerated
d. Impossible
Answer: a. Believable
Author’s Tone or Attitude Questions
- How does the author portray Iswaran in the story?
a. With admiration for his loyalty and creativity
b. With criticism for his exaggerations
c. With indifference to his personality
d. With disdain for his simplicity
Answer: a. With admiration for his loyalty and creativity - What is the author’s attitude towards supernatural stories?
a. Completely dismissive
b. Supportive of their entertainment value
c. Fearful of their implications
d. Neutral and detached
Answer: b. Supportive of their entertainment value
Sequence of Events Questions
- What happened first in the story?
a. Iswaran narrated the ghost story.
b. Mahendra dismissed the idea of ghosts.
c. Iswaran subdued the tusker.
d. Mahendra moved to a new workplace.
Answer: c. Iswaran subdued the tusker. - What is the sequence of events involving the ghost story?
a. Mahendra dismisses ghosts, sees the figure, decides to leave.
b. Mahendra sees the figure, dismisses ghosts, then leaves.
c. Iswaran narrates the story, Mahendra sees the figure, leaves.
d. Iswaran narrates, Mahendra leaves, then sees the ghost.
Answer: c. Iswaran narrates the story, Mahendra sees the figure, leaves.
Cause and Effect Questions
- What caused Mahendra to change his opinion about ghosts?
a. Iswaran’s persistence
b. The ghostly figure he saw
c. The eerie silence of the area
d. The supernatural stories he read
Answer: b. The ghostly figure he saw - What effect did Iswaran’s stories have on Mahendra?
a. They kept him entertained and later frightened him.
b. They annoyed him and made him dismissive.
c. They confused him about reality.
d. They made him dislike Iswaran.
Answer: a. They kept him entertained and later frightened him.
Comparison Questions
- How does Mahendra’s reaction to the ghost differ from his earlier beliefs?
a. He became more rational and logical.
b. He shifted from disbelief to fear.
c. He remained indifferent to ghosts.
d. He started mocking Iswaran more.
Answer: b. He shifted from disbelief to fear.
Detailed Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller in Hindi
Iswaran the Storyteller कहानी एक सरल और दिलचस्प व्यक्ति, इस्वरान, और उनके साथ रहने वाले महेन्द्र की है। महेन्द्र एक नौकरी में कार्यरत व्यक्ति है जो दूर-दराज़ के एक निर्माण स्थल पर रहता है, और इस्वरान उसके साथ काम करने वाला एक विश्वासपात्र और मेहनती साथी है। इस्वरान को खाना बनाना और सफाई करना बहुत पसंद है, लेकिन उसकी सबसे खास बात उसकी कहानी सुनाने की कला है।
इस्वरान अक्सर महेन्द्र को अपनी कल्पनाशील और रोमांचक कहानियाँ सुनाता है। एक दिन, वह एक विशाल हाथी (तुस्कर) के बारे में कहानी सुनाता है, जो किसी गाँव में तबाही मचाने के बाद इस्वरान ने बहादुरी से काबू किया। इस्वरान अपनी कहानियों में हमेशा कुछ अतिरिक्त रोमांच और भूत-प्रेत जैसी घटनाओं का उल्लेख करता है, जिससे महेन्द्र हमेशा आकर्षित रहता है।
एक रात, इस्वरान महेन्द्र को एक भूतिया कहानी सुनाता है, जिसमें वह एक महिला भूत का वर्णन करता है, जो रात के समय एक पेड़ के पास दिखती है। महेन्द्र को इस कहानी पर विश्वास नहीं होता, लेकिन एक दिन एक पूर्णिमा की रात को महेन्द्र को उस भूतिया महिला का रूप दिखाई देता है, और वह डर से कांपने लगता है। इस घटना के बाद महेन्द्र का विश्वास भूत-प्रेत में बदल जाता है, और वह यह मानने लगता है कि इस्वरान की कहानियाँ शायद सच हो सकती हैं।
कहानी का संदेश यह है कि मानव मस्तिष्क कल्पना और कहानी की शक्ति से बहुत प्रभावित होता है, और कभी-कभी यह वास्तविकता और कल्पना के बीच की सीमाओं को धुंधला कर देता है। इस्वरान के किस्से, जो महेन्द्र के लिए सिर्फ मनोरंजन का साधन थे, अंततः उसे एक भूतिया अनुभव का सामना करवा देते हैं।
Detailed Summary of Iswaran the Storyteller in Urdu
Iswaran the Storyteller کہانی ایک سادہ اور دلچسپ شخصیت اسوران اور اس کے ساتھی مہندر کی ہے۔ مہندر ایک دفتر میں کام کرنے والا آدمی ہے جو ایک دور دراز علاقے میں رہتا ہے، اور اسوران اس کا ساتھی اور مددگار ہے۔ اسوران کو کھانا پکانے اور صفائی کرنے کا شوق ہے، لیکن اس کی سب سے خاص بات اس کی کہانیاں سنانے کی صلاحیت ہے۔
اسوران اکثر مہندر کو اپنی تخیلی اور دلچسپ کہانیاں سناتا ہے۔ ایک دن، اس نے ایک ہاتھی (توسکر) کے بارے میں کہانی سنائی، جو ایک گاؤں میں تباہی مچانے کے بعد اسوران نے بہادری سے قابو کیا تھا۔ اسوران اپنی کہانیوں میں ہمیشہ کچھ نہ کچھ اضافی سنسنی اور بھوت پریت کی باتیں شامل کرتا ہے، جس کی وجہ سے مہندر ہمیشہ دلچسپی سے سنتا رہتا ہے۔
ایک رات، اسوران مہندر کو ایک بھوت کے بارے میں کہانی سناتا ہے، جس میں وہ ایک عورت بھوت کا ذکر کرتا ہے جو رات کے وقت ایک درخت کے نیچے دکھائی دیتی ہے۔ مہندر کو اس کہانی پر یقین نہیں آتا، لیکن ایک دن مکمل چاند کی رات میں مہندر کو وہ بھوت دکھائی دیتا ہے، اور وہ خوف سے کانپنے لگتا ہے۔ اس واقعہ کے بعد مہندر کا بھوت پریت پر ایمان مضبوط ہو جاتا ہے، اور وہ یہ ماننے لگتا ہے کہ اسوران کی کہانیاں شاید سچ ہو سکتی ہیں۔
کہانی کا پیغام یہ ہے کہ انسان کی تخیل اور کہانیوں کی طاقت اسے بہت متاثر کرتی ہے، اور کبھی کبھار یہ حقیقت اور تخیل کے درمیان کی حدود کو دھندلا دیتی ہے۔ اسوران کی کہانیاں، جو پہلے مہندر کے لئے صرف تفریح کا ذریعہ تھیں، آخرکار اسے ایک بھوت کی حقیقت کا سامنا کروا دیتی ہیں۔
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).
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