Class 9 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - Moments

Short Answer Questions

Q1. What impact did Iswaran’s story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

Ans: After hearing Iswaran's story about a female ghost, Mahendra became increasingly uneasy. He avoided looking out of his window during full-moon nights. One night, he was startled awake by a low moan near his window. Initially, he thought it was just a cat, but the sound was too harsh. Overcome by curiosity, he peered outside and saw a dark shape clutching something. This sight terrified him, causing him to break into a cold sweat. Later, he rationalised that it was likely a trick of his imagination.

The next morning, Iswaran reminded him of the ghost story, chilling Mahendra further. He decided to leave the place immediately, unable to shake off the fear instilled by Iswaran's tale.

Q2. Why did Mahendra become fond of Iswaran?

Ans: Mahendra became fond of Iswaran because he was a very resourceful person who took excellent care of him. As a trained cook, Iswaran could prepare meals and find necessary supplies even in remote locations. His ability to conjure up delicious dishes and his attentive nature made him a valuable companion for Mahendra.

Q3. Why did Mahendra decide to leave the haunted place?

Ans: Mahendra decided to leave the haunted place because he was terrified after experiencing a frightening event at night. He had heard a ghastly moan and later saw a dark figure with a bundle, which haunted him in his dreams. This led him to resolve to leave the place immediately.

Q4. What sets Iswaran apart from other domestic helps?

Ans: Iswaran stood out as an exceptional domestic help. He was not only a skilled cook but also a resourceful companion to Mahendra. Iswaran had a unique talent for telling captivating stories, which he shared with Mahendra during their evenings together. His ability to conjure up fresh ingredients in remote locations was remarkable, allowing him to prepare delicious meals swiftly. This combination of culinary skill and storytelling made Iswaran truly special.

Q5. How did Iswaran tackle the elephant?

Ans: The elephant caused widespread panic, with children and teachers fleeing for safety. Iswaran bravely confronted the animal and struck its third toe with a rod. This decisive action successfully subdued the mad elephant.

Q6. How did Iswaran show his usefulness to the narrator?

Ans: Iswaran demonstrated his usefulness to Mahendra in several ways. He was a skilled cook who prepared meals and ensured Mahendra was well-fed. Iswaran was also very devoted, following Mahendra to every new posting without complaint. He took care of Mahendra's clothes and provided companionship by chatting and sharing stories at night. His ability to conjure up ingredients from seemingly nowhere made him invaluable, allowing him to create delicious dishes even in remote locations.

Q7. Who was Iswaran? What did he do for his master?

Ans: Iswaran was Mahendra's cook and a valuable companion. He not only prepared meals and washed Mahendra's clothes but also engaged him in lively conversations at night. Iswaran was known for his captivating storytelling, often weaving convincing tales that entertained his master.

Q8. What impact did Iswaran’s story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

Ans: After hearing Iswaran's story about a female ghost, Mahendra became increasingly anxious. He stopped looking out of his window during full-moon nights, feeling uneasy. One night, he was startled awake by a low moan near his window. Initially dismissing it as a cat, he soon realised the sound was too harsh. Despite his fear, he peeked outside and saw a dark form clutching something. Overcome with terror, he fell back, sweating and panting. Eventually, he convinced himself it was just his imagination playing tricks on him.

The next morning, Iswaran mentioned the ghost again, chilling Mahendra further. He decided to leave the haunted place immediately, unable to shake off the fear instilled by the story.

Q9. How does Iswaran describe the story of the elephant? Does it appear to be plausible?

Ans: Iswaran describes a dramatic incident where an elephant went mad, causing chaos in the town. The elephant stamped on bushes, broke fences, and smashed fruit stalls. It even crashed through a school wall, sending children running for safety. Iswaran, a junior student at the time, bravely approached the elephant with a stick and struck its third toenail, causing it to collapse. Overall, the story seems highly implausible.

Q10. What destruction did the elephant cause in the town?

Ans: The elephant caused significant destruction in the town. It broke branches, fences, and smashed stalls. The animal entered a school playground, where it demolished a brick wall, pulled out a football goal post, tore down a volleyball net, and flattened a water drum.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q11. What are qualities of a good listener? Express your views in reference to Mahendra who would listen to Iswaran’s tales uncritically.

Ans: Listening is a vital skill in storytelling. A good listener not only grasps the story's meaning but also understands the storyteller's emotions and intentions. Iswaran was an exceptional storyteller, while Mahendra was an equally attentive listener. Iswaran created a captivating atmosphere around his tales, and Mahendra listened with rapt attention, making eye contact to express awe or horror as the story unfolded. He allowed his imagination to visualise the events as if they were real. For instance, during the tusker story, Mahendra felt genuine tension and fear.

Throughout the storytelling, Mahendra remained silent, never interrupting Iswaran. He would occasionally nod in agreement and only express his thoughts at the end of the tale. His listening was uncritical, allowing Iswaran to share his stories freely. This dynamic illustrates that a good listener, like Mahendra, enhances the storytelling experience by being fully present and engaged.

Q12. How can you say that Iswaran was a fascinating storyteller?

Ans: Iswaran was a fascinating storyteller known for his dramatic style. He provided imaginative descriptions of events, using expressive language and gestures that transformed simple occurrences into suspenseful tales. His stories often featured surprise endings and unexpected twists, influenced by thrilling novels and Tamil authors. Each narrative was filled with adventure, horror, and suspense, which captivated his audience. Iswaran's unique storytelling ability made listening to him an engaging experience.

Q13. How was Iswaran, the cook, an asset to Mahendra?

Ans: Iswaran, the cook, was a valuable asset to Mahendra. He was deeply attached to Mahendra and followed him to every new posting without complaint. Not only did he cook delicious meals quickly, but he also took care of Mahendra's laundry and provided companionship during the night with engaging conversations.

Iswaran had a remarkable talent for producing cooking ingredients from seemingly nowhere, even in remote areas. His storytelling skills were equally impressive; he could weave captivating tales that often blended reality with a touch of the extraordinary, making Mahendra's life more enjoyable.

Q14. Write a brief character sketch of Iswaran.

Ans: Iswaran, Mahendra's servant, was deeply devoted to him. He was not only a skilled cook but also an engaging storyteller. Iswaran enjoyed reading thrillers, which influenced his captivating narrations. Unfortunately, he had to leave his job due to a practical joke played on Mahendra. His absence left Mahendra feeling isolated, as Iswaran was an invaluable companion.

Iswaran had a remarkable ability to produce cooking ingredients from seemingly nowhere, even in remote locations. He could prepare delicious meals quickly, making him an essential part of Mahendra's life. In the evenings, he would share exciting stories, often filled with suspense and unexpected twists, which kept Mahendra entertained.

Q15. Iswaran was a good cook as well as a good storyteller. Elaborate with the help of an example.

Ans: Iswaran was Mahendra's cook and caretaker, known for his remarkable ability to produce vegetables and ingredients from seemingly nowhere. He not only prepared delicious meals but also captivated Mahendra with his storytelling. His tales, influenced by Tamil authors, were filled with suspense and excitement. For instance, he would describe a simple incident, like encountering an uprooted tree, in a dramatic manner, making it thrilling. Mahendra appreciated Iswaran's storytelling, which made him a valuable companion during his travels.

Q16. Iswaran was a fascinating storyteller. What other skills did he have? How was he an asset to Mahendra?

Ans: Iswaran was a captivating storyteller who engaged Mahendra with his vivid narratives. He had a talent for acting out stories, making them even more entertaining. In addition to his storytelling, Iswaran possessed remarkable culinary skills. As a trained cook, he prepared delicious meals for Mahendra quickly, proving to be an invaluable asset. Mahendra appreciated Iswaran's stories and his unique way of sharing them, which added joy to their time together.