Class 9 Moments Supplementary Reader Chapter 3 Question Answers - Iswaran the Storyteller

Q1. Iswaran was a master storyteller. Describe his amazing capacity of narrating stories and anecdotes.

Ans: Iswaran was an exceptional storyteller, known for his captivating narration. His passion for Tamil thrillers influenced his storytelling style, infusing even mundane events with suspense and drama. For example, instead of merely mentioning an uprooted tree on the road, Iswaran would create an atmosphere of tension by describing the scene as eerie and isolated, suggesting that an enormous beast lay ahead.

His use of dramatic gestures, expressive tones, and surprise endings made even the simplest tales enthralling. He often left stories unfinished, which heightened his listeners' curiosity and showcased his remarkable narrative skills. Iswaran's ability to weave adventure, horror, and suspense into his stories made them enjoyable, regardless of their credibility.

Q2. Describe lswaran’s encounter with the elephant.

Ans: Iswaran shared a thrilling tale about a rampaging elephant that escaped from a timber yard. The tusker caused chaos as it entered a school playground, where frightened children ran for safety. The elephant destroyed goalposts and water drums, creating a scene of panic.

At that time, Iswaran was a junior student. He bravely confronted the elephant armed only with a stick. He claimed that he struck the elephant's third toenail, which caused it to collapse. A veterinarian was later called to treat the animal. Iswaran added a hint of exaggeration to his story, suggesting that he used techniques from martial arts like karate or ju-jitsu to subdue the beast.

This encounter left a lasting impression, as Iswaran often recounted this adventure, captivating his audience with his dramatic storytelling.

Q3. What did Iswaran tell Mahendra about a ghost? Describe Mahendra’s horrible experience one night. Why did he resolve to leave that place?

Ans: Iswaran told Mahendra that the factory area was once a burial ground and that he had often seen ghosts, including a frightening woman with a foetus. Although Mahendra dismissed these stories as mere superstition, they unsettled him. One night, he was jolted awake by a low moaning sound. When he looked out of his window, he saw a shadowy figure resembling a woman holding a bundle, which terrified him. The next morning, Iswaran confirmed he had also heard the eerie noise. Overcome with fear, Mahendra decided to leave immediately and submitted his transfer request.

Q4. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create on his listeners?

Ans: Iswaran described the uprooted tree in a suspenseful and dramatic manner. He painted a picture of a deserted road where he felt as if he had encountered a huge, threatening creature. Only when he approached did he reveal that it was just a fallen tree with its dry branches spread out. His goal was to engage and captivate his listeners by creating suspense, turning an ordinary event into an exciting story. This storytelling style, influenced by the Tamil thrillers he enjoyed, kept his audience enthralled, highlighting his skill as a storyteller.

Q5. How does Iswaran narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?

Ans: Iswaran narrated the tusker's rampage with his usual flair for dramatization. He described how the elephant escaped, causing chaos in the town and frightening the children at his school. He built suspense by detailing the fear that gripped everyone around him, only to portray himself as a hero. He claimed that, armed with just a stick, he bravely confronted the elephant, striking it in a way that made the enormous beast collapse. The beginning of the story, involving the tusker's destruction, seems plausible, as such incidents can occur. However, the notion of a young student subduing an elephant with a single blow is far-fetched yet amusing, adding a humorous touch to his exaggerated tale.

Q6. Mahendra calls ghosts or sprits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?

Ans: Initially, Mahendra dismissed Iswaran's tales of ghosts as mere figments of the imagination. However, one full-moon night challenged his disbelief. He was awakened by a low moaning sound, which he first attributed to a cat. As the noise grew louder and more unsettling, his curiosity compelled him to look out of the window. To his horror, he saw a shadowy figure resembling a woman clutching a bundle. This sight left him in a cold sweat, trembling with fear.

The next day, his anxiety intensified when Iswaran claimed he had also heard the sound. This eerie encounter deeply unsettled Mahendra, prompting him to decide to leave the place immediately.

Q7. What human values form the essence of Iswaran’s character?

Ans: Iswaran was a talented and devoted individual, embodying values such as loyalty, creativity, and cheerfulness. He was committed to his duties, preparing delicious meals and managing the household without complaint. His storytelling ability captivated Mahendra, as he spun suspenseful and dramatic tales that provided entertainment and companionship. Even when Mahendra scolded him, Iswaran remained kind-hearted and continued to serve diligently. His positive attitude and creative spirit made him a memorable and beloved character.

Q8. What are the qualities of a good storyteller? How can you say that Iswaran was a fascinating storyteller?

Ans: A good storyteller captivates their audience by creating suspense, adding surprise, and using a vivid imagination. Iswaran possessed all these qualities, making him a fascinating storyteller. He had a talent for transforming ordinary events into thrilling tales by introducing suspenseful twists and dramatic conclusions. His imaginative descriptions, such as likening an uprooted tree to a gigantic beast, made his stories engaging. Iswaran's expressive gestures and enthusiasm added depth to his narration, ensuring his listener remained hooked until the end. His storytelling was not just about the content but also about the style in which he delivered it.

Q9. Iswaran, the story-teller, had a sensational way of telling his stories. Do you think he did the right things by adding sensation to his stories?

Ans: Iswaran had a natural talent for storytelling, and his knack for adding sensation to his tales was part of his appeal. By introducing elements of suspense and surprise into even mundane events, he captured his audience's attention and kept them entertained. His exaggerated stories, such as taming a wild elephant with a single blow, may not have been entirely truthful, but they effectively engaged and amused his listener, Mahendra. While some might argue that exaggeration can verge on dishonesty, in the realm of storytelling, Iswaran's style was more about entertainment and maintaining interest than adhering strictly to the facts.

Q10. Right from childhood, we hear ghost stories. What should be our opinion about ghosts? Answer with reference to the story `Iswaran the Storyteller’.

Ans: Since childhood, we hear stories about ghosts, which often frighten us and make us fall asleep quickly. As children, we tend to believe in their existence, leading to a deepening fear, especially in the dark. In the story Iswaran the Storyteller, Iswaran tells Mahendra about a female ghost he claims to have seen. He describes her as an ugly creature with thick hair and a shrivelled face, appearing at midnight during the full moon, resembling a skeleton holding a foetus.

Although Mahendra dismisses Iswaran as crazy, he feels frightened inside. That night, he imagines the ghost and begins to shiver, reinforcing his belief in ghosts. Ultimately, he decides to leave the place, overwhelmed by fear.

Q11. Iswaran narrated ghost stories to his master, Mahendra, which created fear in Mahendra’s mind. Was it right on the part of Iswaran to create fear in Mahendra’s mind?

Ans: Iswaran's storytelling had a significant impact on Mahendra, instilling a sense of fear in his mind. Iswaran claimed that their location was once a burial ground and recounted an encounter with a female ghost. This narrative deeply affected Mahendra, leading him to believe he saw a similar ghost outside his window. Consequently, he decided to leave his home, convinced by the power of Iswaran's storytelling.

It is troubling that Mahendra's fear was based on a mere imagination rather than reality. He should have critically assessed his experience before making such a drastic decision. Despite his initial scepticism about ghosts being mere figments of the imagination, Mahendra's fear drove him to flee the place. Iswaran's skillful storytelling played a crucial role in convincing Mahendra of the supernatural.

Q12. Even an educated person sometimes realises the existence of a ghost. Illustrate this with reference to Iswaran the Storyteller.

Ans: A well-educated person may dismiss the idea of ghosts as mere imagination. However, the fear instilled by horror stories and films can lead them to question their beliefs. This psychological effect can make them perceive frightening scenes as real. In the story of Iswaran the Storyteller, the protagonist Mahendra initially scoffs at the idea of ghosts. Yet, Iswaran, with his captivating storytelling, convinces Mahendra of the existence of a ghostly world. Mahendra becomes so affected by Iswaran's tales that he begins to believe in ghosts and ultimately decides to leave the place, convinced it is haunted.