Iswaran the Storyteller
Introduction to the Story of Iswaran the Storyteller
“Iswaran the Storyteller,” written by R.K. Laxman, is an engaging short story that combines humor, suspense, and vivid storytelling. It revolves around the bond between Mahendra, a junior supervisor in a construction firm, and his loyal cook and servant, Iswaran. The story highlights the power of storytelling and Iswaran’s unique ability to weave fascinating tales, which captivate his listeners.
Summary of the Story of Iswaran the Storyteller
Mahendra and His Job
The protagonist of the story, Mahendra, works as a junior supervisor at a construction company. His job requires him to move frequently from one site to another, as the projects are located in remote areas such as factories, bridges, and roads. Despite the transient nature of his job, Mahendra manages to live comfortably due to the assistance of Iswaran, his resourceful and dedicated cook.
Iswaran: The Loyal Cook
Iswaran is more than just a cook; he is Mahendra’s confidant and a source of entertainment. Iswaran has a remarkable ability to adapt to any situation. He is known for his knack for finding essentials, even in the most isolated locations, and for preparing delicious meals with limited resources.
What makes Iswaran stand out is his gift for storytelling. He narrates his stories with such dramatic flair, voice modulation, and gestures that he leaves his audience spellbound.
Iswaran’s Stories
Iswaran often entertains Mahendra with fascinating and imaginative tales. His stories are rich in drama and suspense, with vivid descriptions that make them seem almost real. For example, Iswaran tells a thrilling story about a tusker (wild elephant) that went on a rampage in the town, destroying crops and property.
In this story, Iswaran describes how he, as a young boy, managed to subdue the elephant using a cane. The narrative is so detailed and exciting that Mahendra, despite his skepticism, is drawn into the story.
The Supernatural Tale
One day, Iswaran shares a ghost story with Mahendra. He speaks of a ghostly woman with a shrunken face who wanders the area at night, moaning and crying. Iswaran’s vivid description leaves Mahendra feeling uneasy, even though he brushes it off as a figment of Iswaran’s imagination.
However, Mahendra’s unease grows when he starts hearing strange noises at night. One night, he looks out of his window and sees a figure resembling the ghost described by Iswaran. Terrified, Mahendra decides to leave the place and asks for a transfer.
The Power of Storytelling
Through Iswaran’s character, the story explores the power of storytelling and its impact on people. Iswaran’s narratives are so compelling that they blur the line between reality and fiction. His stories not only entertain but also influence Mahendra’s thoughts and decisions.
Themes in the Story of Iswaran the Storyteller
1. The Art of Storytelling
Iswaran’s storytelling is the central theme of the story. His ability to captivate his audience highlights the importance of imagination, expression, and creativity in storytelling. Through Iswaran, the author celebrates the traditional oral storytelling culture.
2. Humor and Drama
The story is infused with humor, especially in Iswaran’s exaggerated tales and dramatic gestures. His narratives, though far-fetched, are entertaining and leave a lasting impression on Mahendra and the readers.
3. Superstition and Belief
The story delves into the human tendency to believe in the supernatural. Despite being a rational and educated man, Mahendra is influenced by Iswaran’s ghost story and succumbs to fear.
4. Loyalty and Companionship
Iswaran’s loyalty to Mahendra is evident throughout the story. He ensures Mahendra’s comfort in challenging conditions and becomes a source of companionship for him.
Character Analysis of Iswaran the Storyteller
Mahendra
- Profession: Mahendra is a junior supervisor whose job involves frequent transfers to remote areas.
- Personality: He is practical and initially dismisses Iswaran’s stories as mere entertainment. However, his rationality falters when he experiences the eerie events described by Iswaran.
- Role: Mahendra represents the common man who is logical but susceptible to fear and superstition.
Iswaran
- Role: Iswaran is Mahendra’s cook, servant, and entertainer. His resourcefulness and storytelling ability make him an indispensable companion for Mahendra.
- Personality: Iswaran is loyal, creative, and charismatic. His ability to spin gripping tales showcases his imagination and skill as a storyteller.
- Significance: Iswaran’s character drives the story and provides entertainment while conveying the themes of storytelling and imagination.
Key Elements of the Story of Iswaran the Storyteller
1. Narrative Style
The story employs a first-person narrative, with Mahendra narrating his experiences with Iswaran. This perspective adds a personal touch to the story and makes it more relatable.
2. Language
The language is simple yet effective, with vivid descriptions that bring Iswaran’s tales to life. The use of humor and suspense keeps the reader engaged.
3. Imagery
The story is rich in imagery, especially in Iswaran’s descriptions. For example, the scene where the elephant is subdued or the ghostly figure’s appearance is vividly depicted, evoking strong visual impressions.
Moral of the Story of Iswaran the Storyteller
The story conveys several important lessons:
- The Influence of Stories: Storytelling is a powerful art that can entertain, educate, and influence people’s thoughts and emotions.
- Imagination and Creativity: Iswaran’s imaginative tales demonstrate the importance of creativity in making life interesting and enjoyable.
- Superstition vs. Rationality: The story highlights how even rational individuals can fall prey to fear and superstition when exposed to vivid narratives.
Conclusion of Iswaran the Storyteller
“Iswaran the Storyteller” is a delightful story that celebrates the art of storytelling. Through Iswaran’s character, R.K. Laxman emphasizes the importance of imagination, humor, and drama in making stories memorable. The story also explores human psychology, showing how deeply narratives can impact our beliefs and emotions. It is a testament to the timeless tradition of storytelling and its enduring appeal.
This detailed note provides a thorough understanding of the chapter, including its summary, themes, characters, and moral lessons, making it ideal for Class 9 students.
Importent Q/A on Iswaran the Storyteller
Question 1: In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
Answer: Iswaran was the cook of Mahendra. He would follow him uncomplainingly wherever he was posted. He would cook for him, wash his clothes and chat away with him. He could weave out endless stories and anecdotes on varied subjects. That is how he was an asset to Mahendra.
Question 2: How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
Answer: Iswaran describes the uprooted tree on the highway with eyebrows suitably arched and hands held out in a dramatic way. He would begin by saying that the road was deserted and he was all alone. Suddenly he spotted something that looked like an enormous bushy beast lying sprawled across the road. He was half inclined to turn and go back. But as he came closer he saw that it was a fallen tree, with its dry branches spread out. The effect he wants to create is suspense and a surprise ending to every small incident that he narrates to his readers.
Question 3: How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
Answer: He started the story of the elephant by giving a prologue in which he called elephants ‘huge well-fed beasts.’ He said that after escaping from the timber yard, the elephant started roaming about, stamped on bushes and tore up wild creepers. It then came to the main road of the town and smashed all the stalls selling fruits, mud pots, and clothes. It then entered a school ground where the children were playing.
It pulled out the football goal-post, tore down the volleyball net, flattened the drum kept for water and uprooted the shrubs. All the teachers and students were so afraid that they climbed up to the terrace of the school building. According to Iswaran, he was studying in the junior class at that time. He grabbed a cane from the hands of one of the teachers and ran into the open. The elephant continued grunting and stamping its feet. It looked frightening. However, he moved slowly towards it. When the elephant was ready to rush towards him, he moved forward and whacked its third toe nail. It looked stunned and then collapsed.
This story does not appear to be plausible and it is difficult to believe that a child can control a mad elephant and collapse it.
Question 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?
Answer: The author says so because Iswaran provided a great company to Mahendra. He would chat with Mahendra at night when he returned from his work. Iswaran would also entertain Mahendra by telling stories. Thus, with Iswaran around Mahendra never felt bored and never felt the necessity of having a TV for entertainment.
Question 5: Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?
Answer: Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination because Iswaran informed him that they were living on a burial site and kept narrating to him stories of various ghosts he himself had encountered.
On one full moon night, Mahendra was woken up from his sleep by a low moan close to his window. At first he thought that it was a cat prowling around for mice. But the sound was too deep and guttural for a cat. He resisted looking outside as he did not want to witness a sight that might stop his heart beat.
But the crying became louder and less subtle. He could not resist the temptation any more. Lowering himself to the level of the windowsill he looked out at the white sheet of moonlight outside. There, not too far away, was a dark cloudy form clutching a bundle. He broke into a cold sweat and fell back on the pillow, panting.
Question 6: Can you think of some other ending for the story?
Answer: This story ends with Mahendra resigning from his post and leaving the haunted place. However, the story could have ended on a positive note. The ghost theory should have been proved wrong by calling it merely an image formed in the subconscious mind of Mahendra. Since Iswaran kept narrating to him stories of various ghosts, he started fancying the things. Otherwise, there are no such things as ghosts.
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