Chapter 3 Iswaran the Storyteller

NCERT Solutions for Iswaran the Storyteller, Chapter 3 Class 9 English Moments

Question 1 In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?

Answer Iswaran was called Mahendra’s asset because of his complete dedication towards his master. He cooks for him, washes his clothes and chats with him at night. He was also a great storyteller and entertains Mahendra with his stories. He was a hard-working and loyal servant. He packs food for him also.

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 with dramatic effects. He raises his hands and eyebrows and builds up suspense by his description. He begin by saying that the road was empty and he was all alone. Suddenly, he spotted something that looked like a large bushy beast lying across the road. As he came closer he saw that it was a fallen tree, with its dry branches spread out. He wanted to create a long-lasting effect on the listener. He used suspense and a surprise ending to narrate every small incident to make it effective.

Question 3 How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?

Answer He narrates the story of the tusker with great confidence. First, he builds up a background for it. With these the story seems convincing. Once a mad elephant escaped the timber yard and had entered the town. It was destroying every thing that came in its path. The elephant then entered the school ground and started destroying everything. Seeing the wild elephant, the boys of the school locked themselves in classroom and the teachers ran to the terrace. Iswaran informed Mahendra that he was in junior class at that time. He took a cane from one of his teacher and ran to the ground. Then he hit the elephant on his third toenail. As a result, the elephant fell onto the ground. This incident does not appear to be sensible as it is difficult to believe that a child could control a wild-mad elephant.

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 is a good narrator.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 and spirits a figment when Iswaran told him that the place at which they are living was a burial ground and he had seen ghosts at night. However, Mahendra was frightened and disturbed when he encountered the ghost himself. On one full moon night, Mahendra woke up when he heard a low moan close to his window but he did not look outside. When the sound became louder he looked out. He saw a dark cloudy figure holding a bundle. This sight terrified him. He broke into cold sweat and fell back on the pillow.

Question 6 Can you think of some other ending for the story?

Answer The story could have ended on a more positive note.Instead of leaving the place, Mahendra could have been shown as a courageous man and proving the ghost theory wrong. Another ending can be of both Mahendra and Iswaran leaving the place together and in turn continuing their bond as depicted earlier in the story. He tells Iswaran that there are no ghosts: What one thinks remains in the subconscious mind for long.