Iswaran the Storyteller MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This multiple-choice quiz for Class IX English Language and Literature (Code 184), from Section C: Literature (Moments Supplementary), covers the chapter ‘Iswaran the Storyteller’. Test your understanding of key storytelling elements, the characters of Iswaran and Mahendra, the use of humour and suspense, and important plot points. Answer all 10 questions, submit your quiz, and download the PDF answer sheet for review.
About “Iswaran the Storyteller”
“Iswaran the Storyteller” by R.K. Laxman is a captivating short story from the “Moments” supplementary reader for Class 9. It revolves around two main characters: Mahendra, a junior supervisor whose job requires him to move frequently, and his cook, Iswaran, who is not just a culinary expert but also a masterful storyteller. The narrative explores the power of storytelling and how a vivid imagination can blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Key Concepts and Themes
The Art of Storytelling
Iswaran’s primary characteristic is his incredible ability to weave stories. He doesn’t just narrate; he performs. His techniques include:
- Dramatic Prologues: He sets a grand stage for his stories to capture the listener’s attention immediately.
- Voice Modulation: He changes his voice to mimic different characters and sounds, making the story come alive.
- Hand Gestures and Body Language: He uses his entire body to act out scenes, adding a visual dimension to his tales.
- Suspense: He masterfully builds suspense, leaving the listener hanging at crucial moments before delivering the climax.
Character Sketches
The story is a study in contrasts between its two central characters.
| Character Trait | Iswaran | Mahendra |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Imaginative, dramatic, and resourceful | Practical, logical, and initially skeptical |
| Role in Story | The storyteller, cook, and loyal companion | The listener, supervisor, and audience |
| Source of Knowledge | Popular Tamil thriller books | Facts, logic, and observation |
| Reaction to Fear | Creates fear for entertainment and effect | Dismisses it initially, but ultimately succumbs to it |
Humour and Horror
R.K. Laxman skillfully blends humour with horror. The humour arises from Iswaran’s exaggerated descriptions, like controlling a mad elephant with a karate-like move. The horror is introduced through the chilling tale of the female ghost carrying a foetus, a story so powerful that it eventually terrifies the rational Mahendra into leaving his job.
Quick Revision Points
- Iswaran: A multi-talented cook who serves his master, Mahendra, with dedication. He is a voracious reader of Tamil thrillers.
- Mahendra: A junior supervisor who has to live in temporary accommodations at various construction sites.
- The Narrative Style: Iswaran’s stories are filled with suspense, surprise, and dramatic endings.
- The Ghost Story: The climax of Iswaran’s storytelling is a tale about a female ghost seen on a full moon night, which he claims to have seen himself.
- The Climax: Mahendra, despite his rational mindset, is spooked by Iswaran’s story. One night, he hears a wailing sound and sees a shadowy figure, which convinces him the ghost is real. He resigns and leaves the place in a panic.
Extra Practice Questions
- Describe Iswaran’s storytelling technique. Why was he so effective as a storyteller?
- Do you think the ghost was real or just a product of Mahendra’s subconscious mind, influenced by Iswaran’s story? Justify your answer.
- Iswaran is described as an ‘asset’ to Mahendra. List the ways in which he proved to be an asset.
- How does the story highlight the difference between a rational mind and an imaginative one?
- What does Mahendra’s final decision to resign tell you about the power of fear and suggestion?
