Iswaran- the storyteller by R K Laxman

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

 Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra as he takes complete care of his daily needs by cooking tasty meals, keeping the house clean, and managing supplies efficiently, even in remote places. He is resourceful, loyal, and always accompanies Mahendra to different postings. Moreover, his lively and imaginative storytelling keeps Mahendra entertained, making life in isolated areas more comfortable and enjoyable. 

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

 Iswaran describes the uprooted tree on the highway in a highly dramatic manner. Instead of simply stating the fact, he builds suspense by saying the road was deserted and he was all alone, when suddenly, in front of him, he saw 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. He uses gestures, expressions, and a tone full of mystery to make the scene more thrilling. His intention is to create excitement and curiosity in his listeners, keeping them hooked to his narration as if something extraordinary is about to happen. 

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

 Iswaran narrates the story of the tusker with great drama and suspense. He claims that a wild elephant once escaped from the jungle and went onto the main road, smashing all the stalls selling fruits, mud pots, and clothes. It entered breaking through the brick wall, pulling out the football goal post, tearing down the volleyball net, kicking and flattening the drum kept for water, and uprooting the shrubs. He describes, with exaggerated gestures, how he fearlessly took a stick, faced the giant animal, and struck it on its toenail, making it collapse like a deflated football. The story does not appear to be entirely plausible because it is highly exaggerated and unrealistic for a single blow to bring down a huge elephant. It is more likely a product of Iswaran’s imagination and storytelling flair rather than a factual incident. 

 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?

 The author says that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters because his lively, imaginative, and suspense-filled stories kept Mahendra fully entertained. Iswaran narrated even ordinary incidents with such drama, gestures, and unexpected twists that they became as engaging as watching a television show, making Mahendra forget the lack of any other source of entertainment. 

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

 Although Mahendra dismisses ghosts or spirits as a mere figment of the imagination, on a full-moon night he is deeply disturbed. Woken by a moaning sound outside his window, he looks out and sees a dark, cloudy figure clutching a bundle. Mahendra broke into a cold sweat and fell back on the pillow, panting. The next morning, Iswaran casually mentions he came running hearing the sound of moaning that was coming from Mahendra’s room which leaves Mahendra so shaken that he finally decides to resign and leave the place.

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

 Instead of resigning in fear, Mahendra decides to investigate the strange incident. The next full moon night, he stays awake and hides near the window. When the moaning begins, he discovers that the “ghost” is actually a stray woman from a nearby village who comes at night searching for food. He confronts Iswaran about the story of the female ghost, and Iswaran sheepishly admits he had made it up for fun. Mahendra laughs, relieved, and realises that while Iswaran’s tales may not always be true, they certainly make life more colourful.