Iswaran
the Story teller
By
R.K Laxman
Q:
In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
Iswaran
is an asset to Mahendra in multiple ways. He is an excellent cook, providing
Mahendra with delicious meals. Additionally, Iswaran takes care of all the household
chores, ensuring that Mahendra’s living quarters are always clean and well-maintained.
His storytelling skills provide Mahendra with entertainment and companionship,
making his otherwise monotonous life enjoyable. Iswaran’s resourcefulness and
ability to handle various situations also make him indispensable to Mahendra.
Q:
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 with dramatic flair, turning a
simple event into and exciting tale. He vividly describes how the tree was
uprooted by a powerful storm, blocking the road completely. Iswaran adds
elements of suspense and danger, making the situation seem more intense than it
actually was. The effect he wants to create in his listeners is one of awe and fascination,
keeping them engaged and entertained by the vivid imagery and dramatic presentation.
Q:
How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
Iswaran
narrates the story of the tusker with great enthusiasm and dramatic gestures. He
describes how the wild elephant went on a rampage, breaking through the school’s
compound wall and causing panic among the students and teachers and how he
against all odds subdues the animal by striking it on its toenail with a rod. The
story does not appear plausible due to the exaggerated details and the highly
improbable nature of the events described.
Q:
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 this because of Iswaran’s exceptional storytelling skills. His stories
are captivating and filled with vivid descriptions, dramatic gestures, and engaging
content, providing Mahendra with a source of entertainment that rivals or even
surpasses what television could offer. Iswaran’s ability to hold Mahendra’s
attention and transport him into the world of his tales makes him an invaluable
companion.
Q:
Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to
him on a full-moon night?
Despite
calling ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination, Mahendra has a frightening
experience on a full-moon night. He is woken up by a low moan and sees a
ghostly figure outside his window, exactly as Iswaran had described in one of
his stories. The apparition appears to have matted hair and a ghostly face,
causing Mahendra to feel terrified. This incident shakes Mahendra’s rational beliefs
and leaves him deeply unsettled.
Q:
Can you think of some other ending for the story?
Alternate
Ending 1: Instead of seeing a ghostly figure, Mahendra could have a vivid dream
influenced by Iswaran’s stories. In his dream, he encounters the same ghostly
apparition and experiences the same terror. Upon waking up, he realizes it was
just a dream but remains affected by how real it felt. This ending could
emphasize the power of storytelling and imagination without introducing an actual
supernatural event, reinforcing the theme that the line between reality and
fiction sometimes blur due to the influence of compelling narratives.
Alternate
Ending 2: After seeing the cloudy figure, Mahendra musters up his courage and
takes a rod and flashlight and follows the figure. He was surprised to see that
the figure was heading towards Iswaran’s room. When he reaches near the room,
he peeps through the window and the scene inside makes him lost his wits. The
ghostly figure appears to be the same as described by Iswaran and the figure was
having a chat with Iswaran who also looks like a ghost himself. Mahendra looks
at Iswaran’s bed and is astonished to find his body lying on the bed. His body
appears lifeless. Only then, it dawned upon Mahendra, that Iswaran himself is a
ghost. Terrified, he runs back to his room, hastily packs his essentials and flees
the site, never to return.
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