Class 9 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: Iswaran the Storyteller
Supplementary: Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Narayan is a fascinating tale about a master storyteller named Iswaran and his impressionable young master, Mahendra. Iswaran has a unique talent for weaving suspense, adventure, and horror into everyday incidents, often drawing inspiration from Tamil thriller authors. This chapter matters greatly for Odisha BSE Class 9 board exams as it tests reading comprehension, narrative analysis, and character sketching. Questions frequently assess Iswaran's dramatic storytelling style and how his vivid imagination ultimately tricks Mahendra into believing in a ghost, leading to a sudden, comical twist in the plot.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Art of Exaggeration
Iswaran uses dramatic gestures, colorful language, and suspenseful pauses to turn even simple daily events into thrilling epics.
Master and Servant Bond
Mahendra and Iswaran share a close relationship where Iswaran acts as a cook, companion, and devoted caretaker during Mahendra's postings.
Suspense and Horror Elements
Iswaran expertly builds an eerie atmosphere, particularly through his narration of the female ghost carrying a foetus on the full moon night.
Power of Suggestion
The human mind can easily trick itself; Iswaran's continuous talk about ghosts deeply influences Mahendra's subconscious fear, making him see a shadowy figure outside his window.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha BSE Class 9 English board exam, supplementary chapters typically carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions include short-answer questions about Iswaran's character traits, long-answer questions analyzing his storytelling techniques, and value-based or reference-to-context questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Iswaran called a master storyteller?
He could make any ordinary incident sound thrilling and believable by adding dramatic descriptions, suspense, and lively gestures.
Did Mahendra actually see a ghost?
No, Mahendra did not see a real ghost. It was just a product of his own frightened imagination after listening to Iswaran's spooky story.
Why did Mahendra decide to leave the haunted place?
Mahendra was so disturbed and terrified by the ghostly apparition he thought he saw that he decided to resign from his job and leave the place the very next day.
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