Class 9 English - UP
Supplementary: Iswaran the Storyteller
Supplementary: Iswaran the Storyteller by R.K. Narayan is a fascinating tale about a master storyteller named Iswaran and his gullible young master, Mahendra. Iswaran has a unique talent for weaving suspense and horror into everyday incidents, deeply influenced by Tamil thriller authors. In the UPMSP Class 9 English board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and narrative skills. Questions often focus on Iswaran's dramatic storytelling style, his loyalty to Mahendra, and the climax involving the supposed ghost of a female ghost holding a foetus, making it a favorite for short and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Art of Storytelling
Iswaran uses dramatic gestures, suspense, and sensational details to turn mundane events into thrilling adventures, keeping his listeners completely spellbound.
Iswaran's Loyalty and Versatility
Beyond being an exceptional cook, Iswaran acts as Mahendra's companion, washing clothes, chatting, and magically whipping up delicious meals in remote work sites.
The Elephant Episode
A humorous and exaggerated anecdote where Iswaran single-handedly controls a mad elephant using a kanuku stick, showcasing his vivid imagination.
The Supernatural Element
Iswaran narrates a spine-chilling story about a female ghost holding a foetus, which eventually creates psychological terror in the rational mind of Mahendra.
Mahendra's Decision to Leave
Overwhelmed by the fear of the supernatural after sighting the white figure on a full-moon night, Mahendra resigns from his job to escape the haunted place.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include one short answer type question testing character traits or plot details, and occasionally a long answer type question focusing on Iswaran's storytelling technique or how he frightened Mahendra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Iswaran manage to make even a small incident sound thrilling?
Iswaran used dramatic gestures, descriptive language, eye-catching body movements, and elements of suspense inspired by Tamil thrillers to turn simple events into gripping tales.
Why did Mahendra decide to leave the work site?
Mahendra was deeply disturbed and terrified by Iswaran's ghost story and when he actually saw a shadowy white figure holding a bundle outside his window on a full-moon night, he decided to quit his job immediately.
Was there really a ghost, or was it just a trick?
There was no real ghost; it was Iswaran playing a prank on Mahendra using his dramatic acting skills to prove how deeply his ghost stories affected him.
Learn Supplementary: Iswaran the Storyteller with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards