Iswaran The Storyteller Class 9 English Moments Chapter 3 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
Vedantu's Notes for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 3, "Iswaran the Storyteller," written by R. K. Laxman are prepared to help students understand and enjoy the story. The chapter revolves around Mahendra, a young construction supervisor, and his cook, Iswaran, who entertains Mahendra with his interesting stories. Iswaran’s storytelling includes tales of ghosts and wild elephants, making Mahendra’s life interesting and adventurous.
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Vedantu’s Class 9 English Revision Notes highlight important points, and concepts through simple explanations and summaries. Students can easily grasp the story, characters, and main themes, which helps in exam preparation. Students can download the FREE PDF Iswaran The Storyteller Summary and Notes, updated according to the CBSE Class 9 English Syllabus.
FAQs on Iswaran The Storyteller Class 9 English Moments Chapter 3 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is a quick summary of the CBSE Class 9 chapter 'Iswaran the Storyteller'?
The story revolves around Mahendra, a junior supervisor, and his cook, Iswaran. Iswaran is a master storyteller who entertains Mahendra with vivid and dramatic tales, ranging from a mad tusker encounter to stories of ghosts. Initially, Mahendra enjoys these stories but remains skeptical. However, Iswaran's tale of a female ghost in their factory area begins to affect him. The story concludes with Mahendra, terrified by a sound he hears at night, resigning from his job, highlighting the powerful and blurring line between fact and fiction.
2. For revision, how can the character of Iswaran be described?
Iswaran is a multi-talented and loyal asset to Mahendra. For revision, focus on these key traits: He is an amazing cook, a resourceful caretaker, and most importantly, a gifted narrator. His storytelling is theatrical, using dramatic gestures, voice modulation, and suspense to make even simple incidents seem thrilling. He has a powerful imagination and can conjure up stories on any subject, making him the central figure of the narrative.
3. What are the main themes to remember from 'Iswaran the Storyteller'?
The central theme is the art of storytelling and its profound impact on the listener. Other key themes to recall for a quick recap include:
- The power of imagination to shape reality.
- The fine line between rational belief and superstitious fear.
- The nature of companionship and entertainment in isolated environments.
- The influence of suspense and narrative structure in making a story believable.
4. How does Iswaran's storytelling influence Mahendra's state of mind throughout the chapter?
Initially, Mahendra treats Iswaran's stories as a source of entertainment, dismissing them as pure fiction. He enjoys the dramatic flair but remains a rational observer. However, Iswaran's skill is so persuasive that his final ghost story breaks through Mahendra's logical facade. The narrative's influence shifts from amusing him to instilling genuine fear, which ultimately overpowers his reasoning and leads him to flee, showcasing the psychological power of a well-told story.
5. Who is the author of 'Iswaran the Storyteller', and what is notable about the writing style in the story?
The author of the story is the renowned Indian writer and cartoonist, R.K. Laxman. His writing style is simple, engaging, and filled with gentle humour. He uses vivid and descriptive language to bring Iswaran's fantastic tales to life, making the reader feel like a captivated audience member alongside Mahendra. The style effectively builds an atmosphere where the unbelievable seems plausible.
6. What is the significance of the story's ending where Mahendra abruptly resigns?
The conclusion where Mahendra resigns is highly significant as it demonstrates the ultimate victory of imagination over logic. Mahendra, who prided himself on being practical and scientific, is completely undone by a story. His resignation is not just an act of fear but a testament to how deeply Iswaran's narrative affected his perception of reality. It proves that a story can be powerful enough to alter a person's life choices.
7. For a better concept recap, how do the characters of Iswaran and Mahendra contrast with each other?
The contrast between Iswaran and Mahendra is central to the story's theme. Iswaran is imaginative, creative, and dramatic, living in a world enriched by his own tales. In contrast, Mahendra is a practical, educated, and rational man who believes in scientific explanations. Iswaran represents the world of fiction and art, while Mahendra represents the world of fact and logic. The entire story is an exploration of the conflict between these two opposing mindsets.
8. What is an effective way to structure a quick revision of 'Iswaran the Storyteller'?
For an effective revision, focus on three key areas:
- Character Sketches: Summarise the main traits of Iswaran (the storyteller) and Mahendra (the listener).
- Plot Summary: Trace the key narratives told by Iswaran, especially the story of the mad elephant and the final ghost story.
- Core Theme: Understand the central idea—how the art of storytelling can blur the lines between what is real and what is imagined. Creating a small concept map linking these points is a great revision technique.
