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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate5 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The story 'Iswaran the Storyteller' narrates how Mahendra, a supervisor, enjoys the company of his cook Iswaran, who entertains him with captivating stories. Iswaran's anecdotes include thrilling, suspenseful, and sometimes supernatural tales that leave Mahendra both fascinated and uneasy. The tale exemplifies Iswaran's ability to turn mundane incidents into dramatic narratives, eventually leading Mahendra to question reality when he experiences a ghostly encounter himself.
Key Topics
- •Storytelling techniques
- •Influence of literature
- •The power of imagination
- •Superstition vs. reality
- •Cultural elements in storytelling
- •Character influence and transformation
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the role of creativity in storytelling.
- ✓Analyze the impact of cultural context on narratives.
- ✓Critically appraise the distinction between reality and fiction.
- ✓Evaluate the psychological effects of engaging tales.
- ✓Explore the structure and elements of thrilling narratives.
Questions in Chapter
In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
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How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
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How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
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Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters?
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Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?
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Can you think of some other ending for the story?
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Additional Practice Questions
What are the qualities of a good storyteller displayed by Iswaran?
easyAnswer: Iswaran displays qualities such as imagination, the ability to captivate the audience, suspense building, and skillful use of language, which make him an engaging storyteller.
Analyze how Iswaran's storytelling affects Mahendra's perception of reality.
mediumAnswer: Iswaran's storytelling blurs the lines between reality and fantasy for Mahendra, leading him to question his own experiences, like the sighting of a ghost, and ultimately reconsider his stay at the site.
Discuss how superstition and literature are interwoven in Iswaran's tales.
mediumAnswer: Iswaran’s tales often include elements of local superstition drawn from literature, creating stories that are culturally rich and resonate with familiar lore, thereby engaging Mahendra deeply.
Compare and contrast Iswaran's elephant story with the ghost story he tells.
hardAnswer: Both stories employ suspense and vivid imagery to engage the listener, but while the elephant story is rooted in a slightly exaggerated reality, the ghost story veers into the supernatural, showcasing Iswaran’s range as a storyteller.
Explain how humor and horror coexist in the narrative techniques used by Iswaran.
hardAnswer: Iswaran uses a mix of humor in his exaggerated gestures and facial expressions alongside horror in the chilling details of his ghost story, creating a unique storytelling style that captivates and entertains.