| Name | Iswaran The Storyteller |
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9th |
| Board | CBSE |
| Type | story |
| Author | R. K. Laxman |
About The Author
R. K. Laxman was a renowned Indian author and cartoonist who was famous for his satirical drawings and keen observations of Indian society. He was a recipient of many awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, and is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential cartoonists and writers.
Introduction
Iswaran The Storyteller is a short story by R. K. Laxman, a well-known Indian author and cartoonist. The story, which is a part of the CBSE Class 9 English syllabus, explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of storytelling through the character of Iswaran, a servant with exceptional storytelling abilities.
English Summary – “Iswaran The Storyteller”
The story begins with the introduction of the protagonist, Iswaran, who is a servant of the narrator, an engineering student who lives in a hostel. Iswaran is portrayed as a simple, innocent, and loyal person who dedicates his life to serving his master. He takes care of all the household chores and even cooks for the narrator.
However, the highlight of Iswaran’s character is his storytelling ability. He is a master storyteller, and his stories have a touch of magic that can mesmerize anyone who listens to them. The narrator describes Iswaran’s stories as “strange and unusual, but always fascinating.” Iswaran’s stories often revolve around supernatural events and creatures, which he claims to have experienced himself. His stories are so captivating that the narrator often forgets about his studies and listens to them for hours.
As the story progresses, the narrator’s engineering project starts to face various issues, and he becomes frustrated and stressed. In such a situation, Iswaran’s stories become a source of solace for him. He finds comfort in Iswaran’s tales, and they provide him with a much-needed distraction from his problems.
One day, Iswaran tells the narrator a story about a giant crocodile that lives in a nearby pond. He claims to have seen the crocodile himself and warns the narrator to stay away from the pond. However, the narrator dismisses the story as a figment of Iswaran’s imagination and decides to visit the pond.
Upon reaching the pond, the narrator realizes that Iswaran was right, and there indeed was a giant crocodile in the water. In a moment of panic, the narrator starts to run, but the crocodile chases him. Just when he thinks that he is about to be caught, Iswaran arrives on the scene and starts to beat the crocodile with a stick. With Iswaran’s help, the narrator manages to escape the crocodile’s clutches, and they both return to the hostel safely.
The story ends with the narrator expressing his gratitude towards Iswaran for saving his life. He realizes the true value of Iswaran’s loyalty and friendship and promises to be a better master to him in the future. Iswaran’s story telling ability, coupled with his unwavering loyalty and devotion, endears him to the reader and makes him a memorable character.
Conclusion – “Iswaran The Storyteller”
In the end, Iswaran’s loyalty and devotion to his master prove to be invaluable, and his exceptional storytelling skills become a source of comfort for the narrator. The story highlights the power of friendship and the simple things in life that can bring us happiness and solace.