Summary

Iswaran the Storyteller by R. K. Narayan is a captivating tale about a bachelor named Mahendra, who works as a junior supervisor in a firm. He is constantly transferred to different places due to the nature of his job, but he is accompanied by his loyal cook, Iswaran, who takes excellent care of him. Iswaran is not only a good cook but also an avid storyteller, often entertaining Mahendra with thrilling tales during their downtime.

Iswaran’s stories are full of adventure and fantasy. One day, he tells Mahendra about an incident where he bravely confronted a wild elephant that had gone mad. Iswaran’s courage in taming the dangerous elephant by whacking its toenail astounds Mahendra. Iswaran also shares stories from his hometown, including one about an elephant that went on a rampage at a school, only to be subdued by his quick thinking and bravery.

On another occasion, after preparing a special meal, Iswaran spins a story about ghosts and supernatural occurrences. He describes a woman’s ghost that haunts their living area, which is believed to be a former burial ground. Although Mahendra dismisses the idea of ghosts, the tale disturbs him, and he becomes uneasy every night thinking about the ghost. One night, Mahendra is startled by a moaning sound coming from outside his window. Upon looking out, he sees a shadowy figure, which terrifies him. The next morning, Iswaran inquires about the strange sound, and Mahendra is left shaken, realizing that his imagination, fueled by Iswaran’s stories, may have gotten the better of him.

The story of Iswaran the Storyteller teaches a valuable lesson: we should not easily believe in stories or rumors without questioning them. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and not letting our imaginations be swayed by others’ tales. The narrative highlights the fine line between fiction and reality, reminding us to use our intelligence before jumping to conclusions.