1. In what manner does Iswaran benefit Mahendra?

Explanation:

Iswaran is a valuable asset to Mahendra as he is a dedicated and hardworking cook who takes care of all household chores and engages in late-night conversations with Mahendra.

2. How does Iswaran describe the fallen tree on the highway, and what effect does he intend to create in his audience?

Explanation:

Iswaran presents the incident of the fallen tree on the highway in a dramatic way, using his skills as a storyteller to create suspense and surprise in his listeners.

3. How does Iswaran tell the story of the tusker, and is it a believable account?

Explanation:

Iswaran tells the story of the tusker in an exaggerated and implausible manner, claiming to have used a Japanese technique to control the wild elephant.

4. Why does the author suggest that Iswaran compensates for the lack of a TV in Mahendra's living quarters?

Explanation:

The author notes that Iswaran's talent for telling exciting and mysterious stories is so impressive that he more than makes up for the absence of a television in Mahendra's living quarters.

5. Although Mahendra believes that ghosts and spirits are imaginary, what happens to him on a full-moon night?

Explanation:

Despite his disbelief in ghosts, Mahendra becomes terrified when he sees a female ghost holding a fetus outside his window on a full-moon night, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

6. Can you suggest an alternative conclusion to the story?

Explanation:

Instead of fleeing the haunted place, Mahendra could have confronted the ghostly figure, revealing it to be Iswaran in disguise, thereby solving the mystery and ending the story on a more satisfying note.

7. How did Iswaran’s story of a female ghost affect Mahendra’s behavior?

Explanation:

After listening to Iswaran’s story of a female ghost, Mahendra became fearful and avoided looking out of the window when the moon was full. He went to bed with unease and would check the darkness for any movement of dark shapes outside.

8. What qualities of Iswaran made Mahendra fond of him?

Explanation:

Mahendra became fond of Iswaran because of his resourcefulness, his ability to take good care of him, and his skill as a trained cook. Iswaran also had a talent for storytelling and would narrate captivating stories to Mahendra at night.

9. What led Mahendra to make the decision to leave the haunted place?

Explanation:

Mahendra was scared of the haunted place after having a ghastly experience at night and dreaming of the woman ghost. As a result, he decided to leave the place.

10. What makes Iswaran stand out from other domestic helpers?

Explanation:

Iswaran was highly resourceful and an asset to Mahendra. He was a skilled cook and told interesting stories at night. Iswaran was also very attached to Mahendra, following him everywhere he was posted and taking care of his needs.

11. How did Iswaran manage to control the elephant?

Explanation:

Iswaran hit the elephant on its third toe with a rod, which caused the elephant to collapse and be controlled. This happened after the elephant had caused much terror by breaking fences, smashing stalls, and entering a school ground.

12. Why did Iswaran become an asset to Mahendra?

Explanation:

Iswaran was not only a trained cook but also very attentive to Mahendra, taking care of his needs such as washing his clothes and cooking his food. He also provided companionship and entertained Mahendra with his storytelling at night.

13. What was Mahendra’s reaction after seeing the ghost?

Explanation:

Mahendra was frightened and convinced that there were ghosts around his house. He decided that he did not want to live there any longer and resigned from his job.

14. What was Iswaran’s role in Mahendra’s household?

Explanation:

Iswaran was Mahendra’s cook and an essential member of his household. He cooked for Mahendra, washed his clothes, and provided him with companionship and entertainment through his storytelling.

15. How did Iswaran’s story of the female ghost affect Mahendra?

Explanation:

Iswaran’s story of the female ghost made Mahendra fearful and anxious. He would avoid looking out of the window at night and was on edge when he heard strange noises.

16. How does Iswaran describe the story of the elephant, and does it seem plausible?

Explanation:

Iswaran narrated a story about an elephant going mad, causing destruction in the town, and being controlled by him hitting its third toe with a rod. The story does not appear to be plausible.

17. What destruction did the elephant cause in the town?

Explanation:

The elephant caused a great deal of destruction in the town, breaking branches, fences, and stalls. It even entered a school ground, breaking through a brick wall, tearing down a volleyball net, and flattening a water drum.

18. Do you believe the ghost Mahendra saw on the full moon night was real?

Explanation:

No, I do not believe that the ghost Mahendra saw was real. Iswaran had told him a ghost story, which had affected his mind, and Mahendra had likely imagined the ghost he saw to be real.

19. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of imagination. What happens to him on full moon night ?

Explanation:

Although Mahendra never believed in ghosts or spirits, he experienced something unusual on a full moon night. He was awakened by a low moan near the window and, against his better judgement, he looked outside. To his horror, he saw a dark, cloudy figure clutching a bundle. Mahendra was filled with fear and fell back on the pillow, sweating and panting. This experience made him question his beliefs about the existence of ghosts and spirits.

20. Explain the importance of being a good listener and how Mahendra was able to listen to Iswaran's tales.

Explanation:

Being a good listener is crucial for understanding the meaning, expressions and intentions of the storyteller. Mahendra was an exceptional listener who would listen to Iswaran's stories with rapt attention, making eye contact to express awe or horror, depending on the story. He would allow his imagination to visualize the story and never interrupted Iswaran. Mahendra's patient and uncritical listening skills made him an excellent audience for Iswaran's tales.

21. Discuss Iswaran's storytelling skills and what made him a fascinating storyteller.

Explanation:

Iswaran was a captivating storyteller with imaginative descriptions of events, dramatic language and gestures, and suspenseful storytelling that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. He was heavily influenced by Tamil authors and thrilling novels, incorporating elements of adventure, horror, and suspense into his tales. Iswaran's surprise endings and unexpected narrations added to his reputation as a fascinating storyteller.

22. How did Iswaran's skills as a cook and storyteller benefit Mahendra?

Explanation:

Iswaran's devotion to Mahendra and his talents as both a cook and storyteller made him an invaluable asset to Mahendra. Iswaran's cooking skills allowed him to prepare delicious meals quickly and efficiently, while his engaging storytelling kept Mahendra entertained and captivated. Additionally, Iswaran's ability to maintain the sheds and keep things tidy added to his value as a servant.

23. Provide a brief character sketch of Iswaran.

Explanation:

Iswaran was a dedicated and loyal servant to Mahendra, with exceptional talents as both a cook and storyteller. He was heavily influenced by Tamil authors and thrilling novels, incorporating elements of adventure, horror, and suspense into his tales. Iswaran's devotion to Mahendra and his talents as a servant made him an indispensable asset to his master.

24. How did Iswaran's abilities as a cook and storyteller complement each other? Provide an example. 

Explanation:

Iswaran's cooking skills and storytelling talents complemented each other perfectly, making him an invaluable asset to Mahendra. Iswaran's ability to produce delicious meals seemingly out of nowhere, coupled with his captivating storytelling, made him the perfect servant. For example, while cooking, Iswaran would often tell Mahendra stories, adding an extra layer of entertainment and enjoyment to the mealtime experience.

25. Discuss Iswaran's skills as a storyteller and cook, and how they made him an asset to Mahendra.

Explanation:

Iswaran's talents as both a cook and storyteller made him an indispensable asset to Mahendra. His captivating storytelling, influenced by Tamil authors and thrilling novels, included elements of adventure, horror, and suspense, which kept Mahendra entertained and on edge. Meanwhile, Iswaran's cooking skills allowed him to prepare delicious meals quickly and efficiently, making sure that Mahendra was well-fed and satisfied. Overall, Iswaran's skills as a storyteller and cook made him an essential member of Mahendra's household.