Kaveri Chapter 11 Twin Melodies Class 9 NCERT Solutions

If you are preparing for Class 9 CBSE English, this chapter is important for understanding themes like tradition, modernity, and personal expression. Twin Melodies is a play that explores the conflict between classical music and fusion music.

Students often find drama-based questions and dialogue interpretation difficult. This page provides complete NCERT solutions to help you understand answers clearly and improve your writing in exams.

All sections are covered, including Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary and Structures in Context, Listen and Respond, Speaking Activity, Writing Task, and Learning Beyond the Text.

Reflect and Respond
I Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by first letter of the spellings of their names.
Answer:
Sitar
Sarod
Sarangi
Santoor
Mandolin
Violin
Guitar
Banjo
II Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?
Answer:
Yes. If given a choice, I would choose the violin because it is expressive, melodious, and can be used in both classical and fusion music.
III Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, there is often a difference in the choice of music between children and elders. Children may prefer modern, lively, or experimental music, while elders may prefer traditional or classical music because of familiarity, upbringing, and cultural values.
IV Work in pairs to complete the paragraph given on the next page by choosing the correct phrases given in the box. Discuss with your teacher whether the following phrases have a literal meaning or a figurative one.
The theatre club was 1. ___________ their practice.
Anil saw Sunny was 2. ___________ and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. ___________. Anil did not want to 4. ___________ and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. ___________ and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. ___________. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. ___________ to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. ___________ to celebrate.
Answer:
winding up
wearing a look of distress
lost in his thoughts
bring it up
bite the bullet
come around
found words
throw a party

Check Your Understanding
I Complete the table given below based on Act I of the play. Check your answers with the teacher.
Setting

Where: Iqbal’s room
Description of the room: a small rack, a wooden table stacked with books
On the wall: posters of famous Indian flute players Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam
Children and the instruments they play
Iqbal: flute
Avinash: tabla
Peter: keyboard
Shruti: violin
Speaker — Words of the Speaker — Reason
Avinash
“Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!”
Reason: He is teasing Shruti and congratulating her on the praise in the newspaper.
Shruti
“There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa.”
Reason: She is anxious because she fears her father will disapprove of fusion music.
Peter
“That’s the spirit!”
Reason: He is encouraging Shruti after she decides to tell her father.
II Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.
Answer:
Yes, Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father because she says, “Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.”
cIII What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?
Answer:
Shruti’s father might react negatively because he strongly believes in Classical Hindustani music and may consider fusion music disrespectful to tradition.

Check Your Understanding
I Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box given below. There are two extra words that you do not need. Check your answers with the teacher.
Shruti seemed 1. ___________ during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. ___________ to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. ___________ of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. ___________ to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. ___________ in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. ___________ her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. ___________ between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. ___________, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.
Answer:
absent-minded
courage
disapproval
plea
firm
scolded
clash
setback
II Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer:
No, it seems unlikely at this point that Shruti’s father will go for the rehearsal because he firmly rejects the idea of fusion music and mocks it.
III Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I think Shruti and her parents would understand one another because they love and care for one another, and honest conversation can help bridge their differences.

Check Your Understanding
I Work in pairs. Identify the true statements. Check the answers with your teacher.

During the rehearsal, Shruti’s parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance.
Answer: True
Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can’t join them for the performance, after practising one last time.
Answer: True
Shruti’s father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance.
Answer: False
Shruti’s father had followed the family’s tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did.
Answer: False
Shruti’s mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter.
Answer: True
Shruti’s father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music.
Answer: True

Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

Shruti: There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa. He is very strict about these things. He will think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes. Papa firmly believes that Classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play. I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do. It’s just that I want to give this a try too. I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!
Iqbal: All ways are right ways, Shruti. He is your father, he will understand.
(i) Select the option that correctly identifies Shruti’s situation.
A. confident
B. indifferent
C. content
D. in a dilemma
Answer: D. in a dilemma
(ii) What does Shruti mean by ‘the right way’, in the sentence, “I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!”?
Answer:
By “the right way,” Shruti means a respectful and careful way of telling her father so that he does not feel hurt or insulted.
(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason.
We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because _.
Answer:
Shruti wants to explore fusion music, while her father believes only Classical Hindustani music is appropriate for a serious artist.
(iv) Explain how Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance to Shruti.
Answer:
Iqbal’s words assure Shruti that her father loves her and may understand her if she speaks honestly and respectfully.
(v) Fill in the blank with a phrase from the extract.
The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are __.
Answer:
of any worth
Nabin: I underestimated the power of our own music. I was afraid you would be lost to us. I realise that my fears were baseless. After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!
(Shruti hugs both of her parents)
(i) Select the suitable option to complete the sentence.
Nabin’s breakthrough in his understanding of artistic freedom, highlights a bridge between . A. personal ambition and professional success B. traditional values and modern expressions C. strict discipline and casual learning D. historical techniques and futuristic innovations Answer: B. traditional values and modern expressions (ii) Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase. The extract uses the word ‘lost’ both in the sense of losing ___ and physical separation.
Answer:
her roots
(iii) In the line, ‘Shruti hugs her parents’, which word from those given below, does not show what it conveys?
reconciliation
harmony
duty
acceptance
understanding
Answer:
duty
(iv) What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music following her father’s expression of trust and support?
Answer:
It can be inferred that Shruti will continue her musical journey with greater confidence and family support.
(v) Identify the phrase that refers to the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and style.
Answer:
each bay, its own wind

II Answer the following questions.

Justify the title ‘Twin Melodies’. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
Answer:
The title Twin Melodies suggests two musical streams coming together—classical and fusion. The play explores the theme of tradition and modernity through Shruti’s wish to perform Indo-Western fusion music while belonging to a family deeply rooted in classical music. In the end, the play shows that both can exist together harmoniously.
What are the different perspectives of Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash regarding confronting figures of authority? How do their attitudes towards Shruti’s dilemma with her father provide insight into their own characters and values?
Answer:
Peter is practical and direct. Iqbal is calm, empathetic, and reassuring. Avinash is realistic and humorous, and he believes some scolding is worth facing if it leads to honesty. Their advice shows that they care about Shruti and value courage, communication, and friendship.
Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Answer:
Nabin Sharma begins as strict, traditional, and dismissive of fusion music. He values discipline and classical purity. After watching the rehearsal and remembering his own past, he becomes more understanding and supportive. His attitude evolves from rigid disapproval to acceptance.
How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Answer:
Shruti loves music and respects her father, but she also wants to follow her own artistic path. Her inner conflict between obeying her family and pursuing her passion drives the play and highlights the difficulty of balancing personal dreams with family expectations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
Answer:
Yes, the conclusion is effective because the conflict is resolved through performance, reflection, and emotional understanding rather than through argument alone. Nabin’s change of heart becomes believable when his own past is revealed.
Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Answer:
Cultural diversity is central to the storyline. The fusion group, the blending of instruments, and the meeting of classical and Western influences deepen both the conflict and the resolution. The play shows that diversity can enrich art rather than weaken it.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Read the highlighted word given in the brackets.

What is ‘aside’ used for?
(i) enables characters to talk about the story
(ii) shows what a character thinks or feels
(iii) makes a direct link between the audience and the character
(iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)
Answer:
(iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)

II Read the following words from the text.
Ahem ahem, I…er…
Now, select the correct answer for the question given below.
Why are they used?
to fill gaps while speaking
to increase clarity
to provide confidence
Answer:
to fill gaps while speaking
Now, choose suitable non-lexical fillers given in the box to describe the emoticons 1 to 4. There is an extra word you do not need.
whew
err
arrgh
hmmm
ahem-ahem
Answer:
arrgh
whew
err
hmmm
Extra word: ahem-ahem

III Read the following words from the text and their meanings.
Now, on the next page, match the meanings of other music-related words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
rhythm
tempo
bass
baritone
cacophony
pitch
scale
Answer:
rhythm — (iii) the pattern of beats or time intervals in music
tempo — (iv) the speed or pace at which a piece of music is played
bass — (i) the lowest tone or part in music
baritone — (v) a male voice that falls between the higher and lower ranges
cacophony — (ii) a mixture of loud unpleasant sounds
pitch — (vii) the perceived frequency of a sound, how high or low a sound is
scale — (vi) a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards

IV Write the meanings of the underlined phrases based on your understanding of the usage in sentences.

My mother told me, “When you follow trends without thinking, you drown your individual style.”
Answer: lose or suppress your uniqueness
The pianist was appreciated for his sense of musicality.
Answer: natural sensitivity or understanding of music
When one of the performers in the group was injured, they felt their practise would go down the drain.
Answer: be wasted or come to nothing

V Read the dialogues given below.

Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!
Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!
Sentences 1. and 2. are _ sentences. (declarative/interrogative/exclamatory/imperative)
Answer:
exclamatory
Now, convert the exclamatory sentences given above to declarative sentences.
Answer:
Shruti exclaimed with joy that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
Nabin exclaimed with admiration that they had done a very soulful and wonderful job.

VI Write the sentences given below in reported speech. One example has been done for you.

“What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.
Answer:
Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
“Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother.
Answer:
Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and that the performance had been flawless.
Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day!
Answer:
Iqbal said that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.
Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!
Answer:
Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide from her again.
Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
Answer:
Avinash exclaimed that she was a sensation then and added that the least she could do was throw a party.

VII Report the following dialogue in the indirect form of speech.
Asma exclaimed excitedly that she 1.________________. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that 2. ____________________. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as 3. ______________________. Deepa exclaimed that 4. ____________________.
Answer:
had had a unique experience at the art studio that day
she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas
the painting then looked better than her original plan
that was incredible

Listen and Respond
I Look at the given stringed musical instruments and decide which one could be the yazh [yāḻ].
Answer:
Instrument 2
II Now, listen to a musician describing the yazh and check if your choice was correct. (Transcript for teacher on page 270)
Answer:
The choice is correct: Instrument 2.
III Listen to the musician’s description of the yazh once again. As you listen, complete the notes below with not more than three words.
The Yazh

Type of instrument – The Indian
Answer: harp
(i) Was used in: _
Answer: ancient Tamil music
(ii) Earlier version of: __
Answer: modern day veena
Design
(i) stem tip – shaped like _ of mythological animal Answer: head (ii) resonator A. shape of a _
Answer: wooden boat
B. material – _
Answer: skin-covered
Design variety
(i) peacock, , , and bow string
Answer: crocodile, fish

Speaking Activity
I Stress and intonation exercises can be a great way to understand the emotional and rhythmic feelings associated with dialogues in a play.

Let us pick a few lines from the play and speak them aloud. Focus on how stress and intonation can change their meaning or emotional impact.
I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do.
Answer:
Stress: ‘don’t’ in the first part and ‘do’ in the second part; highlights contrast in Shruti’s internal conflict and her deep concern for her father’s feelings.
Intonation: start with a slightly lower tone, conveying concern; rise towards the end, emphasising her sincerity.
Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.
Answer:
Stress: ‘promise’ and ‘bring this up’; shows Shruti’s determination and the importance of the action she plans to take.
Intonation: start with a decisive tone on ‘promise’; slightly increase in pitch and volume on ‘bring this up’, to indicate resolve.
Why are you lost in thought my dear child?
Answer:
Stress: ‘lost’ and ‘thought’; draws attention to the concern in Leela’s question.
Intonation: tone should be gentle; raise the tone on ‘lost’; indicates curiosity.
Each bay, its own wind
Answer:
Stress: ‘each’ and ‘own’; highlights the uniqueness of each path; one-size-fits all does not work in every situation or for every person.
Intonation: thoughtful and slightly philosophical tone; a steady pitch that gently rises on its ‘own’.
Practice speaking aloud a few other sentences from the play on your own. Understanding what is being said and why, will help you stress the suitable portions and use the appropriate tone.
Answer:
Activity-based. Practise orally using suitable stress and intonation.

Writing Task
I Read the beginning of a story given below.
Anuradha, a teenager, has been learning tabla at school since her primary years and is an extraordinary tabla player.
Her father, a vocalist, is a music teacher in a school. He has never been supportive of her learning the tabla and rather feels she should focus on becoming a vocalist. She has been invited to perform at a prestigious event, and decides to participate in it, despite her father’s disapproval. However, Anuradha’s mother and brother have always rooted for her. Anuradha sat wondering.
In groups of four, create a play script based only on the beginning of the story given above. To write the script, you may refer to the play you have just read.
Answer:
Title: The Beat Within
Characters:
Anuradha
Father
Mother
Brother
Setting:
A modest living room in the evening.
Scene 1
Anuradha: (aside) I have been invited to perform at the State Music Festival. I should be happy, but I know Papa will never agree.
Mother: Why do you look worried, dear?
Anuradha: Ma, I want to perform at the festival next week.
Father: Perform? On the tabla again? I have told you many times that you should focus on singing.
Anuradha: But Papa, tabla is my passion. I have worked very hard for this chance.
Father: A girl from a family of vocalists should not run after drums. No is the answer.
Scene 2
Brother: You should not give up, Anuradha.
Mother: Your father is worried, not cruel. He fears people will not understand your choice.
Anuradha: I respect him, but I want him to respect my dream too.
Scene 3
(The family attends Anuradha’s performance.)
Father: (after the performance) Anuradha, your sense of rhythm is extraordinary. I was wrong to stop you.
Anuradha: Papa!
Father: Music is not smaller or greater because of the instrument. True art lies in dedication.
Mother: At last, harmony!
Brother: Now this calls for a celebration!

Learning Beyond the Text
I Study the words given in brackets in the following dialogues taken from the text. What do you notice?

Why do we not use inverted commas to convey the dialogues?
Answer:
We do not use inverted commas because in a play script the dialogue is written directly after the speaker’s name.
Where do we use colons?
Answer:
We use colons after the speaker’s name.
What is written within the brackets? What do these convey?
Answer:
Stage directions or the manner of speaking are written within the brackets. These convey tone, expression, movement, or action.
How does it help the actors?
Answer:
It helps the actors understand how to speak the lines and how to act on stage.
II Did you know that there is an orchestra that made musical instruments from recycling junk or discarded waste items?
Answer:
Yes. It shows how creativity can transform waste into meaningful musical instruments.
III Indigenous musical instruments are crafted from natural materials like bamboo, gourds, animal hides, and shells, reflecting a deep connection to the environment and cultural heritage. These instruments are diverse, ranging from percussion instruments like drums and rattles to wind instruments like flutes, etc. Find out more about such indigenous instruments that are used in your region.
Answer:
Examples: bamboo flute, ektara, pung, khartal, thavil, dhol.
IV In groups of five, select objects around yourself to create a rhythm. Present it in the class. Enjoy!
Answer:
Activity-based. Students may use pencils, bottles, desks, claps, or boxes to create a rhythm pattern.
V Read the book Rigmarole and Other Plays by Sai Paranjpye and enjoy the humour and wit.
Answer:
Rigmarole and Other Plays is a lively and humorous collection that entertains children while also teaching them through engaging situations and characters.