ENGLISH CLASS- 9
CHAPTER- 6
(Twin Melodies)
Check Your Understanding – Act I
I. Complete the table given below based on Act I of the play.
| Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Setting – Where | Iqbal's room |
| Description of the room | A small rack and a wooden table stacked with books. |
| On the wall | Posters of famous Indian flute players Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam. |
| 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!" | He congratulates Shruti for her successful performance and jokingly asks her to celebrate by giving a party. |
| Shruti | "There is need to worry Iqbal! You don't know papa." | She is afraid that her father will not approve of her participation in an Indo-Western fusion concert because of his strong belief in classical Hindustani music. |
| Peter | "That's the spirit!" | He encourages Shruti after she decides to gather courage and speak to her father about the concert. |
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. After receiving encouragement and support from her friends, she decides to face the situation bravely and promises to discuss the matter with her father during dinner.
III. What might be Shruti's father's reaction? Why?
Answer: Shruti's father is likely to disapprove of her decision at first because he strongly believes that only Classical Hindustani music preserves the true spirit of music. He considers Western fusion music unsuitable for a serious classical artist and may initially refuse to allow her to participate in the concert.
Check Your Understanding – Act II
I. Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box given below.
| Blank No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | absent-minded |
| 2 | courage |
| 3 | disapproval |
| 4 | plea |
| 5 | firm |
| 6 | scolded |
| 7 | clash |
| 8 | setback |
Completed Summary
Shruti seemed absent-minded during dinner. She finally gathered the courage to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing disapproval of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti's plea to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was firm in his decision. Shruti's mother, Leela, scolded her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the clash between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the setback, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.
II. Will Shruti's father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer: Although Shruti's father initially refuses to accept the idea of fusion music, there is still a possibility that he may attend the rehearsal. He is a caring father who wants the best for his daughter. Seeing Shruti's sincerity and dedication may encourage him to observe the rehearsal before making his final decision.
III. Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, Shruti and her parents are likely to understand one another. Shruti respects her father's opinions and wants his approval, while her parents care deeply about her future. Honest communication, mutual respect, and understanding can help them overcome their differences and reach a common decision.
Check Your Understanding – Act III
I. Work in pairs. Identify the true statements.
| Statement | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. During the rehearsal, Shruti's parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance. | True | Shruti's parents quietly watch the rehearsal, appreciate the fusion performance, and proudly applaud all the children at the end. |
| 2. Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can't join them for the performance, after practising one last time. | True | Before the rehearsal begins, Shruti thinks she will practise once more and then inform her friends that she cannot participate in the concert. |
| 3. Shruti's father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance. | False | Instead, Nabin praises Shruti and says that she did not lose sight of the notes of the raga even once and performed excellently. |
| 4. Shruti's father had followed the family's tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did. | False | Nabin did not follow his family's tradition of vocal music. He chose the violin against his family's wishes and achieved success through hard work. |
| 5. Shruti's mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter. | True | Leela reminded Nabin of his own struggles and encouraged him to understand Shruti's feelings and ambitions. |
| 6. Shruti's father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music. | False | Nabin admits that he underestimated Shruti's ability to preserve classical music while performing fusion music, not the potential of classical music itself. |
II. What important lesson does Nabin learn by the end of the play?
Answer: Nabin learns that tradition and modernity can exist together in harmony. He realises that fusion music does not weaken classical music but can present it in a new and meaningful way. He also understands the importance of trusting his daughter's talent, respecting her choices, and supporting her dreams.
III. How does the ending of the play strengthen the message of understanding and acceptance?
Answer: The ending shows that open communication, trust, and mutual respect can resolve conflicts within a family. Nabin changes his opinion after witnessing Shruti's sincere performance and recognises her dedication to music. His decision to support her fusion group demonstrates that accepting new ideas while respecting tradition leads to harmony, happiness, and stronger family relationships.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1
(i) Answer: Option D. in a dilemma
Explanation: Shruti is confused because she wants to participate in the Indo-Western fusion concert, but she is afraid that her father will not approve of her decision.
(ii) Answer:
By "the right way", Shruti means finding a respectful and appropriate manner to explain her wish to her father without hurting his feelings or disrespecting his beliefs. She wants him to understand her passion while still honouring his love for classical music.
(iii) Answer:
We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because Shruti wishes to explore fusion music while her father strongly believes that only Classical Hindustani music should be performed by a true artist.
(iv) Answer:
Iqbal's words reassure Shruti by reminding her that her father loves her and will eventually understand her feelings. He encourages her to speak honestly instead of being afraid, giving her confidence to discuss the matter.
(v) Answer:
Answer: of any worth
Sentence: The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are of any worth.
Extract 2
(i) Answer: Option B. traditional values and modern expressions
Explanation: By the end of the play, Nabin understands that classical music and fusion music can exist together. He accepts Shruti's artistic freedom while respecting tradition.
(ii) Answer:
The extract uses the word "lost" in the sense of losing one's identity, values, or cultural roots as well as physical separation.
(iii) Answer:
Answer: duty
Explanation: Shruti's hug expresses reconciliation, acceptance, harmony, understanding, and love rather than a sense of duty.
(iv) Answer:
It can be inferred that Shruti will continue to grow as a confident musician with her father's encouragement and support. She will be able to balance classical traditions with modern musical styles and pursue her passion without fear.
(v) Answer:
Answer: "Each bay, its own wind."
Explanation: This phrase means that every person has a unique journey, talent, and style. Just as each bay has its own wind, every artist has a different path to success.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Justify the title 'Twin Melodies'. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
Answer:
The title Twin Melodies is appropriate because it represents the harmonious blending of two musical traditions—Classical Hindustani music and Indo-Western fusion music. At first, these two styles appear to be completely different, but the play shows that they can complement each other. Through Shruti's journey and Nabin's change of heart, the play highlights that respecting tradition does not mean rejecting innovation. Instead, both can exist together beautifully.
2. 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, Iqbal, and Avinash all encourage Shruti to speak honestly with her father, but each has a different approach. Peter motivates her with confidence and positivity. Iqbal believes that parents understand their children when they communicate openly. Avinash takes a practical view and advises Shruti not to make the problem bigger by remaining silent. Their advice reflects their caring nature, maturity, optimism, and belief in honesty and communication.
3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Answer:
Nabin Sharma is a disciplined and respected classical musician who strongly believes in preserving traditional music. Initially, he rejects fusion music because he fears it will weaken classical values. However, after watching Shruti's rehearsal and remembering his own struggles against family traditions, he realises that music can evolve while still respecting its roots. By the end of the play, he becomes open-minded, supportive, and accepting of his daughter's choices.
4. How does the play use Shruti's internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Answer:
Shruti deeply respects her father's beliefs but also wishes to follow her own musical interests. She struggles between obeying her father and pursuing her passion for fusion music. This conflict reflects the challenge many young people face when balancing family expectations with personal dreams. The play shows that honest communication and mutual understanding can help resolve such conflicts.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play's conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
Answer:
Yes, the conclusion is realistic and satisfying. Nabin changes his opinion only after personally witnessing Shruti's dedication and talent. His transformation is supported by Leela's reminder of his own past struggles. The ending promotes understanding, trust, and acceptance instead of conflict, making the resolution natural and meaningful.
6. Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Answer:
Cultural diversity plays an important role in the play by showing how different musical traditions can coexist peacefully. The fusion group combines Indian classical music with Western instruments without losing respect for either style. This message encourages openness, creativity, and appreciation of different cultures while preserving one's own heritage. The play teaches that diversity strengthens art rather than weakening it.
A Friend Found in Music
Check Your Understanding
I. Read the poem again to complete the poet's diary about her feelings on music.
| Blank No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | shore |
| 2 | rhythm |
| 3 | core |
| 4 | therapy |
| 5 | spirits |
| 6 | cheerful |
| 7 | needed |
| 8 | care |
Completed Diary
Today, I've been thinking about how essential music is to me. It is like an ocean that calls me to its shore. Music is the rhythm that harmonises with my core, moving me in ways I can't explain. When I feel sad or upset about things, music is the therapy that eases the ache. It is amazing how music has the power to lift my spirits and give me strength to pull through difficult times. I know that it is the effect of music whenever I feel cheerful. Music is the much needed, dependable friend when there is no one to care. Thank you, my dear music, for being my all-time comfort.
II. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. The phrase "moves me" in the line "That moves me to the core" is an example of __________.
Answer: Personification.
2. The poet uses metaphors for music. Rewrite them as similes.
| Metaphor | Simile |
|---|---|
| Music is the ocean. | Music is as vast and calming as an ocean. |
| Music is the rhythm. | Music is as lively as a rhythm. |
| Music is the therapy. | Music is as healing as therapy. |
| Music is the needed friend. | Music is as caring and dependable as a true friend. |
3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? What impact does it have?
Answer: The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB in each stanza. This regular rhyme pattern gives the poem a smooth musical flow, making it pleasant to read and easy to remember.
4. What is the poet's purpose in using the word "music" repeatedly?
Answer: The repeated use of the word "music" emphasises its importance in the poet's life. It highlights that music provides comfort, strength, happiness, and emotional support during every stage of life.
5. What message does the poet wish to convey through the poem?
Answer: The poet wishes to convey that music is a constant companion that heals emotional pain, brings happiness, gives strength during difficult times, and acts like a true friend who never leaves us alone.
6. Identify the mood of the poem.
Answer: (ii) Thoughtful
Explanation: The poet thoughtfully reflects on the important role that music plays in bringing comfort, hope, and happiness.
7. Give evidence from the poem to support that the speaker is the poet herself.
Answer: The poet uses first-person expressions such as "pulls me", "moves me", "I need", "I feel blue", "my spirits", and "I'm most cheerful". These expressions show that the poem is based on the poet's own personal thoughts and experiences with music.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.
1.Music is the therapy I need when I feel blue. Music lifts my spirits To make sure I pull through.
(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.
Answer: The phrase "feel blue" indicates feeling sad, lonely, or unhappy.
(ii) Identify the line which shows music makes the poet happy.
Answer:
"Music lifts my spirits"
(iii) What does the last line of the extract signify?
Answer:
The last line signifies that music gives the poet strength, courage, and hope to overcome difficult situations. It helps the poet face life's challenges with confidence and optimism.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Answer: True
Explanation: Music plays a vital role in the poet's life because it comforts, heals, encourages, and supports the poet during both happy and difficult times.
(v) Select the central idea of the extract.
Answer: Option A. Music brings comfort during sadness.
Explanation: The extract explains how music acts as therapy, lifts the poet's spirits, and provides emotional support during difficult moments.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. How is music able to move the poet "to the core"?
Answer:
Music deeply touches the poet's heart and emotions. It has the power to comfort, heal, inspire, and bring happiness during both joyful and difficult moments. Because of its emotional impact, the poet feels connected to music at the deepest level.
2. Why does the poet compare music to a "needed friend"?
Answer:
The poet compares music to a needed friend because it always provides comfort, support, and companionship. Whenever the poet feels lonely, sad, or discouraged, music remains a faithful companion that brings hope and happiness.
3. Explain the poet's attitude towards music.
Answer:
The poet has a deep love and admiration for music. She believes that music is an important part of her life because it heals emotional pain, lifts her mood, gives her strength, and remains a constant source of comfort. She considers music one of her closest friends.
4. Support the opinion that this poem has a universal appeal.
Answer:
The poem has a universal appeal because people of all ages and cultures experience joy, sadness, hope, and loneliness. Music helps everyone express emotions, reduce stress, and find comfort. Since these feelings are common to all human beings, readers everywhere can easily relate to the poet's experiences.
5. Compare your experience of music with the feelings expressed in the poem.
Answer:
Like the poet, I believe music has the power to improve mood and reduce stress. Listening to my favourite songs makes me feel relaxed, refreshed, and motivated. During difficult times, music provides comfort and hope, while during happy moments it makes celebrations even more enjoyable. Therefore, I can relate closely to the poet's feelings about music.