NCERT solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6: Twin Melodies. Exam-ready answers to comprehension, critical reflection and vocabulary questions. All 13 questions are answered, with the key answer highlighted.
Justify the title 'Twin Melodies'. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
Solution
"Twin Melodies" refers to two strands, classical and fusion, father and daughter, Indian and Western, that finally play in harmony. Nabin stands for tradition; Shruti and her friends for modern experiment. The fusion piece keeps "the notes of the raga", and Nabin recalls that he too once broke with tradition, so the play shows that the two can coexist.
"Twin Melodies" refers to two strands, classical and fusion, father and daughter, Indian and Western, that finally play in harmony.
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?
Solution
Iqbal is light-hearted and reassuring ("All ways are right ways… he will understand"; scolding "for breakfast every day"), showing a relaxed, trusting nature. Avinash is direct and practical ("You are making matters worse… he will eventually come round"), showing frankness. Peter is a positive, supportive leader ("That's the spirit!"). All believe in honesty and that parents can be persuaded, reflecting loyalty and friendship.
Iqbal is light-hearted and reassuring ("All ways are right ways… he will understand"; scolding "for breakfast every day"), showing a relaxed, trusting nature.
Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Solution
At first he is strict, proud of classical tradition and dismissive of fusion ("phoo" music, "No is the answer"). He is also loving and protective, fearing Shruti will be "lost to us". After hearing the group, he is moved ("Wah, how soulful!"), remembers his own struggle through Leela, admits he "underestimated the power of our own music", and becomes supportive.
At first he is strict, proud of classical tradition and dismissive of fusion ("phoo" music, "No is the answer").
How does the play use Shruti's internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Solution
She loves and respects her father ("I don't want papa to feel that I don't care") but longs to play fusion. Her hesitation, her aside about quitting, and her final honesty show the struggle; the resolution suggests that passion pursued honestly and respectfully need not betray family.
She loves and respects her father ("I don't want papa to feel that I don't care") but longs to play fusion.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the play's conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
Solution
It is satisfying and believable: Nabin changes because he actually hears the music and is reminded of his own past, not suddenly. The quick reconciliation is slightly idealised, but it convincingly resolves the conflict through listening and understanding.
It is satisfying and believable: Nabin changes because he actually hears the music and is reminded of his own past, not suddenly.
Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Solution
The group's members, Avinash (tabla), Iqbal (flute), Peter (keyboard) and Shruti (violin), represent different backgrounds and instruments. Their harmony mirrors the play's message that different traditions, like different people, can blend into something beautiful.
The group's members, Avinash (tabla), Iqbal (flute), Peter (keyboard) and Shruti (violin), represent different backgrounds and instruments.
Read the dialogues: 1. "Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!" 2. "Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!" What kind of sentences are these (declarative/interrogative/exclamatory/imperative)? Convert them to declarative sentences, using 'exclaimed' or 'exclaimed with (feeling)' and removing interjections, exclamation marks and quotation marks.
Solution
Both are exclamatory . 1. Shruti exclaimed (to herself) that she enjoyed performing that piece very much. 2. Nabin exclaimed with admiration that it was very soulful and that they had all done a wonderful job.
Both are exclamatory. 1. Shruti exclaimed (to herself) that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
Write the sentences given below in reported speech. Example: "Wow Shruti! You're a sensation!" suggested Avinash. → Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation. 2. "What an incredible achievement! I can't believe we pulled it off!" said Iqbal. 3. "Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!" said Shruti's mother. 4. Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day! 5. Shruti: Sorry mummy, won't hide from you again. I promise! 6. Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
Solution
2. …was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off. 3. …each note had been executed perfectly and the performance had been flawless. 4. Iqbal said jokingly that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day. 5. Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide from her again. 6. Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation then and that the least she could do was throw a party.
2. …was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.
Solution
Yes. Though nervous, Shruti respects her father and does not want to keep secrets from him. Her friends assure her that "all ways are right ways" and that he will understand, which gives her courage.
Yes, because her friends encourage her and she does not want to hide things from him.
He would probably refuse or be angry at first, because he firmly believes that classical Hindustani music is the only music worthy of a serious artist and thinks playing Western tunes on the violin is a desecration.
He would refuse at first, because he believes only classical music is worthy.
Will Shruti's father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.
Solution
Probably yes. Though he mocked fusion music, he loves his daughter and is himself a musician. Shruti begged him to attend just once, and her mother may persuade him to listen before judging.
Probably yes; he loves her and Leela may persuade him to listen before judging.
Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Solution
Yes. The family shares deep love and respect. Shruti values her father's opinion, and her parents care about her future. If they listen to each other, as happens when Nabin hears the music, they will understand one another.
Yes; they love and respect each other, and honest talk and listening will bridge the gap.
Identify the true statements. 1. During the rehearsal, Shruti's parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance. 2. Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can't join them for the performance, after practising one last time. 3. Shruti's father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance. 4. Shruti's father had followed the family's tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did. 5. Shruti's mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter. 6. Shruti's father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music.
Solution
1. True : they become engrossed and clap with pride. 2. True : her aside says so. 3. False : he praised her for not losing the notes of the raga even once (and she plays the violin, not sings). 4. False : his family were vocalists; he went against their wishes to play the violin. 5. True : "it was Leela who opened my eyes". 6. True : "I underestimated the power of our own music."
