Class 9 · ArtsNCERT 2026 Revised Syllabus
Chapter 3: Symbols and Metaphors on Stage (0907AR03)
Madhurima
Discusses how lights, sets, props, music, make-up and costume carry symbolic meaning and deepen the storytelling in a performance.
Chapter code: 0907ar03 · Book: Madhurima · Class 9 Arts
Find complete NCERT solutions for Class 9 Arts, Madhurima Chapter 3. Every question has a clear, step-by-step answer for chapter code 0907AR03.
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Activity 3.1: Beyond Words (Fig. 3.1, Stage Set Before Performance)(3 questions)
1
What do you think is implied by the two levels created on stage?
Ans.
The two levels likely imply a hierarchy of power, authority or perspective; the higher level may represent dominance or aspiration, while the lower level represents vulnerability or subordination.
2
What is the first object that caught your attention? What do you think it represents?
Ans.
The raised platform structure catches attention first. It likely represents a throne, watchtower or vantage point, symbolising status, control or oversight within the unfolding story.
3
Follow-up: What are the other forms of communicating to the audience? Why are they necessary?
Ans.
Lights, props, set design, music, costumes and make-up also communicate to the audience. They are necessary because they add emotional depth, context and meaning beyond what spoken dialogue alone can convey.
Symbolism Using Music - Scene Work(2 questions)
1
For Scene 1 (two kings signing a peace treaty): What is the mood, rhythm pattern, instruments, and vocals/instrumental preference?
Ans.
The mood is tense and formal. A slow, deliberate rhythm using shehnai and tabla suits the solemn diplomatic setting; instrumental music alone is preferable, so it builds suspense without distracting from the dialogue.
2
For Scene 2 (hospital waiting room): What is the mood, rhythm pattern, instruments, and vocals/instrumental preference?
Ans.
The mood is anxious and restless. A gentle yet uneasy rhythm using soft strings or piano suits the realistic, contemporary setting; instrumental background music works best without overpowering the characters' emotions.
Symbolism Using Make-up - Scene Work (Costume, Make-up and Characters)(2 questions)
1
For Scene 1: List characters and describe material/colour, motifs, state of mind, and accessories through costume and make-up.
Ans.
The two kings wear rich silk robes in red and gold to show power; advisors wear muted tones; the queen wears fine jewellery with royal emblem motifs. The regional ruler's unease is shown through tense make-up around the eyes and a stiff posture.
2
For Scene 2: List characters and describe material/colour, motifs, state of mind, and accessories through costume and make-up.
Ans.
The five waiting patients wear plain, everyday clothes reflecting real life: the injured employee has a bandaged arm, the elderly woman wears a simple sari, and the young mother wears casual clothes while holding her toddler, together showing shared vulnerability.
Symbolism in Sets and Props - Scene Work(1 questions)
1
Where are the characters seated (based on importance)? Which general and specific props establish the scene? Would characters be placed at different levels? How would you represent the 'corrupt doctor' or the 'pain of the regional ruler'?
Ans.
The kings sit on elevated thrones to show importance, while the patients share a common bench to show equality in suffering. Scene 1 uses a treaty scroll and swords; Scene 2 uses medical files and a wheelchair. A corrupt doctor could be shown quietly accepting a bribe through a prop exchange, while the regional ruler's pain could be shown through a clenched fist and a lowered gaze.
Symbolism Using Light - Scene Work(3 questions)
1
Based on the mood defined earlier, how would light represent the mood of each scene (bright/well-lit, dull/shadowed, colourful, or a combination)?
Ans.
Scene 1 (royal court) uses dim, warm golden lighting with strong shadows to heighten political tension. Scene 2 (hospital) uses even, cool white lighting reflecting the sterile, anxious atmosphere of the waiting room.
2
What colours would you choose, based on the time of day, indoor-outdoor setting and emotion?
Ans.
Scene 1, set in an evening royal court, uses warm amber and red tones. Scene 2, set indoors in daylight, uses cool white and pale blue tones that reflect a clinical, anxious mood.
3
Would you use any specific effect, like footlights or shadows, to represent certain characteristics?
Ans.
Yes; a large backlit shadow behind the emperor in Scene 1 emphasises his supremacy over the regional ruler, while soft, even front lighting on the patients in Scene 2 conveys their honesty and vulnerability.
Activity 3.2: What Do You Think It Means?(1 questions)
1
Scene: Two characters in a dance/combat under low light, with a framed ancestral photo highlighted by a spotlight. What meanings could this convey?
Ans.
This may symbolise a conflict between generations or a struggle shaped by family destiny; the spotlighted ancestral photo suggests that the past silently watches over, judges or influences the present struggle between the two characters.
Activity 3.3: Designing Abstract Concepts(2 questions)
1
Design costume, props and make-up for an AI-based robot concerned about the environment, urging people to reduce plastic use.
Ans.
A metallic silver costume with LED-style circuit patterns and angular, robotic movements; a reusable cloth bag as a prop; and green-tinted make-up or accents symbolising environmental awareness and its technological, message-driven character.
2
Design costume, props and make-up for a talking book that wants to tell people about the real problems of youth and their overdependence on gadgets.
Ans.
A costume resembling an open book with printed pages, in muted brown and cream tones symbolising knowledge; pale, paper-textured make-up; and an oversized pencil or spectacles as a prop symbolising wisdom versus screen dependence.
End-of-Chapter Discussion Circle(5 questions)
1
If a single colour could describe your mood today, which colour would it be and why?
Ans.
Yellow, because it reflects a hopeful and energetic mood, associating with joy and positivity as studied in the symbolism of colours used on stage.
2
Imagine a doorway on stage. What could it symbolise besides entering and exiting?
Ans.
A doorway could symbolise transition, opportunity, choice or transformation, representing the threshold between two emotional states or two phases of a character's life, such as the past and the future.
3
Which symbol or metaphor from this chapter are you most excited to try in your own performance?
Ans.
Shadow symbolism is the most exciting to try, as long, exaggerated shadows can powerfully convey loneliness or inner conflict without requiring a single line of dialogue.
4
If you had to choose one object from your school bag to use as a symbol on stage, what would it represent?
Ans.
A pencil could represent potential and creativity when new and sharp, or unfinished dreams and effort when shown worn down, depending on how it is presented on stage.
5
Is a symbol always obvious to everyone? Can two people interpret the same symbol differently? Share an example.
Ans.
No, symbols are subjective and not always obvious. For example, a red rose may symbolise love to one person, while to another it may suggest danger or intense passion, depending on personal and cultural context.
Exercises(4 questions)
1
Look at the picture of a scene on stage (Fig. 3.12). List out what each thing represents and write the overall meaning of what is being conveyed on stage.
Ans.
The layered red-toned panels and warm lighting suggest passion, tension or danger; the seated figures within this charged setting imply an emotionally intense conversation or conflict. Overall, the stage conveys a dramatic, emotionally charged atmosphere.
2
If you had to show a person growing in wisdom and intelligence over a period of 10 years without speech or dialogue, how would you show it using costumes, lights, props and music?
Ans.
The costume progresses from casual, plain clothes to formal, refined attire; lighting gradually brightens from dim to clear; props change from toys to books to spectacles; subtle ageing make-up is added; and background music shifts from simple melodies to more complex compositions.
3
Assign one friend who you think represents each colour (Yellow, Red, Blue) and explain why.
Ans.
• Yellow: a cheerful, hopeful friend who always brings positivity and encouragement to the group.
• Red: an energetic, passionate friend who is bold, confident and full of enthusiasm.
• Blue: a calm, thoughtful friend who listens patiently and brings a sense of steadiness to the group.
4
Why are symbolism and metaphors used on stage?
Ans.
Symbolism and metaphors are used because they create deeper meaning, allow the audience to discover ideas on their own, express emotions words cannot, add creativity within limited resources, and make performances visually powerful and memorable.