Are You Still Playing Your Flute

By : Zurinah Hassan

Elements of the Poem

Setting

Place : Any village in Malaysia

Time : Late 60's - early 70's

Persona

The person is probaly the poet herself or a woman who is in love with flautist

Themes

• Adpating to change
• Longing for a lost love
• Family and social commitments
• Neglect of responsibilities

Message

• Be responsible
• Do not neglect what is important

Moral Values

• Be responsible
• Be aware of what is happening around you
• Have a sense of balance in your life

Tone and mood

• Serious mood - questioning
• Regretful and conscience - stricken

Language and style

• Free verse - three stanzas
• Literary devices : imagery, alliteration , symbolism, repetition , metaphor , personification

The Poet : Zurinah Hassan

Born in 1949 in Alor Setar, Kedah. She is celebrated writer of short stories and poetry for children. She has received a host of national awards and is presently the Guest Poet at University Kebangsaan Malaysia.

The poem is about a lady who is questioning her patner, who is very passionate about playing the flute. The flautist is oblivious of the fact that he is not spending time with her. Their village is facing severe problems. Her brothers need help, the people are torn by political issues and there is much struggle and strife in the country.

Meaning of verses

Verse 1

The persona asks her partner if he is still playing the flute when he has no time for her. She feels torn by the fact that she longs to hear him playing the flute.

Verse 2

She continues to ask if he is still playing the flute when the village has been abandoned. This is due to the rice fields not doing well at all. In addition, leisurely activities have become a luxury and therefore irrelevant in the midst of hard times.

Verse 3

The persona regrets that she is still thinking of him when there are many problems around her. Her brothers are unemployed , the people are divide by politics, her friend has been killed and the whole world seems to be torn by troubles.

If you still have the hesitation and did not understand the poem do please ask your beloved teachers...enjoy