ARE YOU STILL PLAYING YOUR FLUTE NOTES

SYNOPSIS
The persona is thinking of someone she was close to and who plays the flute. She
longs to hear the wonderful soothing music that had touched her heart a long time
ago. She wonders if he is still playing his flute in their village that is now empty and
quiet. She feels troubled that she should be thinking of him and her past while people
around her are suffering and her world is changing.
FIGURATIVE MEANING
Stanza 1: In life, we sometimes have to change our way of life due to work or family
circumstances. From a lifestyle filled with values and traditions like in the village, we
may find ourselves embracing a totally different lifestyle in towns. However, we may
sometimes long for our previous life with its unforgettable moments.
Stanza 2: We may wonder if the values and traditions we believed in and practised
are still observed in our former villagers. Many people have migrated to towns or
adopted an urban way of life where such traditions may not be so well-ingrained. In
these places, life is fast paced and they do not have the time to enjoy the simple
pleasures of life they used to.
Stanza 3: These people may think back to their days in the rural areas with guilt.
Traditions and the old values may seem trivial compared to their present
circumstances. There are economic, political and social problems to be faced. Some of
these problems have become personal as they affect people who are close to them.
THEMES
Values and traditions - Values and traditions have an important role in our life. They
teach us to live correctly and to hold on to our principles in life. We learn to value life,
family and friends. A society without values and traditions is colourless and loses its
direction.
Changes in life - Nothing stays the same forever and that includes life. Life changes
over time. These changes affect every aspect of our lives and may have positive and
negative consequences.
Family commitments - Everyone has family commitments, whether it is to our
immediate family members or extended family members. Be aware of these
commitments as they bind a family together.
Priorities in life - There are important and unimportant things in life. Learn to
differentiate them and make plans accordingly.
Enjoying the simple pleasure of life - Nature surrounds us and the beauty of
nature offers us the simple pleasures of life. The rising sun, the moon and stars, the
rainfall and dew are some of the pleasures that nature offers. Enjoy them and enjoy
life.
Passionate about one's interest - When we are really interested in a hobby, we will
become passionate about it. It helps us to mature as this passion helps us to stay
focused. We learn to be creative too. But, we should not let this passion become an
obsession.
MORAL VALUES
We should learn to appreciate the values and traditions of society and family. They
give us balance in life and help us to differentiate between the good and the bad.
We face changes in life every day. Learn to accept changes but only if they are for
the good of society. If they are beneficial, work around them for the general good.
Our family is the most important thing in our life. We should put their interest and
safety first before anything else. Show consideration for one's duties within the
home and carry out family commitments responsibly.
We should know our priorities in life and be aware of them at all times. Don't get so
taken in by our interests that we forget our priorities.

 Passion for interests should not be at expense of family happiness. There is a time
for work and a time for play.

TONE, MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE

Sombre - talks about her longing for something she cannot have anymore
Appreciative and regretful for loss of simple pleasures of life
Mood of hopelessness and loss - does not like her present situation
POETIC DEVICES
Imagery e.g. blown by the wind, depth of my heart
Alliteration e.g. fragrance of flowers' dew drops'
Symbol e.g. flute, song
Repetition e.g. Are you still playing your flute?
Assonance - 'sick rice filed'
Figurative Language
Metaphor e.g. The melody concealed in the slime hollow of bamboo
Personification e.g. sick rice field
LITERARY DEVICES
Personification:
- sick rice filed - the rice field is personified as a human who is not feeling well
- this world is ...bleeding - earth is personified as being wounded
Symbol:
- flute - symbolises a thing of the past, something tradition
- song - symbolises the simple pleasure of life
Repetition:
- 'Are you still playing your flute?' - repeated at the beginning of all three stanzas to
reinforce the emotion behind the question and to create a dramatic effect.
Rhetorical question:
- Are you still playing your flute? - the persona asks a question to which she does not
expect a reply.
Metaphor:
- 'the melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo':
The song seems to be hidden in the bamboo when it is actually coming out from
the playing of the flute.
- 'the world is too old and bleeding':
The world seems to have aged due to war and the sufferings caused by it.
Imagery:
imagery of sight:
- 'so quiet and deserted': This gives a clear picture of a lonely village with hardly
anyone around.
- 'slaughtered mercilessly': Many lives were lost in the war.
imagery of feelings:
- 'depth of my heart': The persona feels deeply and wants to hear the song played
by the flautist.
- 'longing for your song': The persona has a deep desire to hear songs.
imagery of touch:
- 'collecting dew drops' - someone is putting their hands together to collect dew
drops to feel the water
imagery of smell:
- 'enjoying the fragrance of flowers': The flowers are emitting fragrant scent.
imagery of sound:
- 'playing your flute' - The music comes from the flute.
- 'blown by the wind' - The sound of wind and music