ARE YOU STILL PLAYING YOUR FLUTE

by Zurinah Hassan

QUIZ QUESTIONS

At whom is the question (in the first line) directed?

To the persona’s beloved/ the flutist

What is the relationship between the flutist and the persona?

They are lovers

From stanza 1, what is the problem in the relationship between the

persona and the flutist?

They have contrasting/ different ideals/ priorities

From stanza 1, what is meant by the phrase ‘to the depth of my

heart’?.

Deep yearning that touches the innermost core of the

heart

Which line in stanza 1 tells you that the persona is missing her

beloved?

To be longing for your song

From stanza 1, name two parts of the body used to play the flute ?

Lips and fingers

From stanza 1, how does the melody affect the persona?

The melody touches her heart deeply

According to stanza 1, where does the melody originate ?

It came from the slim hollow bamboo/flute when blown by

the flutist

How does she feel when she longs for the song in stanza 1?

Guilty

Why do you think the persona feels guilty when she listens to the

music?Because she feels listening to music is trivial/waste of time and can make her forget about other pressing/important

social issues

Do you feel the persona is deeply affected by the melody of the song

in stanza 1? How do you know?

Yes, because the melody touches her heart deeply

From stanza 2, what has happened to the village?

It has become quiet and deserted

Name 2 activities the persona enjoyed doing in the village?

- Watching the rain-Watching the sun set- Collect dew drops

-Smelling the fragrant flowers

What does the ‘sick rice field’ in stanza 2 indicate?

The rice field is unattended because youths have left the village

causing poor yield

What are pleasurable pastimes in the countryside as mentioned in

stanza 2?- Watching the rain

- Watching the sun set- Collect dew drops

- Smelling the fragrant flowers

Why do you think the persona has left the village for the city?

Because of work commitment/ looking for greener pastures

Why do you think the flutist still remains in the village?

Because he is afraid of change/ continue and embrace traditions

What is ‘the evening rays’ referred to in stanza 2?

The setting sun

What is the mood portrayed in the poem?

Enquiring /desperation/ reflective tone

What problems do you think her country is facing?

-Youth migration-Political divide/ disunity

-Unemployment-Environmental problems

-Innocent lives killed without mercy

How would you react/feel if you were in persona’s position?

I will feel guilty too because

What are the themes of the poem?

Sacrifice/ making choices/ yearning vs reality/ contrasting

lifestyles

Why is her conscience ‘disturbed’ in stanza 3?

Because the flutist still keeps playing the flute when there are other pressing

issues need to be attended to

Which season is applicable when we see leaves fade and fall off

trees?Dry / sunny/ hot season

Would you like to visit a country with four seasons or with two

seasons ? Why?Yes because …No because…

Write two words that are related to places the rain falls on and

flows down.i) Gulliesii) Roofs

What type of fruits can we find in Jamaica ?

Mango

What sounds are heard on rainy days ?

Water running in the gullies

When is the harvesting season in Jamaica?

Dry season

In your opinion, has the poem given you a comprehensive picture of the changes that take place in Jamaica?

Yes because it shows the changes during dry and wet

season in Jamaica

When do canefields become barren?

After the harvesting season

What happens in the gullies after the rain ?

Swift water filling in gullies

In your own words, explain the last line of the poem.

Beauty takes over when the rain stops

Give one word that describes the canefields when the harvest is

overBare/ barren/ unproductive

What is the main theme of the poem?

Appreciation of nature

Jamaica is a beautiful country. Would you like to live there? Give a

reason to support your answerYes because…No because…

What do you think is the main crop in Jamaica? In your own words give a reason to support your answer.

Cane / sugarcane because…

The poet makes a reference to the four seasons in other countries. Do you

think the poet would like to have four seasons too? Give a reason to support

your answer.

No because he sounded appreciative of the 2 seasons

Jamaica has

When is the persona’s favourite season? Give a reason.

Dry season because that is the time when mango trees bear fruit/

logwood blossom/ tall grass sways gently when blown by the wind/

buttercups covered the earth

THE END