ARE YOU STILL PLAYING YOUR FLUTE? 
by Zurinah Hassan

1. Write down two things that trouble the poet.
    Her younger brothers are unemployed (they have no work).
    His friend was killed mercilessly.  

2.  What is the state of mind of the poet?
     She feels disturbed / troubled.

3.  How does the poet feel about the world? Do you agree with her? Give a reason to support your answer.
     The poet feels that the world has many problems and is in a bad state. I think she is right   
     because we have many problems in the world today, for example, wars and rising crime rates.

4.   Why has the village become quiet and deserted?
      It is quite likely that many of the young people in the village have left to go to the towns and   
      cities, in search of jobs.

5.   Name two things that the persona considers a luxury.
      (a)   Spending time watching the falling rain
      (b)   Enjoying the sweet smell of flowers

6.   Without using examples from the poem, suggest two things you would consider as luxuries in your life.
     (a)   Going for a movie 
     (b)   Spending time window shopping

7.  What two reasons does the persona give for not wanting the flute to be played?
     (a)   She has no time to think about love.
     (b)   She feels guilty for wanting to hear her beloved play his flute.

8.   What does the persona feel about the music produced by her beloved? How do you know?
      She thinks that the music is pleasing to the ears because she calls him "an artist", that is, he    
      excels in what he does.