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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.
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LANGUAGE AND STLYE Language - simple and easy to understand Play of words to add interest Style - clear, descriptive and inquiring
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
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EXERCISE 2:
Stanza 1 Are you still playing your flute? When there is hardly time for our love I am feeling guilty To be longing for your song The melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo Uncovered by the breath of an artist Composed by his fingers Blown by the wind To the depth of my heart Practice 1. What is the meaning of this line, there is hardly time for our love? (1mark) 2. What does the word artist in line 6 refers to ? (1mark) 3. Which line suggests the man playing the flute is talented? (1mark) 4.Do you think the poet still remember the past? Why? (2marks Stanza 2
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