Amanda
Amanda
By
Robin Klein
Introduction
“Amanda” by Robin Klein is a poignant poem
that explores the delicate balance between a child's need for freedom and the
rigid expectations imposed by adults, particularly parents. The poem, written
in a conversational tone, contrasts Amanda's fanciful thoughts with the harsh
reality of her mother's relentless instructions.
This contrast highlights the themes of
individuality, the loss of innocence, and the impact of strict parenting on a
child's psyche. "Amanda" serves as a powerful commentary on the
importance of allowing children the space to grow, dream, and express
themselves freely
Theme
The poem revolves around the theme of the
conflict between a child's desire for freedom and self-expression and the
societal expectations and constraints imposed by authority figures,
particularly parents. Through the character of Amanda, the poem highlights the
struggles of a young girl who feels oppressed by the constant nagging and
commands of her mother.
While highlighting the need of child’s
freedom, the poem also expresses the mother’s concern about her daughter, who
continuously trying to instil in her certain behaviour, values and body language.
Summary
The poem captures the thoughts and feelings
of a young girl who feels immense pressures of parental authority. The poem is
structured as a series of commands and criticisms directed at Amanda by her
mother, interspersed with Amanda's imaginative daydreams as she escapes into
her own world.
In the poem, Amanda is constantly scolded
by her mother for various things—slouching, biting her nails, not cleaning her
room, and more. These commands are sharp and controlling, highlighting the
mother's focus on discipline and proper behaviour. In contrast, Amanda's
internal responses reveal her longing for freedom and a life unburdened by
these expectations. She imagines herself as a mermaid swimming freely in the
sea, an orphan who can do as she pleases, and Rapunzel, living alone in a
tower, away from all demands.
Amanda’s fantasies reflect her desire for
autonomy and escape from the suffocating environment created by her mother's
relentless instructions. However, her mother's concern about how others
perceive Amanda, particularly the fear of being judged for not being a
"good" mother, shows the societal pressures that drive her strictness.
Literary
Devices
1. Imagery:
The poem is rich in imagery, especially in
the sections where Amanda daydreams. For example, she imagines herself as a
mermaid drifting blissfully in the sea, an orphan wandering free, and Rapunzel
isolated in a tranquil tower. These images evoke a sense of freedom and escape,
contrasting with the harsh, controlling reality she faces.
2. Contrast:
A significant literary device in the poem
is the contrast between Amanda's imaginative, peaceful inner world and the
authoritative, restrictive tone of her mother's commands. This contrast
underscores the theme of a child's yearning for freedom against the backdrop of
societal and parental expectations.
3. Alliteration:
Alliteration is used to create rhythm and
emphasize certain phrases. For example, in the line "Stop that slouching
and sit up straight," the repetition of the 's' sound adds a sharpness to
the mother's commands, reflecting her stern tone.
4. Repetition:
Repetition is a crucial device in the poem,
particularly in the mother's recurring commands. Phrases like "Stop
that," "Don't," and "Amanda!" are repeated,
emphasizing the relentless nature of the mother's instructions and the pressure
Amanda feels. This also reflects the monotonous and oppressive environment
Amanda is in.
5. Juxtaposition:
The poem juxtaposes Amanda's thoughts with
her mother's commands in alternating stanzas. This device effectively shows the
stark difference between Amanda's vibrant inner life and the mundane,
restrictive reality imposed by her mother. It also highlights Amanda’s need to
escape into her imagination as a coping mechanism.
6. Enjambment:
Enjambment, where one line flows into the
next without a pause, is used in Amanda’s imaginative sections. This gives a
sense of continuity and fluidity to her thoughts, reflecting the boundless
nature of her imagination. For example, her fantasy of being a mermaid is
conveyed in a single, flowing thought that mirrors the freedom of the sea.
7. Irony:
There is a subtle irony in the poem,
particularly in the mother's concern about Amanda sulking or being ungrateful,
without realizing that her strictness is the cause of Amanda's discontent. The
mother's focus on external behaviour contrasts with Amanda’s internal
struggles, highlighting the disconnect between them.
8. Metaphor:
Amanda’s comparison of herself to a
mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel serves as metaphors for her desire to escape
from the confines of her life. These metaphors symbolize her wish for autonomy
and a life unencumbered by the expectations placed on her.
9. Symbolism:
The characters Amanda imagines herself
as—like the mermaid, the orphan, and Rapunzel—are symbolic of freedom,
independence, and isolation. They represent her longing for a life where she
can be herself, free from the constraints of her mother's strictness.
Additional
Question
1.
How do Amanda's parents'
expectations affect her behaviour and self-image? What does the poem suggest
about the impact of parental pressure on children?
2.
How does the poem illustrate
her desire for personal freedom?
3.
What does the poem reveal about
societal attitudes toward children and their autonomy?
4.
How is Amanda described in the
poem? What are some of the things she does or says that help us understand her
personality?
5.
What do Amanda’s parents want
her to do or be? How does this make Amanda feel?
6.
What is the overall mood or
tone of the poem? Do you think it’s happy, sad, frustrated, or something else?
Why?
7.
What does Amanda imagine
herself doing or being in her daydreams?
8.
Read the following extract and
answer the questions that follows.
I am an orphan,
roaming the street.
I pattern soft
dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is
golden, the freedom is sweet.
(a)
Is Amanda really an orphan? Why
does she say so?
(b)
What does the phrase “roaming
the street” tell us about where Amanda finds herself in this extract?
(c)
What do you mean by the term “I
pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet”?
(d)
What does she mean by saying
“The silence is golden”?
(e)
How does the freedom and peace
described in this extract contrast with Amanda’s real-life situation at home or
school?
(f)
What poetic devices is used in
the last line of the extract?
Board
Questions
(b)
Who does me stand for?
(c)
How does me feel?
(d)
Who is me compared to?
(e)
Which word is opposite of
sorrowfully?
(b)
What image does “languid,
emerald sea” evoke?
(c)
Meaning of “never let down my
bright hair”?
(b)
As a reader, do you identify
with Amanda? How? (30–40 words)
(c)
Why does Amanda wish to be a
mermaid? (30–40 words)
(d)
“Amanda is alone but not
lonely...” – justifying with an instance from the poem (30–40 words)
(e)
Two reasons showing she
disliked the restrictions. (30–40 words)
(f)
Why does Amanda visualize being
an orphan? (30–40 words)
Remember your
acne, Amanda!
Will you
please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!
(I am
Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in a tower is tranquil and rare.)
(a)
What is the speaker’s tone:
(i)
loving (ii)
hopeful (iii) instructive (iv) indifferent
Amanda did not want anyone to
invade her privacy and silence.
Amanda’s mother
is continuously ______ Amanda.
(b) Amanda is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in fantasy, whereas Anne is a chatterbox. What conversation would Anne Frank have with Amanda about perspectives of life? (about 120 words)
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