Paul Masih
6 Aug 2024
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Amanda
Every child feels that she/he is controlled and instructed not to do one thing or another. You too may feel that your freedom is curtailed. Write down some of the things you want to do, but your parents/ elders do not allow you to. To read the poem aloud, form pairs, each reading alternate stanzas. You are in for a surprise!
Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
(There is a languid, emerald sea,
where the sole inhabitant is me—
a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)
Did you finish your homework, Amanda?
Did you tidy your room, Amanda?
I thought I told you to clean your shoes,
Amanda!
(I am an orphan, roaming the street.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)
Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
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;
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)
Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!
You’re always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at you,
Amanda!
ROBIN KLEIN
SUMMARY
The literary work "Amanda," authored by Robin Klein, effectively depicts the inner thoughts and aspirations of a juvenile female protagonist called Amanda. The poem depicts Amanda's pervasive sense of being subject to the influence and guidance of her parents or other authoritative figures, who consistently provide her with counsel and directives pertaining to numerous facets of her existence.
The use of brackets to indicate Amanda's internal musings is a recurring pattern in the poem. The individual in a position of authority provides guidance on a range of topics, including refraining from nail biting, maintaining proper posture, completing academic assignments, tidying living quarters, and adhering to a dietary regimen to prevent the occurrence of acne.
Within the realm of her imaginative musings and introspective contemplations, Amanda imagines herself immersed in various situations, yearning for a reprieve from the limitations imposed by her mundane existence. The individual envisions herself as a carefree mermaid, peacefully floating inside a vivid emerald-coloured ocean. Additionally, she perceives herself as an orphan, seeking consolation in the quiet liberation of wandering the streets. Finally, the protagonist draws a parallel between her own situation and that of Rapunzel, as she discovers a sense of peace and satisfaction in her seclusion inside a tower, detached from the external world.
The poem delves into Amanda's desire for autonomy, self-reliance, and a life devoid of perpetual directives and constraints. The statement underscores her aspiration for emancipation from societal norms and obligations, serving as a representation of her yearning for a life characterised by spontaneity and freedom from burdens.
In the last stanza, the authoritative individual reproaches Amanda for her sulking and moodiness, perhaps suggesting that Amanda's sentiments of dissatisfaction and desire for autonomy are being outwardly expressed via her conduct.
In general, the character "Amanda" well portrays the widespread attitude experienced by many children and teenagers, who often see themselves as constrained by societal regulations and anticipated behaviours while also longing for the autonomy to pursue their aspirations and passions.
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languid: relaxed
drifting: moving slowly
pattern: make patterns
tranquil: calm
THINKING ABOUT THE POEM
1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis?
4. Who is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4 and 6? Do you think this speaker is listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7?
5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
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ANSWERS:
1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
The poem does not explicitly mention Amanda's age. However, based on the tone and themes of the poem, it suggests that Amanda is likely a young girl, possibly in her teenage years. The issues mentioned, such as being instructed by parents/elders, having homework, and concerns about acne, are typical experiences for adolescents.
2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
The speaker addressing Amanda in the poem appears to be an authority figure, most likely a parent or guardian. The person is giving her various instructions and warnings about her behaviour and habits.
3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 given in parenthesis?
Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 are given in parentheses to indicate that they are Amanda's inner thoughts or daydreams. These stanzas represent her escape from the restrictions and instructions imposed on her, as she envisions herself in more desirable and carefree situations.
4. Who is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4, and 6? Do you think this speaker is listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7?
The speaker in Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 is Amanda herself. She is expressing her fantasies and desires, envisioning different scenarios where she is free and happy. It's not clear if the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7 is aware of Amanda's daydreams, as the poem does not provide direct interactions between the two.
5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
If Amanda were a mermaid, she could enjoy a sense of freedom and tranquillity. The imagery of a "languid, emerald sea" and being the sole inhabitant as a mermaid drifting blissfully suggests a carefree and peaceful existence, unburdened by the constraints of daily life.
6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
It's unclear whether Amanda is an actual orphan or if she is using the concept metaphorically to express her desire for independence and freedom. In Stanza 2, she imagines herself as an orphan roaming the streets, which could symbolize her yearning for a life without rules and restrictions.
7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
Yes, Rapunzel is a popular fairy tale about a girl with long hair who is locked in a tower by a wicked witch. Amanda's desire to be Rapunzel might stem from her wish to experience a life of solitude and detachment from the demands of the outside world. The image of Rapunzel in her tower suggests a peaceful isolation, where she doesn't have to conform to societal expectations.
8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
The girl, Amanda, yearns for freedom and independence. She feels suffocated and controlled by the instructions and restrictions imposed upon her by authority figures. The poem reveals Amanda's vivid imagination and her desire to escape into a world where she can be herself without judgments and limitations.
9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
In the last stanza, the authority figure scolds Amanda for sulking and being moody. However, considering the context of the entire poem, it's possible that Amanda's behaviour is a result of her frustration with the constraints imposed on her. The poem doesn't directly state whether Amanda is actually sulking or moody, but her daydreams and desires for freedom suggest that her mood may be influenced by her longing for a less restricted life.
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RAPUNZEL
Rapunzel is a popular fairy tale that comes from Germany. It was first written in 1812 in a book called "Grimm's Fairy Tales" by the Brothers Grimm. The story has been told and changed in many ways over time, and it is now known all over the world.
The main thing that happens in the story is about a beautiful girl named Rapunzel who has magically long hair. She is stuck in a tall tower with no doors or stairs. The only way to get out is to climb her long hair, which she lets down through a window. The tower belongs to an enchantress, and when Rapunzel was a baby, she took her from her parents as payment for some stolen rampion, a type of vegetable that Rapunzel's mother craved while she was pregnant.The enchantress raises Rapunzel as her own child and keeps her in the tower, away from the rest of the world. Rapunzel only talks to the outside world when the enchantress comes to visit her and shouts, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so I can climb the golden stair." Rapunzel obeys the enchantress and lets down her long hair, which she then uses as a ladder to get into the tower.
One day, a prince is walking by the tower when he hears Rapunzel singing inside. Because of her beautiful voice, he finds out how she does her hair and starts going to see her often. They eventually fall in love, and the prince asks Rapunzel to leave the tower with him so they can live happily ever after.
But their plans don't work out because the enchantress finds out about the prince's trips. She cuts Rapunzel's hair off and sends her away to a desert far away. The enchantress is waiting for the prince when he gets back to the tower. He jumps off the tower in despair and lands in a spiky bush, which makes him go blind.
Rapunzel and the prince spend years apart before they finally find each other again. The prince can see again after Rapunzel's tears of joy, and they live happily ever after.
People often see the story of Rapunzel as a story about love, freedom, and what happens when you don't do what you're told. It looks at themes like being alone, wanting to be on your own, and how love can change things. Over time, the story has been told in different ways, such as in books, movies, and plays. This has made it a well-known and popular piece of fairy tale literature.
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Mermaid
A mermaid is a fictional creature with the top half of a person and the bottom half of a fish. Mermaids are usually shown as beautiful creatures with long, flowing hair and a sweet voice. They are known for their beautiful music and for being able to use their songs to charm sailors.
There have always been tales and stories about mermaids in different countries and societies. People's stories, books, and works of art have been filled with pictures of these sea creatures for hundreds of years.
Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," which came out in 1837, is one of the best-known mermaid stories. In this story, a young mermaid falls in love with a human prince and makes a deal with a sea witch to get legs in exchange for her voice. The story looks at love, giving up what you want, and wanting a new life.
Mermaids are often seen in films, books, and other forms of popular culture that take place in a magical world. They are often linked to the vast ocean because they sing songs that sometimes lead ships to their deaths.
Mermaids are mythical creatures that don't exist in real life. However, their continued appearance in stories shows that people are still interested in the secrets of the deep sea and the appeal of animals that are both real and made-up. Mermaids still stand for beauty, freedom, and the secrets of the ocean.
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WORD MEANINGS:
languid: relaxed or slow-moving.
drifting: moving slowly or aimlessly.
pattern: to make or form a design or arrangement.
tranquil: calm and peaceful.
embrace: to hold or hug affectionately.
obediently: acting in accordance with authority or instructions.
enchantress: a female sorceress or magician who casts spells.
thwarted: prevented or frustrated from achieving a goal.
solitude: being alone or isolated.
melodious: having a pleasant and tuneful sound.
yearning: a strong desire or longing for something.
reinterpret: to understand or present something in a new way.
allure: to attract or entice with charm or beauty.
enduring: lasting or continuing for a long time.
fantasy: a vivid and imaginative mental creation.
mysterious: difficult to understand or explain; hidden or secret.
captivating: fascinating or enchanting.
symbol: a representation or sign that stands for something else.
conform: to comply with rules or standards.
unburdened: free from worries, responsibilities, or burdens.
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POETIC DEVICES
The poem "Amanda" by Robin Klein utilizes various poetic devices to enhance its imagery and emotional impact. Here are some of the poetic devices used in the poem:
Repetition: The name "Amanda" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, creating a sense of emphasis and highlighting the authority figure's instructions and Amanda's desires.
Alliteration: The poem includes several instances of alliteration, such as "Don't bite your nails, Amanda!" and "Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!" Alliteration adds a rhythmic quality to the lines and makes them more memorable.
Enjambment: The lines in the poem often continue into the next line without a pause, known as enjambment. For example, "Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda! / Remember your acne, Amanda!" This technique adds flow and a natural feel to the poem.
Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to portray Amanda's daydreams. The description of a "languid, emerald sea" and being a "mermaid, drifting blissfully" paints a clear picture of her desire for freedom and tranquillity.
Metaphor: The lines "I am an orphan, roaming the street" and "I am Rapunzel, I have not a care" employ metaphorical comparisons to describe Amanda's inner thoughts and longing for a life free from restrictions. The line "The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet" uses a metaphor to compare silence to gold, emphasizing its value and the sweetness of freedom.
Contrast: The poem presents a contrast between the authoritative instructions given to Amanda and her daydreams, where she envisions a life of independence and bliss.
Personification: The poem personifies the emerald sea as having a single inhabitant, "a mermaid, drifting blissfully." This gives the sea a human-like quality, adding depth to the imagery.
Parentheses: The use of parentheses to separate Amanda's daydreams from the instructions adds a layer of distinction and emphasizes the contrast between her reality and her imagined worlds.
Rhyme: The poem uses a consistent rhyme scheme, with each stanza following an AABB pattern. This rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's rhythmic and musical quality.
Anaphora: Anaphora is present in the poem "Amanda" by Robin Klein. Anaphora is a poetic device where a word or a group of words is repeated at the beginning of successive lines, phrases, or clauses. In this poem, the repetition of the name "Amanda" at the beginning of each stanza serves as an example of anaphora. Let's take a look at the lines from the poem that demonstrate this poetic device:
Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!
The repetition of "Amanda" at the start of each line emphasizes the authority figure's instructions, reinforcing the sense of control and limitation that Amanda feels. The anaphoric repetition adds a rhythmic quality to the poem and draws attention to the repeated commands, further emphasizing the theme of restrictions that children may often encounter from their parents or elders.
These poetic devices work together to create a compelling and evocative portrayal of Amanda's thoughts, desires, and emotions.
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VALUE BASED QUESTIONS:
How would you respond if you witnessed a classmate being bullied by others? What actions would you take to promote a safe and respectful environment in your school?
Imagine you have a younger sibling who looks up to you as a role model. What positive qualities and behaviours would you display to be a good influence on your sibling's development?
If you discovered someone close to you engaging in dishonest practices, how would you approach the situation to encourage them to be more truthful and ethical in their actions?
In a team project, if you observed one of your team members struggling, would you offer your assistance and support, even if it meant investing more time and effort? Explain the importance of collaboration and empathy in achieving collective success.
Reflect on a time when you made a mistake or hurt someone unintentionally. How did you take responsibility for your actions, and what steps did you take to make amends and learn from the experience?
These value-based questions encourage introspection and promote critical thinking about one's actions, values, and ethical decision-making. They aim to foster positive attitudes and behaviours that contribute to personal growth and the well-being of others and the community.
ANSWERS:
f I witnessed a classmate being bullied, I would immediately intervene and stand up for the victim. I would report the incident to a teacher or authority figure and encourage others to do the same. Creating a culture of kindness and respect is crucial, so I would also engage my classmates in discussions about the harmful effects of bullying and the importance of treating each other with empathy and understanding.
As an older sibling, I would strive to be a positive role model for my younger sibling. I would demonstrate honesty, integrity, and kindness in my actions and interactions with others. I would encourage open communication and offer guidance when needed, supporting my sibling's interests and passions while emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.
If I discovered someone close to me engaging in dishonest practices, I would approach the situation with empathy and understanding. I would have a private conversation with the person, expressing my concern for their well-being and the potential consequences of their actions. I would encourage them to reflect on their choices and offer support in finding more ethical and honest alternatives. My aim would be to inspire positive change rather than to judge or criticize them.
If I noticed a team member struggling in a project, I would definitely offer my assistance and support. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for success, and I believe that helping each other leads to better outcomes. By offering my support and expertise, I hope to not only achieve the project's objectives but also strengthen the bond within the team.
When I make a mistake or hurt someone unintentionally, I take responsibility for my actions. I apologize sincerely to the person I've hurt and try to understand how my actions affected them. I learn from the experience, aiming to avoid making the same mistake in the future. Additionally, I actively work on improving myself, focusing on empathy, and treating others with kindness and respect.