Amenda Solutions and Questions & Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Robin Klein
2. Summary of the Amenda
3. Word meanings
4. Thinking about the poem
5. Extra Questions and Answers
- 5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 5B. Fill in the blanks
- 5C. True and false
- 5D. One-sentence questions and answers
- 5D. Short Questions and Answers
- 5E. Long Questions and Answers

1. About the Author – Robin Klein

Robin Klein was born on 28 February 1936 in Melbourne, Australia. She is a famous Australian writer who has written many books, stories, and poems for children and young adults. Her writings often focus on the feelings, thoughts, and everyday problems of children. She uses simple language and realistic situations that young readers can easily understand and relate to.

In the poem “Amanda!”, Robin Klein beautifully presents the feelings of a young girl who wants freedom from constant instructions and rules. Through Amanda’s imagination, the poet shows how children often wish to escape into a world of their own.

2. Summary of the Poem

The poem Amanda! describes a young girl named Amanda who is constantly being instructed and corrected by her parents or elders. They tell her not to bite her nails, not to slouch, to complete her homework, clean her room, and avoid eating chocolates. Amanda feels irritated by these continuous commands. To escape from this situation, she enters a world of imagination. She dreams of being a mermaid peacefully drifting in the sea, an orphan freely wandering the streets, and Rapunzel living alone in a tower. Through these fantasies, Amanda expresses her desire for freedom, peace, and a life without restrictions. The poem highlights the conflict between children and adults. While parents try to guide their children for their own good, too many instructions can make children feel controlled and unhappy.

3. Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Languid	Relaxed and calm
Emerald	Deep green in colour
Inhabitant	One who lives in a place
Blissfully	Happily and peacefully
Roaming	Moving about freely
Hushed	Quiet and silent
Tranquil	Peaceful and calm

4. Thinking about the poem

1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Ans: Amanda seems to be a young school-going girl, probably around 10 to 13 years old. We can guess her age because she is told to finish her homework, clean her room, tidy her shoes, and follow good habits. She is also warned about acne, which is common among children entering their teenage years. These clues suggest that Amanda is a young adolescent.

2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
Ans: Amanda’s mother, father, or another elder family member is speaking to her. The speaker keeps giving her instructions about her behaviour, posture, studies, cleanliness, and eating habits. This shows that the speaker is someone who cares for Amanda and wants her to grow up with good manners and discipline.

3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis?
Ans: Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 are written in parenthesis because they show Amanda’s private thoughts and imagination. While adults keep giving her instructions, Amanda escapes into a fantasy world. These stanzas are different from the others because they represent her dreams and wishes rather than the words spoken by her parents. The parenthesis help readers understand the contrast between reality and Amanda’s imagination.

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?
Ans: The speaker in Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 is Amanda herself. These stanzas reveal what she is thinking and imagining. She dreams of being a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel. No, Amanda is not really listening to the speaker in the other stanzas. Instead of paying attention to the constant instructions, she escapes into her imaginary world. Her mind is busy dreaming about freedom and peace, which helps her forget the nagging around her.

5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Ans: If Amanda were a mermaid, she could live alone in the beautiful green sea and drift peacefully wherever she wanted. She would not have to listen to instructions, follow rules, or complete responsibilities. She could enjoy complete freedom, happiness, and peace without anyone disturbing her. The mermaid image reflects Amanda’s desire to escape from restrictions.

6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
Ans: No, Amanda is not really an orphan. She imagines herself as one because she wants to be free from constant supervision and instructions. In her imagination, an orphan can wander wherever he or she wants without anyone giving orders. Amanda does not understand the difficulties of being an orphan; she only focuses on the freedom she believes such a life would provide.

7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
Ans: Rapunzel is a famous fairy-tale girl who lived alone in a tower and had very long hair. She would let down her hair so that a prince could climb up and reach her. Amanda wants to be Rapunzel because she likes the idea of living peacefully in a tower away from other people. She says that she would never let down her bright hair because she does not want anyone to enter her peaceful world. This shows her wish to be left alone and free from constant interference.

8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
Ans: Amanda yearns for freedom, peace, independence, and a life without constant instructions. She wants to make her own choices and enjoy some personal space. The poem tells us that Amanda is an imaginative and sensitive girl. She becomes frustrated because she is constantly corrected and controlled by adults. Instead of arguing, she escapes into her fantasy world where she can feel happy and free. Amanda represents many children who want a balance between guidance and freedom.

9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
Ans: Amanda may appear to be sulking and moody, but her behaviour is understandable. Throughout the poem, she is constantly told what to do and what not to do. As a result, she feels irritated and unhappy. Her silence and daydreaming are signs of her frustration rather than bad behaviour. The last stanza is also ironic because the parent says that people might think she nags Amanda, even though she has been giving Amanda continuous instructions throughout the poem. Amanda’s mood reflects her desire for understanding, freedom, and a little space of her own.

5. Extra Questions and Answers

5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What habit is Amanda told to stop in the first stanza?
a. Eating chocolates
b. Playing games
c. Biting her nails
d. Reading books

Ans: c. Biting her nails

2. Where does Amanda imagine herself as a mermaid?
a. In a river
b. In an emerald sea
c. In a lake
d. In an ocean cave

Ans: b. In an emerald sea

3. Amanda imagines herself as an orphan because she wants:
a. More money
b. New clothes
c. Freedom and peace
d. Better food

Ans: c . Freedom and peace

4. What does Amanda say is sweet?
a. Chocolate
b. Freedom
c. Music
d. Nature

Ans: b. Freedom

5. Which fairy-tale character does Amanda imagine herself to be?
a. Cinderella
b. Snow White
c. Rapunzel
d. Sleeping Beauty

Ans: c. Rapunzel

6. Amanda says she will never:
a. Leave the tower
b. Cut her hair
c. Let down her bright hair
d. Open the door

Ans: c. Let down her bright hair

7. The poem mainly highlights the conflict between:
a. Teachers and students
b. Friends and classmates
c. Parents and children
d. Brothers and sisters

Ans: c. Parents and children

8. The repeated use of Amanda’s name shows:
a. The poet forgot other words
b. Continuous instructions given to her
c. Amanda’s popularity
d. Amanda’s fear

Ans: b. Continuous instructions given to her

9. The word “languid” means:
a. Angry
b. Active
c. Calm and relaxed
d. Excited

Ans: c. Calm and relaxed

10. What does Amanda long for throughout the poem?
a. Wealth and success
b. Fame and popularity
c. Freedom, peace, and independence
d. A new house

Ans: c. Freedom, peace, and independence

11. The sea is described as:
a. Blue and rough
b. Green and calm
c. Deep and dangerous
d. Dark and stormy

Ans: b. Green and calm

12. Amanda’s fantasy world represents her desire for:
a. Adventure
b. Wealth
c. Freedom and peace
d. Fame

Ans: c. Freedom and peace

5B. Fill in the Blanks

1. Amanda is told not to bite her __________. (nails)
2. Amanda is asked not to hunch her __________. (shoulders)
3. Amanda is asked whether she has finished her __________. (homework)
4. Amanda is told to tidy her __________. (room)
5. Amanda is reminded to clean her __________. (shoes)
6. Amanda is asked to look at the speaker while he or she is __________. (speaking)
7. Amanda imagines herself as __________ in one of her fantasies. (Rapunzel)
8. Rapunzel lives in a __________. (tower)
9. Amanda describes life in the tower as tranquil and __________. (rare)
10. Amanda says she will never let down her bright __________. (hair)

5C. True or False

1. Amanda is told to bite her nails. (False)
2. Amanda is asked to sit up straight. (True)
3. Amanda imagines herself as an orphan roaming the street. (True)
4. Amanda thinks freedom is bitter. (False)
5. Amanda says silence is golden. (True)
6. Amanda is encouraged to eat more chocolates. (False)
7. Amanda is warned about her acne. (True)
8. Amanda is paying full attention to the speaker all the time. (False)
9. Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel. (True)
10. Rapunzel lives in a tower. (True)
11. Amanda likes being constantly instructed. (False)
12. The poem shows a conflict between parents and children. (True)

5D. One-sentence questions and answers

1. Who is the poet of the poem “Amanda!”?
Ans: The poet of the poem “Amanda!” is Robin Klein.

2. What habit is Amanda told to stop in the first stanza?
Ans: Amanda is told to stop biting her nails in the first stanza.

3. Where does Amanda imagine herself as a mermaid?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself in an emerald sea as a mermaid.

4. What is Amanda asked about in the third stanza?
Ans: Amanda is asked about her homework and her room.

5. What does Amanda say is golden?
Ans: Amanda says that silence is golden.

6. What does Amanda say is sweet?
Ans: Amanda says that freedom is sweet.

7. Where does Rapunzel live?
Ans: Rapunzel lives in a tower.

8. What is the central theme of the poem?
Ans: The central theme of the poem is freedom and childhood frustrations.

9. What is the meaning of the word “languid”?
Ans: The word “languid” means calm and relaxed.

10. Why are some stanzas written in brackets?
Ans: Some stanzas are written in brackets to show Amanda’s imagination and thoughts.

11. How is the sea described in the poem?
Ans: The sea is described as green and calm.

12. What does the word “blissfully” mean?
Ans: The word “blissfully” means happily and peacefully.

13. What lesson does the poem “Amanda!” teach?
Ans: The poem teaches that a balance between discipline and freedom is important.

5E. Short-Type Questions and Answers

1. Who is Amanda?
Ans: Amanda is a young girl who is constantly instructed by her parents or elders. She feels restricted by their continuous commands and often escapes into her imaginative world to find freedom and peace.

2. Why does Amanda think the freedom of an orphan is sweet?
Ans: Amanda is attracted to the idea of freedom because she feels burdened by constant instructions and imagines an orphan’s life as independent and carefree.

3. Why does Amanda not want to let down her bright hair?
Ans: Amanda does not want to let down her bright hair because she wants to protect her freedom and remain undisturbed in her imaginary world.

4. Why is Amanda asked to look at the speaker while being spoken to?
Ans: Amanda is asked to look at the speaker because her elders expect her to pay attention and show respect while they are talking.

5. Why does Amanda appear moody?
Ans: Amanda appears moody because she is tired of being constantly corrected and controlled by her elders.

6. What is Amanda’s reaction to constant nagging?
Ans: Amanda retreats into her world of imagination, where she can experience freedom and happiness.

7. What does the word “nagged” mean?
Ans: “Nagged” means repeatedly finding fault with someone or constantly giving instructions and complaints.

5F. Long-Type Questions and Answers

1. Explain the significance of the three fantasies in the poem.
Ans: The three fantasies reveal Amanda’s deep desire for freedom. In the first fantasy, she imagines herself as a mermaid drifting peacefully in the sea, symbolizing freedom from rules and responsibilities. In the second fantasy, she imagines herself as an orphan roaming the streets, representing independence and the absence of authority. In the third fantasy, she imagines herself as Rapunzel living alone in a tower, symbolizing a peaceful life away from interference and criticism. Each fantasy reflects Amanda’s wish to escape from the constant instructions she receives. Together, they highlight the emotional impact of excessive control on children and show how imagination becomes a source of comfort.

2. How does the poet highlight the conflict between a child’s desire for freedom and parental control?
Ans: The poet highlights this conflict by contrasting Amanda’s reality with her fantasies. In reality, Amanda is constantly told what to do and what not to do. Her elders monitor her behaviour, studies, and appearance. In contrast, her fantasies are filled with freedom, peace, and independence. The repeated instructions show parental control, while Amanda’s dreams reveal her desire to make her own choices. This contrast emphasizes the emotional struggle many children experience. The poem does not criticize parents but suggests that children need both guidance and freedom to grow happily and confidently.

3. Discuss the theme of freedom in the poem “Amanda!”
Ans: Freedom is the central theme of the poem. Amanda feels restricted by the endless instructions given by her elders. She wants the freedom to think, act, and live without constant interference. Her fantasies of being a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel all represent different forms of freedom. Through these dreams, she seeks peace, independence, and escape from criticism. The poem suggests that children naturally desire personal space and freedom. While discipline is important, too much control can make children feel frustrated and unhappy. The poet encourages adults to understand children’s emotional needs and allow them some independence.

4. Why are the bracketed stanzas important in the poem?
Ans: The bracketed stanzas are important because they reveal Amanda’s inner world. While the regular stanzas contain the instructions and criticisms of her elders, the bracketed stanzas show Amanda’s thoughts, dreams, and feelings. These stanzas help readers understand why Amanda appears distracted and moody. They also create a sharp contrast between the controlling reality she faces and the freedom she desires. Without these stanzas, readers would only see Amanda as a disobedient child. The bracketed sections allow us to understand her emotional struggles and sympathize with her situation.

5. What message does Robin Klein convey through the poem “Amanda!”?
Ans: Robin Klein conveys the message that children need understanding, affection, and freedom along with discipline. Parents and elders often give instructions with good intentions, but excessive control can make children feel unhappy and misunderstood. Through Amanda’s dreams and fantasies, the poet shows that children have their own emotions, desires, and need for personal space. The poem encourages adults to guide children patiently rather than constantly criticize them. It also reminds children to understand that elders care for their well-being. Ultimately, the poem advocates a balance between discipline and freedom so that children can grow into confident and responsible individuals.

6. How does the poet present the feelings of children through Amanda’s character?
Ans: The poet presents Amanda as a representative of many children who feel controlled by adults. Amanda’s elders continuously instruct her about her behaviour, studies, and appearance. Although these instructions are meant for her benefit, they make her feel restricted. Instead of expressing her frustration openly, Amanda escapes into her imagination. Her dreams reveal her longing for freedom and independence. Through Amanda, the poet highlights the emotional struggles children experience when they feel that their thoughts and feelings are not understood. The poem encourages adults to be more sensitive to children’s emotions and to provide them with space for self-expression.

7. Why does Amanda seem to ignore the instructions given by her elders?
Ans: Amanda appears to ignore the instructions because she is mentally escaping into her imaginary world. The constant commands from her elders make her feel irritated and overwhelmed. Rather than responding directly, she finds comfort in her fantasies. Her silence and lack of attention are not signs of disrespect but expressions of her frustration. She imagines places and situations where she can be free from criticism and control. This behaviour shows how children may withdraw emotionally when they feel pressured. The poet uses Amanda’s reaction to emphasize the importance of understanding a child’s feelings.