Think About the Poem
1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Amanda is most likely a teenager. This is because the poem talks about things that teenagers typically experience, such as being told to do their homework, clean their room, and not eat chocolate. Additionally, the poem mentions that Amanda has acne, which is common teenage problem.
2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
The speaker of the poem is most likely Amanda's parent or guardian. This is because the speaker is giving Amanda commands and instructions, such as telling her to do her homework and clean her room. The speaker is also concerned about Amanda's appearance, telling her not to hunch her shoulders or bite her nails.
3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis?
Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 are given in parentheses because they represent Amanda's daydreams or fantasies. In these stanzas, Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel. These fantasies are a way for Amanda to escape the realities of her life, where she feels controlled and restricted.
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. In these stanzas, Amanda is expressing her desire for freedom and independence. She wants to be able to do whatever she wants, without being told what to do by others. I don't think the speaker in stanzas 2, 4, and 6 is listening to the speaker in stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7. This is because Amanda's daydreams are a way for her to escape from the realities , so she is not paying attention to what is happening around her.
5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Amanda could swim freely in the ocean, explore the world, and make new friends if she were a mermaid.
6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
Amanda is not an orphan. She says that she is an orphan roaming the street, as a metaphor for her desire to be free and not to be nagged all the time.
7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
Amada wants to be Rapunzel because Rapunzel lives in a tower, where she is isolated from the world. Amanda may feel like she is trapped in her own life, and experiences Rapunzel's freedom.
8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
Amanda yearns for freedom and independence. She wants to be able to make her own choices and live her life on her own terms. The poem tells us that Amanda is a creative and imaginative girl who feels trapped by the realities of her life.
9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
It is possible that Amanda is sulking and moody like other teenagers, but the poem does not explicitly say so. The last stanza simply says that "anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda." This could be interpreted in a number of ways, and it is up to the reader to decide what they think it means.
Summary of the poem 'Amanda' by Robin Klein
"Amanda" by Robin Klein paints a portrait of a teenage girl yearning for freedom and escape from the constraints of her reality. Through her daydreams of being a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel, Amanda envisions a life of autonomy and adventure. The poem contrasts the mundane tasks and expectations imposed on her with her vibrant inner world, highlighting a teenage struggle for independence and self-discovery. Despite the ambiguity of the ending, Amanda's voice resonates with a powerful desire to break free and find her own place in the world.
Here are some key elements of the poem:
Confined Reality: Amanda faces limitations and expectations set by an unnamed adult figure.
Escape Through Fantasy: Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 represent Amanda's imaginative escapes into fantasy worlds.
Yearning for Freedom: Each fantasy reflects a different aspect of freedom - the mermaid's boundless ocean, the orphan's self-reliance, and Rapunzel's isolation from societal constraints.
Unresolved Ending: The final line leaves the reader to ponder whether Amanda's sulking stems from frustration or a deeper yearning for something beyond her reach.
Overall, "Amanda" is a poignant exploration of the adolescent desire for freedom and the struggle to reconcile inner aspirations with the limitations of reality.
