👧 Class 10 English Poem 6 – Amanda! Notes
Book: First Flight
Poem: Amanda!
Poet: Robin Klein
Chapter: 6
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)
✍️ Introduction
“Amanda!” by Robin Klein is a relatable poem that highlights the struggles of a young girl who is constantly being nagged by her parents to behave properly. Through her imaginary world, Amanda escapes from the restrictions and expectations of adult life. The poem beautifully portrays the contrast between a child's desire for freedom and an adult’s urge to discipline.
📖 Summary of the Poem
The poem alternates between two voices—one of the speaker (likely a parent) and the other of Amanda’s silent imagination. The speaker constantly instructs Amanda on what to do and what not to do: not to bite her nails, not to slouch, to sit straight, to clean her room, do her homework, and behave properly.
Meanwhile, Amanda escapes into daydreams. She imagines herself as a mermaid swimming in the sea, then as an orphan roaming the streets freely, and later as Rapunzel living peacefully in a tower. These daydreams reflect Amanda’s deep desire to break free from the constant commands and enjoy peace, independence, and silence.
In the end, the speaker worries that Amanda might feel misunderstood and reminds her not to sulk or give the impression of being unhappy. Ironically, the speaker doesn’t realize how the constant nagging is actually affecting Amanda's mental peace.
🌟 Central Idea
The poem shows the emotional impact of over-parenting on children. It reflects the need for freedom, imagination, and understanding in a child’s life. Robin Klein expresses how constant criticism can isolate a child emotionally and make her escape into a fantasy world.
🎨 Poetic Devices Used
- Repetition: The word "Amanda!" is repeated for emphasis and rhythm.
- Imagery: Vivid images like mermaid in the sea, orphan in the streets, and Rapunzel in a tower.
- Contrast: Between reality (nagging) and imagination (freedom).
- Allusion: References to mythological or fictional characters like Rapunzel.
- Enjambment: Continuation of a sentence over multiple lines.
📚 Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slouching | Sitting in a lazy or drooping posture |
| Languid | Relaxed, peaceful |
| Tranquil | Calm, quiet, peaceful |
| Rapunzel | A fairytale princess locked in a tower |
| Acne | Pimples or skin condition often in teenagers |
❓ Important Questions and Answers
- Q1. Why is Amanda always lost in her imagination?
Ans: Amanda is tired of constant instructions and restrictions. She uses her imagination to escape into a world of freedom and peace. - Q2. What are the imaginary characters Amanda identifies with?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel—each representing peace, freedom, and isolation from commands. - Q3. What does the poet want to highlight through this poem?
Ans: The poet highlights the emotional effects of constant parental control and stresses the need for understanding a child’s feelings. - Q4. Why does Amanda not respond to the speaker?
Ans: Amanda is lost in her own world of thoughts, escaping from the boring and constant instructions of the speaker.
📥 Download PDF Notes
👉 Click here to download PDF of Amanda! Poem Notes
📌 Tags: Class 10 English Poem 6, Amanda Poem Summary, Robin Klein, First Flight Notes, CBSE 2025, ToppersNoteHub
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