AMANDA

- Robin Klein

INTRODUCTION
The poem "Amanda!" by Robin Klein shows the feelings of a young girl, Amanda, who is often
scolded and given instructions by a parent. While the adult tells her to behave in certain ways,
Amanda escapes into her imagination, where she pictures herself as a mermaid, an orphan, and
Rapunzel. These imaginary worlds are peaceful and free, very different from her reality. The poem
explores how children might feel when they are constantly corrected. Amanda's imagination helps
her cope with the rules and restrictions around her.
THEME
PARENTAL AUTHORITY AND CONTROL
The poem highlights the theme of strict parental authority, where Amanda is constantly scolded
and instructed for her behaviour. It reflects how excessive control and nagging can stifle a child's
individuality and emotional well-being
IMAGINATION AND ESCAPISM
Amanda escapes into her imagination to find solace from the harsh reality of constant reprimands.
Her fantasies of being a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel symbolize her longing for freedom,
peace and independence.
FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE
The central theme of the poem is Amanda's desire for freedom from societal expectations and
parental constraints. imaginative worlds represent her yearning for autonomy and a carefree life.
CHILDHOOD VS. SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS
The poem explores the conflict between childhood innocence and the pressures of conforming to
societal norms. Amanda's mother's constant instructions reflect societal expectations, while
Amanda's dreams highlight resistance to these constraints.
COMMUNICATION GAP
The poem subtly portrays the communication gap between parents and children. While Amanda's
mother focuses on discipline, she fails to understand Amanda's emotional needs, leading to
frustration and withdrawal.
MESSAGE -
The poem Amanda conveys the message that excessive control and constant nagging can harm a
child's emotional well-being. It emphasizes the importance of understanding, patience, and giving
children the freedom to express themselves, fostering creativity and individuality instead of
suppressing their thoughts and desires.
MOOD
The mood of the poem Amanda! is a mix of frustration and escapism. The poem creates a tense
and oppressive atmosphere in the stanzas where Amanda is being scolded and nagged by an
authoritative figure. In contrast, the mood shifts to one of peace and freedom in the stanzas where
Amanda escapes into her imagination. Overall, the poem alternates between a mood of tension in
reality and a mood of serenity in Amanda's fantasies, highlighting the contrast between control and
the desire for freedom.
POETIC DEVICES/FIGURES OF SPEECH
Alliteration - "Stop that slouching and sit up straight" - The's sound is repeated.
"Stop that sulking at once" - The 's' sound is repeated.
Repetition - The name "Amanda" is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the
constant nagging Amanda faces.
Words like "Don't" and "Did" are also repeated to highlight the authoritative
tone of the speaker.
Anaphora - "Don't bite your nails, Amanda! Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!"
"Did you finish your homework, Amanda? Did you tidy your room, Amanda?"
Metaphor – ‘a mermaid’ : Amanda pictures herself as a mermaid – a symbol of freedom and grace
 ‘I am an orphan’ : Amanda imagines herself as an orphan, free from parental control
‘I am Rapunzel’ : Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel, living freely and in isolation
Silence is golden": Silence is compared to something precious like gold.
"Freedom is sweet": Freedom is compared to sweetness.
Imagery - "There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me - a mermaid,
drifting blissfully.": This line creates a vivid image of a peaceful green sea and a
carefree mermaid.
"I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.": This line evokes an image of Amanda
walking quietly and creating patterns in dust.
Allusion - "I am Rapunzel" - Refers to the fairytale character Rapunzel who lived in isolation in a
tower. "A mermaid, drifting blissfully" - Refers to the mythical creature mermaid,
symbolizing freedom and grace.
Enjambment - "There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me." The sentence
flows onto the next line without a pause.
Contrast - The poem alternates between Amanda's real-life experiences (nagging) and her
imaginative escapades (freedom). This highlights the stark difference between her
reality and her desires REALITY: "Don't bite your nails, Amanda!" IMAGINATION:
"There is a languid, emerald sea..."
Transferred "Hushed, bare feet" - The adjective "hushed" describes Amanda's desire for
Epithet- silence rather than her feet directly.
Significance of Parenthesis: used to highlight the contrast between Amanda’s reality and her
imagination. It highlights her struggle between obeying mother’s commands and desire for
freedom and independence. Helps readers understand her longing for peace and independence.

COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS

1. What does the poem suggest about Amanda’s relationship with her mother?
2. Why does Amanda escape into her world of fantasy?
3. Amanda is alone but not lonely – Justify.

LAQ
1. Write a diary entry from Amanda’s perspective after a particularly frustrating day with her
mother’s nagging instructions.