GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 6 Amanda

Thinking About The Poem

Question 1. How old do you think Amanda is ? How do you know this?
Answer: Amanda appears to be a teenager. Terms like 'Acne' and 'Sulking' suggest that Amanda is a young person or teen.
In simple words: Amanda seems like a teenager. Words like 'Acne' and 'Sulking' give clues she is a young person.

Exam Tip: Always look for specific keywords or descriptions in the text that hint at a character's age or traits when asked to infer such details.

Question 2. Who do you think is speaking to her ?
Answer: It is likely her mother or a guardian speaking to her.
In simple words: Her mother or a guardian is probably speaking to Amanda.

Exam Tip: In poems about parental guidance, the speaker is typically a parent figure unless stated otherwise.

Question 3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis ?
Answer: These stanzas present Amanda's inner thoughts. They are put in parenthesis to offer a clear visual difference so that readers can easily understand them as separate from the direct instructions.
In simple words: The parenthesized stanzas show Amanda's private thoughts. This format helps readers see they are different from what others are telling her.

Exam Tip: Parentheses often indicate a character's internal monologue, dreams, or a shift in narrative perspective, providing deeper insight into their mind.

Question 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?
Answer: Amanda is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4 and 6. She is clearly not listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7, as her thoughts drift to imaginative scenarios.
In simple words: Amanda speaks in stanzas 2, 4, and 6. She doesn't listen to the other speaker in stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to changes in tone, content, and punctuation (like parentheses) to identify different speakers or shifts in a character's focus.

Question 5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid ? (August 20)
Answer: As a mermaid, Amanda could float happily in the sea. Drifting is distinct from swimming because swimming requires controlled movements, while drifting is more relaxed. Swimming can be tiring, but simply floating can be more pleasant.
In simple words: If Amanda were a mermaid, she would float peacefully in the sea. She wants to drift calmly, not swim with effort.

Exam Tip: When a question asks about a hypothetical situation, always connect the character's desires to the specific actions or feelings associated with that imagined role.

Question 6. Is Amanda an orphan ? Why does she say so?
Answer: The way Amanda is being given instructions about what to do and what not to do suggests she cannot be an orphan. In this poem, the term 'orphan' has been used as a metaphor. We can compare it to street children who have plenty of time to enjoy their childhood without constant supervision.
In simple words: Amanda is not an orphan. The poem uses 'orphan' to mean someone who is free to enjoy childhood without many rules, like a street child.

Exam Tip: Understand that literary terms often have metaphorical meanings. Always analyze context to distinguish literal interpretations from figurative ones.

Question 7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel ? Why does she want to be Rapunzel ?
Answer: Rapunzel was a princess with long golden hair. Her hair was so strong that she used to let it down from the tower she lived in, and her charming prince would climb up using her hair. However, Amanda wishes to enjoy the peace of her tower and does not want to let down her hair. She does not want any prince to disturb her quiet.
In simple words: Rapunzel had long hair that a prince used to climb her tower. Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to enjoy the tower's peace and quiet, not for a prince to visit.

Exam Tip: When referring to famous stories or characters, ensure you highlight the specific aspects relevant to the question, especially when there's a twist in the character's desire.

Question 8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda ?
Answer: Amanda longs for some freedom so that she can truly enjoy her childhood years. Amanda is like many teenagers who desire their own private spaces. It is certainly true that some social training and guidance are needed to help people become better individuals, but it is equally true that everyone should get some time to appreciate the joy of freedom.
In simple words: Amanda really wants freedom to enjoy her childhood and have her own space. The poem shows she is like many teens who need some guidance but also time to be free.

Exam Tip: When analyzing a character's desires, identify the core emotion (e.g., freedom, peace) and connect it to their actions or internal thoughts described in the text.

Question 9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody ?
Answer: Since Amanda had been scolded, she appears to be sulky and moody. However, her inner thoughts of being a mermaid, a careless child, or a princess in a solitary tower show that she is a typical adolescent with her own dreams and wishes.
In simple words: Amanda seems sulky because she was scolded. But her daydreams about being a mermaid or a princess show she is a normal teenager with her own hopes.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between outward appearance or behavior and a character's true inner feelings, which are often revealed through their thoughts or dreams.

GSEB Class 10 English Amanda Additional Important Questions And Answers

Read the following stanzas carefully and answer the questions given below them:

Question 1. 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.)
Questions:
(1) What does the speaker in the first stanza instruct Amanda ?
(2) 'there is a ...... blissfully' Why are these lines given within brackets ?
(3) What is the role of mermaid here ?
Answer:
(1) The speaker in the first stanza tells Amanda not to bite her nails and to not sit lazily with her shoulders bent.
(2) These lines are put within brackets because they show Amanda's secret thoughts. Brackets are used to visually contrast what Amanda is thinking and what her mother is actually telling her.
(3) 'Mermaid' is a part of Amanda's fantasy in her own created world. Just as a mermaid glides carelessly and easily in the sea, Amanda also wishes to do the same in a place where she is completely by herself.
In simple words: (1) The speaker tells Amanda to stop biting nails and sit up straight. (2) The brackets show Amanda's inner thoughts, creating a clear visual difference from the instructions. (3) Mermaid here represents Amanda's wish for freedom and an easy life in her own imagined space.

Exam Tip: When analyzing poetic devices like brackets, consider how they contribute to understanding character's internal world versus external reality.

Question 2. 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.)
Questions:
(1) What, do you think, is irritating for Amanda in the first stanza?
(2) Here silence is golden. How come ?
(3) What poetic device is used in this stanza?
Answer:
(1) Every now and then Amanda is being told to do one thing or another, which is very annoying for her.
(2) By describing silence as golden, the poet emphasizes its great value. Amanda looks for peace and quiet in her actual life.
(3) The poet uses metaphors such as 'orphan', 'silence is golden', and 'freedom is sweet'.
In simple words: (1) Amanda feels annoyed by constant instructions to do various tasks. (2) Silence is called golden because the poet wants to show how precious quiet is to Amanda, who desires peace. (3) The poetic devices used are metaphors, comparing Amanda to an orphan, silence to gold, and freedom to sweetness.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific actions or phrases that cause irritation for a character. When asked about poetic devices, look for comparisons (metaphors, similes) or exaggerations (hyperbole).

Question 3. 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)
Questions:
(1)Why does mother ask Amanda not to eat that chocolate?
(2) Why will Amanda' not let down her bright hair?
(3) What is the underlying poetic device used in this stanza?
Answer:
(1) The mother cares deeply about her child's physical well-being. Amanda is being prepared for the unknown future, and normal experiences like acne are also handled carefully, according to the mother.
(2) Amanda is aware of the story of Rapunzel. In Rapunzel's story, all the problems and misfortunes come to her because she lets down her hair from the tower. Amanda also wants to live alone and freely, without any interruptions.
(3) The poet uses 'Allusion' as the main poetic device in this stanza, referring to the story of Rapunzel.
In simple words: (1) Amanda's mother tells her not to eat chocolate because she worries about her physical health, especially acne, preparing her for the future. (2) Amanda doesn't want to let down her hair because Rapunzel's story shows that letting down her hair caused trouble, and Amanda wants peace. (3) The poetic device is 'Allusion' to the Rapunzel fairy tale.

Exam Tip: When a question involves a literary reference, explain the reference and how it applies to the character's feelings or the poem's theme.

Question 4. Stop that sulking at once, Amanda !
You're always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda!
Questions:
(1) Is Amanda really sulking ?
(2) Why does the speaker care for others ?
(3) What poetic device has been used in the first line of this stanza ?
Answer:
(1) Amanda is not truly sulking. She just ignores the instructions given to her because she is lost in her own imaginative world.
(2) The whole poem talks about how one is seen in society. The speaker does not want to be viewed as a nagging parent, so Amanda is expected to always show a happy face.
(3) 'Alliteration' has been used in the first line, as the words 'stop' and 'sulking' begin with the same sound.
In simple words: (1) Amanda isn't really sulking; she is just busy in her imagination and ignores what is being said. (2) The speaker cares about how others see her, not wanting to seem like a nagging parent, so she wants Amanda to look cheerful. (3) The poetic device in the first line is alliteration, with 'stop' and 'sulking' having the same starting sound.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between a character's perceived behavior (sulking) and their internal state (lost in imagination). Identify alliteration by checking for repeated initial consonant sounds in close words.

Choose the correct figures of speech used in the following lines:

Question 1. 'Stop that slouching and sit up straight'.
A. Personification
B. Apostrophe
C. Alliteration
D. Oxymoron
Answer: (C) Alliteration
In simple words: 'Stop that slouching and sit up straight' uses alliteration because the 's' sound is repeated at the beginning of 'stop' and 'slouching'.

Exam Tip: Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together. Look for sound patterns to identify this figure of speech.

Question 2. '....... a mermaid, drifting blissfully'.
A. Internal Rhyme
B. Metaphor
C. Synecdoche
D. Metonymy
Answer: (B) Metaphor
In simple words: The line 'a mermaid, drifting blissfully' is a metaphor because Amanda imagines herself directly as a mermaid without using 'like' or 'as'.

Exam Tip: A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." If these words were present, it would be a simile.

Question 3. 'Did you tidy your room, Amanda ?'
A. Apostrophe
B. Interrogation
C. Alliteration
D. Oxymoron
Answer: (B) Interrogation
In simple words: This line is an interrogation because it is a direct question asked to Amanda.

Exam Tip: Interrogation is a rhetorical device that asks a question to make a point rather than to get an answer. Here, it is literally a question, but in a literary context, it refers to the act of questioning.

Question 4. 'I am an orphan, roaming the street'.
A. Metaphor
B. Personification
C. Internal Rhyme
D. Apostrophe
Answer: (A) Metaphor
In simple words: Amanda saying 'I am an orphan' is a metaphor because she is comparing herself to an orphan to express her desire for freedom, not literally claiming to be one.

Exam Tip: Remember that a metaphor makes an indirect comparison by stating one thing *is* another, emphasizing a shared quality without literal equivalence.

Question 5. 'I am Rapunzel, I have not a care'.
A. Oxymoron
B. Synecdoche
C. Metaphor
D. Metonymy
Answer: (C) Metaphor
In simple words: This line is a metaphor because Amanda directly compares herself to Rapunzel, implying she wants the same kind of peaceful, carefree life in a tower.

Exam Tip: In literature, comparing oneself directly to a famous character often serves as a metaphor to highlight a desired state or characteristic associated with that character.

Question 6. 'Stop that sulking at once, Amanda'!
A. Apostrophe
B. Interrogation
C. Alliteration
D. Oxymoron
Answer: (B) Interrogation
In simple words: This line is an interrogation because it's a direct command spoken to Amanda in a questioning tone, even if it's not a formal question.

Exam Tip: While technically a command, in poetic context, a direct address or forceful question aimed at a character can be classified as interrogation, reflecting the speaker's attempt to engage or scold.

Answer the following questions in Three to four sentences each:

Question 1. Write about the significance of the title of the poem 'Amanda'.
Answer: The poem's title is 'Amanda'. It focuses on the upbringing of a young girl named Amanda. Her life is full of difficulties, where she is denied freedom and expression. Amanda becomes so upset that she escapes reality by living in her imaginative world. Through this escape, she experiences peace, far from her nagging parents.
In simple words: The title 'Amanda' is important because the poem is all about a young girl named Amanda. It shows her struggles with strict parenting, leading her to imagine a peaceful, free life away from her parents' constant nagging.

Exam Tip: When discussing the significance of a title, explain how it relates to the main character, central conflict, or overall theme of the literary work.

Question 2. Why is Amanda getting scolded for having chocolate ?
Answer: Amanda is being scolded for eating chocolate because it had previously caused her acne. Amanda's mother is very careful about such things. Amanda is made aware of her physical appearance. It is quite sad that at such a young age, Amanda is forced to worry about normal physical developments.
In simple words: Amanda is scolded for eating chocolate because her mother fears it will cause acne. Her mother is very strict about Amanda's looks, making Amanda worry about natural body changes too early.

Exam Tip: In questions about parental discipline, focus on the specific reasons given and any underlying themes like control or societal expectations.

Question 3. Why does Amanda wish to live in a tower ?
Answer: Life in a tower would be very different for Amanda compared to her reality. Like Rapunzel, Amanda wishes to live in a tower, away from daily chaos. Amanda suffers due to the constant nagging from her parents. She looks for a place full of peace and quiet, where no one will bother her. Therefore, she wants to live in a tower.
In simple words: Amanda wants to live in a tower, like Rapunzel, to escape her constant reality. She dreams of a peaceful and quiet place where her parents won't nag her all the time.

Exam Tip: Connect a character's imagined scenarios (like living in a tower) to their real-life struggles (constant nagging) to show their motivations.

Question 4. Why does Amanda seem moody most ' of the time ?
Answer: Amanda appears moody most of the time because she is trying to escape her sad reality, where she is constantly bothered. It is truly a sad situation for a young child like Amanda to endure. Here, her only defense against such a harsh reality is her imagination, where she often retreats. Thus, it makes her look moody and uninterested.
In simple words: Amanda often seems moody because she tries to escape her difficult reality through imagination. This constant need to retreat makes her appear disinterested and sullen.

Exam Tip: When analyzing mood, consider how internal coping mechanisms, like imagination, can manifest as external behaviors like moodiness or disinterest.

Question 5. Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel ?
Answer: Amanda wants to be a mermaid so that she could drift alone peacefully in the calm, green sea. She longs to be an orphan so that she can roam freely and create patterns with her bare feet. Being Rapunzel, for her, means living without worry in a high tower. Amanda wants to be these characters so that she can avoid her stifling reality.
In simple words: Amanda wishes to be a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel to find freedom and peace. These roles let her escape her strict reality, allowing her to drift freely, roam without care, or live quietly in a tower.

Exam Tip: Group similar desires or motivations when a character expresses multiple wishes. For example, mermaid, orphan, and Rapunzel all represent freedom for Amanda.

Question 6. Do you consider Amanda's mother to be a nagging mother?
Answer: Amanda's mother is indeed a nagging parent. She is always giving instructions and finding mistakes. No doubt it is her duty to teach good values to her daughter, but not at the expense of her child's happiness. One should know how to find a balance between fulfilling responsibilities and providing good care.
In simple words: Yes, Amanda's mother is a nagging parent because she constantly gives orders and finds fault. While it's her duty to teach, she does it without considering Amanda's happiness, lacking a good balance.

Exam Tip: When evaluating a character's role, provide evidence from the text (e.g., constant instructions) and then offer a balanced perspective on their actions.

Question 7. What is the central theme of the poem Amanda ?
Answer: The poem 'Amanda' by Robin Klein highlights the importance of raising a child. It shows that upbringing doesn't just involve making a child responsible and ready for society. It is important to remember that upbringing includes understanding from both sides. One cannot simply force a child to be polite and well-behaved. "Love and proper care are required in nurturing of a child".
In simple words: The main theme of 'Amanda' is about how children should be raised. It teaches that good parenting needs understanding from both children and parents, not just strict rules, emphasizing that love and proper care are essential.

Exam Tip: For central theme questions, summarize the main message or moral of the poem in a concise statement and support it with key ideas from the text.