CBSE Class 10 English Poem 17 'Amanda' NCERT Solutions

Amanda appears to be a young school-going girl, likely around 9 or 10 years old. We can infer this because the instructions she receives – such as not slouching, not eating chocolates, and not biting her nails – are typical corrections given to children of this age as they are being taught proper etiquette and behavior by their parents.

The person speaking to Amanda is likely one of her parents. Given the nature of the instructions and the traditional roles in many households, it is most probable that her mother is the one speaking. Mothers are often primarily responsible for a child's upbringing and discipline, and the range of commands suggests a parental figure guiding her behavior.

The stanzas 2, 4, and 6 are enclosed in parentheses to signify that they represent Amanda's inner thoughts, daydreams, and reactions. These are her private imaginings, contrasting with the direct instructions given in the other stanzas (1, 3, 5, and 7). The parentheses visually separate her internal world from the external commands, making the poem's structure clearer and more reader-friendly.

The speaker in stanzas 2, 4, and 6 is Amanda herself, expressing her inner world and desires. No, it is highly unlikely that Amanda is paying attention to the speaker of stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7. She is lost in her own imaginative world, using these daydreams as an escape from the constant stream of instructions and reprimands she receives in reality.

If Amanda were a mermaid, she imagines herself drifting languidly and freely on the sea, carried by the gentle green waves. She envisions a life of complete solitude and self-sufficiency, where her happiness is not dependent on anyone else. This fantasy represents her deep longing for freedom, peace, and a world where she can be entirely by herself, away from any form of control or instruction.

No, Amanda is not an orphan, although she expresses a wish to be one. She wishes for this because she feels overwhelmed and stressed by the continuous nagging and instructions from her parents. The constant criticism makes her feel that her life would be better and more peaceful without them. She yearns for 'golden' silence and 'sweet' freedom, which she associates with a life free from parental oversight, even if that means being an orphan.

The story of Rapunzel is about a girl locked in a high tower by a witch, who visits her by climbing her long golden hair. Amanda wishes to be like Rapunzel, living in isolation in a tower, seeking peace and quiet away from everyone. However, she adds a crucial condition: she would never let her hair down for anyone to climb, indicating that while she desires the solitude of the tower, she wants to ensure she is never disturbed or bothered by anyone, emphasizing her need for complete personal space and freedom from intrusion.

Amanda, the girl in the poem, yearns for freedom, independence, and personal space. She longs for a life free from constant instructions, criticism, and expectations. The poem reveals Amanda as a sensitive child whose imagination is her primary escape mechanism. She represents many children who feel stifled by societal norms and parental control, which can lead to the suppression of their creativity and individuality. The poem highlights how traditional expectations, imposed from a young age, can negatively impact a child's sense of self and their ability to explore their own world.