1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Amanda seems to be around 9–10 years old, as the poem highlights typical childhood habits like biting nails, slouching, and not doing homework.
2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
Her mother is speaking to Amanda, giving her constant instructions.
3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis?
They show Amanda’s inner thoughts and imagination, contrasting with her mother’s nagging voice.
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 is Amanda herself. She is lost in her imagination and not listening to her mother’s instructions.
5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
She would enjoy complete freedom and peace, drifting happily in the sea without restrictions.
6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
No, Amanda is not an orphan. She imagines being one to escape her mother’s constant nagging and enjoy independence.
7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
Yes, Rapunzel is a fairy‑tale girl with long golden hair who lived alone in a tower until rescued by a prince. Amanda wants to be Rapunzel because she longs for solitude and peace, away from interference.
8. What does Amanda yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
Amanda yearns for freedom, privacy, and peace. The poem shows she has a rich imagination but feels trapped by her mother’s constant instructions.
9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and moody?
Amanda is not truly sulking or moody; she is simply lost in her imaginative world. Her mother misinterprets her silence as sulking, being more concerned about social reputation than Amanda’s inner peace.