Source: Textbook

Considering the last stanza of the poem 'Amanda', do you think Amanda is genuinely sulking and moody, or is there a deeper reason for her behavior?

Model Answer

In the last stanza of the poem 'Amanda', Amanda is not necessarily sulking or merely moody; rather, she is expressing her inner frustration and deep desire for freedom. Her silence and refusal to respond may appear like sulking, but it reflects her profound longing for independence and escape from the constant control of her mother. Amanda's daydreams about being a mermaid or Rapunzel demonstrate her innate desire to break free from the limitations placed on her. Instead of simply being moody, she is internally protesting against the constraints of her daily life and striving to assert her own space and identity.