Question 2 - Amanda! - First Flight - Poems (Literature) - English Class 10

Read the given extract and answer the questions

Extract:

There is a languid, emerald sea,

where the sole inhabitant is me—

a mermaid, drifting blissfully.

(Amanda)

Question (i)

What does the word "languid" mean in the extract?

• A) Lazy
• B) Lively
• C) Lonely
• D) Lovely

Answer: 

Answer written by the student:

A) Lazy

   Step-by-Step Explanation:

•        To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning of the word "languid" and how it relates to the context of the extract.🧐
•        The word "languid" means slow, relaxed, or weak. It describes the state of the sea and the mermaid in the extract. They are both calm and peaceful, without any hurry or excitement.😌
•        The other options do not fit the context of the extract. Lively means full of energy or activity, which is the opposite of languid. Lonely means sad or isolated, which does not match the mermaid's blissful mood. Lovely means attractive or pleasant, which is a subjective opinion that does not define the word languid. 😕
•        Therefore, the correct option is A) Lazy , which is closest in meaning to languid.👍

Question (ii)

What is the poetic device used in the line "where the sole inhabitant is me"?

Answer:

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Answer written by the student:

 The poetic device is hyperbole .

   Step-by-Step Explanation:

•        To answer this question, we need to identify the poetic device that is used in the line and explain how it works.🧐
•        A poetic device is a technique that a poet uses to create a special effect or meaning in a poem. There are many types of poetic devices, such as rhyme, metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, etc.😊
•        In this case, the poetic device that is used in the line is hyperbole. Hyperbole is a poetic device that uses exaggeration or overstatement for effect. In this case, the poet exaggerates that the mermaid is the only living being in the sea, which is obviously not true.😮
•        The poet uses hyperbole to show how isolated and free the mermaid feels in her imaginary world. She does not want anyone to interfere with her happiness or tell her what to do. She wants to be alone and free from the outside world.😍
•        Therefore, the poetic device used in the line is hyperbole.👍

Question (iii)

How does the extract show Amanda's longing for happiness?

  Answer: 

Answer written by the student:

The extract shows Amanda's longing for happiness by contrasting her imaginary life as a mermaid with her real life as a nagged child.**

Step-by-Step Explanation:

•       To answer this question, we need to compare and contrast the two lives that Amanda imagines and experiences in the extract.🧐
•         Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid who lives in a beautiful and serene sea, where she is the only inhabitant. She drifts blissfully without any worries or troubles. She enjoys the color and texture of the sea and her own body.😍
•        This is very different from her real life where she is constantly nagged by her mother for her appearance and behavior. She is scolded for biting her nails, slouching, not doing her homework, eating chocolates, etc. She feels unhappy and frustrated by her mother's constant criticism and expectations.😢
•        The contrast between the two lives shows Amanda's longing for happiness. She wishes to escape from her reality and live a happy and peaceful life like a mermaid. She wants to be free from her mother's control and judgment.😊

Question (iv)

Fill in the blanks:

 The extract has a rhyme scheme of ___.

    Answer: 

Answer written by the student:

The extract has a rhyme scheme of AAA.

   Step-by-Step Explanation:

•   To answer this question, we need to identify the rhyme scheme of the extract and explain how it works.🧐
•     The rhyme scheme is the pattern of sounds that end each line of a poem. To identify the rhyme scheme, we assign a letter to each sound and write it at the end of each line. For example, in the extract, sea, me, and blissfully rhyme with each other, so they are given the same letter A.😊
•    The rhyme scheme helps to create a musical effect and a sense of harmony in the poem. It also helps to emphasize the main idea or theme of the poem. In this case, the rhyme scheme of AAA creates a smooth and consistent sound that matches the mermaid's calm and peaceful mood. It also reinforces the idea of isolation and freedom that Amanda imagines in her fantasy world.😍
•  Therefore, the rhyme scheme of the extract is AAA .👍

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