You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighbourhood schools, to speak on the concept of freedom and imagination as depicted in the poem Amanda by Robin Klein. Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the theme and message of the poem.
You may begin this way: Good morning, everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss a poem by Robin Klein, a famous Australian writer. The poem is called Amanda, and it is about a little girl who is constantly nagged by her mother for her mistakes and habits.
You may end this way. To conclude, I’d like to say that ...Thank you
Answer as written by the student:
Good morning, everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss a poem by Robin Klein, a famous Australian writer. The poem is called Amanda, and it is about a little girl who is constantly nagged by her mother for her mistakes and habits. The poem explores the concept of freedom and imagination as depicted by the contrast between Amanda’s reality and her dreams.
Amanda is a young girl who feels oppressed and controlled by her mother, who always tells her what to do and what not to do. Her mother criticizes her for biting her nails, slouching, not doing her homework, eating chocolates, and being moody. Amanda feels that she has no freedom or happiness in her life, and she wishes to escape from her mother’s constant nagging.
Amanda uses her imagination to cope with her situation. She dreams of being a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel, who live in different worlds where they are free and peaceful. She imagines herself as a sole inhabitant of a green sea, a street wanderer who enjoys the silence and the dust, or a princess who lives in a tower and never lets down her hair. These fantasies show Amanda’s longing for freedom and beauty, which she cannot find in her real life.
The poem conveys an important message about the role of poetry and imagination in human life. Poetry is a way of expressing our feelings and desires, and imagination is a way of creating our own worlds where we can be happy and free. Poetry and imagination can also inspire us to change our reality for the better, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of life.
To conclude, I’d like to say that Amanda is a poem that teaches us to value our freedom and imagination, and to respect the feelings and dreams of others. Thank you.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Introduction: Good morning, everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss a poem by Robin Klein, a famous Australian writer. The poem is called Amanda, and it is about a little girl who is constantly nagged by her mother for her mistakes and habits. The poem explores the concept of freedom and imagination as depicted by the contrast between Amanda’s reality and her dreams.
- Body:
- Point 1: Amanda is a young girl who feels oppressed and controlled by her mother, who always tells her what to do and what not to do. Her mother criticizes her for biting her nails, slouching, not doing her homework, eating chocolates, and being moody. Amanda feels that she has no freedom or happiness in her life, and she wishes to escape from her mother’s constant nagging.
- Point 2: Amanda uses her imagination to cope with her situation. She dreams of being a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel, who live in different worlds where they are free and peaceful. She imagines herself as a sole inhabitant of a green sea, a street wanderer who enjoys the silence and the dust, or a princess who lives in a tower and never lets down her hair. These fantasies show Amanda’s longing for freedom and beauty, which she cannot find in her real life.
- Point 3: The poem conveys an important message about the role of poetry and imagination in human life. Poetry is a way of expressing our feelings and desires, and imagination is a way of creating our own worlds where we can be happy and free. Poetry and imagination can also inspire us to change our reality for the better, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of life.
- Conclusion : To conclude, I’d like to say that Amanda is a poem that teaches us to value our freedom and imagination, and to respect the feelings and dreams of others. Thank you.
