Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Q1: Why does Amanda escape into the dreamy world of mermaids, fairies and orphans? Does she find any solace there?

Ans: Amanda is a teenager who, like many others her age, values her freedom. She wants to live her life on her own terms, without being overly protected or controlled by her parents. Amanda believes she should have the right to decide what she wants to do, without her mother constantly telling her what’s right or wrong.Her mother’s constant nagging pushes Amanda away, leading her to create a world of her own. This world isn’t based on reality but is an imaginary place filled with fairies and mermaids. In this fantasy, Amanda finds comfort, imagining herself as a mermaid wandering happily on a lonely island. She dreams of the freedom to roam the streets like an orphan and wishes to live in a quiet tower, like Rapunzel, enjoying a peaceful life.Amanda distances herself from her mother because she dislikes the constant nagging, even avoiding eye contact when her mother talks to her.

Q2: Amanda did not agree with the restrictions put on her. Give two reasons to support the statement.

Ans: 

Amanda did not agree with the restrictions put on her, and there are several reasons to support this statement:

(i) Desire for Freedom from Constant Nagging: Amanda's parents continuously nagged her about her behavior, imposing numerous restrictions on what she should or shouldn't do. These constant reprimands made Amanda feel stifled and unhappy, as she believed she was not allowed to enjoy her freedom or make her own choices. The persistent control over her actions led her to feel trapped, unable to express herself freely or live as she wished. This longing for freedom is evident in her frustration with the never-ending list of do's and don'ts imposed by her parents.

(ii) Escape into a World of Imagination: Amanda's disagreement with the restrictions is further highlighted by her frequent daydreams. She imagines herself as a mermaid in a tranquil, emerald sea, where she is the only inhabitant, completely free from the burdens of the real world. In another instance, she envisions herself living in a tower like Rapunzel, where she can enjoy solitude and peace without anyone to disturb her. These fantasies reveal Amanda's deep desire to escape from the controlling environment created by her parents. Her imagination serves as a refuge, where she can live the life she wants, free from the constant demands and expectations placed upon her.

Q3: How does the repeated use of the name 'Amanda' influence the overall tone of the poem?

Ans: The repeated use of the name "Amanda" in the poem contributes to a tone of authority and control, as it feels like someone in a position of power, possibly a parent, is directly addressing Amanda.
(a) The repeated use of the name 'Amanda' throughout the poem creates a sense of authority and control.
(b) As the name 'Amanda' is repeated throughout the poem, it conveys a commanding tone, as if someone in a position of authority, such as a parent, is speaking directly to Amanda.
(c) Since the name 'Amanda' is repeated numerous times, followed by instructions or directions, it also creates a tone of frustration or annoyance.
(d) The repetition of the name also adds a sense of familiarity to the tone. It suggests a close relationship between the speaker and Amanda, indicating that the instructions and restrictions come from a place of care and concern.

Q4. Bringing up teenagers can be both a challenge and fun. How far do you agree? Express your views with reference to Amanda’s life.

Ans: Bringing up teenagers is truly challenging and fun. Teenagers can be rebellious and apparently hot-headed with a highly independent perspective. In such circumstances, yelling at them, and nagging them, as done in the poem with Amanda, will only make matters worse. Forcing decisions on them only make them more detached, as we see in Amanda’s case, where she wishes to be the alone mermaid, an orphan, or the lonely Rapunzel. To make things fun, one must become a friend where needed. Sometimes, one needs to just ‘chill’ with one’s kids!

Q5: What picture do you form of Amanda’s mother/parents after reading the poem ‘Amanda’?

Ans: Amanda’s mother seems to be an overprotective mother. She believes that Amanda is still a girl and must live her life as her mother wants. Being a girl, she needs constant tutoring and taking instructions from her. She should be very careful the way she sits and stands. She should not bend down but sit up straight. She forbids her eating chocolate as it would not be good for her pimples. Her constant nagging leads her daughter far away from her.Amanda escapes into the world of dreams imagining herself a mermaid, an orphan or a fairy. She doesn’t look at her mother while she is speaking to her. Amanda’s mother fails to understand why her daughter remains unhappy and moody. She only asks her to stop sulking lest people should blame her mother for nagging her.