Question

Answer the following question in 100-120 words:

Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts.

Answer 1

Amanda and Valli both symbolize a deep desire for freedom, though their circumstances differ. Amanda, from the poem Amanda!, longs for an escape from her controlling and nagging environment. She imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel—each representing independence and solitude. Her daydreams are her way of rebelling against constant restrictions and instructions.

Valli, from Madam Rides the Bus, expresses her longing for freedom through her adventurous spirit. She dreams of riding the bus to explore the world beyond her home. Unlike Amanda, who remains trapped in her fantasies, Valli takes action, secretly saving money and planning her trip.

Both characters showcase how children yearn for independence, but while Amanda remains in her dreams, Valli actively pursues her desires.