Aunt Jenifer's tigers Flashcards
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are ‘flatering through her wool in the
second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?
Aunt Jennifer’s hands are “uttering through her wool because he is an old lady on whom age has taken is toll. The fluttering of Aunt Jennifer’s fingers also signifies her oppressed mental condition which makes it difficult for her to even pull an ivory needle
while embroidering.
What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?
The ‘wedding band’ that the poet talks about is the wedding ring worn by Aunt Jennifer. The image of massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ suggests that she was overburdened with duties and responsibilities, post her marriage.
Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third stanza?
Even after death, Aunt carried her fear of her domineering husband as she would yet bear the burden of the wedding band on her finger. The ordeals faced by her in an oppressive marriage would continue to terrify her.
What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by? Why is it significant that the poet uses the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem?
Aunt Jennifer has been living her life in accordance with the rules laid down by her husband. Her life lacks expression and is overburdened by the demands and duties of her married life. Although old and weak, she still has to face her husband’s oppression.
These are the ordeals that the poet talks about.
The use of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem is significant and appropriate because it correctly represents the vicious cycle created by the norms of society, from which Aunt Jennifer is unable to free herself. The word ‘ringed’ not only indicates that she is wearing her wedding ring but also that she is bound by the responsibilities, fear and oppression of her marriage for entire life, and probably, after it too.
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her owa character? What might the poet be suggesting through this difference?
The timid and fearful Aunt Jennifer creates an alternative world of free and feanless tigers to express her longing for freedom, a medium of escape from her grim marriage.
The ironical contrast depicts a warning by the poet against acceptance of subjugation by women as it crushes their dreams, individuality and a full life.
Ringed means _______
Ringed means encircled or trapped, losing individuality and freedom.
Aunt Jennifer:
A typical victim of male oppression in an unhappy marriage, who suffers loss of individuality, dignity and personal freedom silently. She becomes dependent, fearful and frail.
Tigers:
Tigers symbolise untamed free spirit. Here, they are antithesis of their creator’s personality. The use of colours implies that Aunt Jennifer’s tigers and their land are more vital and enjoy a sense of freedom far greater than her. Yellow (bright topaz) connotes the sun and fierce energy, while green reminds of spring and vitality.
The tigers pace and prance freely, proudly, fearless, confident and majestic in their bearing.
Embroidery:
It is a symbol of creative expression. The artwork expresses the Aunt’s suppressed desires and helps her escape the oppressive reality of her life.
What do you mean by the chivalric certainty that the tigers possess?
TThe tigers used to fear the men. But once they were made by Aunt Jennifer, they learnt courage. In their new birth, these tigers feel at ease and confident. Now, they do not have to run away from anyone. They move slowly and run ferociously.
What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?
The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer are eternal. They will keep on prancing even afier her death. These tigers are born out of her imagination in response to the oppression she goes through in the patriarchal society.
Would you say tha the poom ends on a note of hope? Justify your opinion.
Yes, the poem ends on a note of hope that Aunt Jennifer’s tiger will survive her. The ligers would always remain fearless and bold. The poet imparts a ray of hope to liberate women from the bondage of the oppressed men.
How does the poet use the image of fingers fluttering through the wool’ to highlight
Aunt Jennifer’s victimisation?
‘Fingers fluttering through the wool’ is an example of alliteration. The poet has portrayed Aunt Jennifer as a victimised woman in the male dominating society through this alliteration phrase. The vexations and difficulties of Aunt Jennifer have been high sounding. She was oppressed and trapped in the oppressive institution of marriage.
