Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers-Notes

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

 1. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes?
The word ‘denizens’ means that they are proud of their home, they feel safe there and have a feeling of belonging attached to it. They are linked to the old system of knighthood by the word ''chivalric'', thus reminding us  of their power and strength.

2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are ‘fluttering through her wool’ in the second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?
As she embroiders, her fingers are ''fluttering through her wool''. This suggests that she is weak, nervous and scared. Even the act of creating this tapestry is difficult for her. She finds the ''ivory needle hard to pull'' because her fingers are tired of working endlessly all through her life, and she is mentally and physically exhausted due to the ordeals of life.
3. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?
‘Massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ suggests symbolically, that the bindings and obligations of her marriage are so much that they have put a lot of burden and stress on her.
4. Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third stanza?
Even after her death, Aunt carried her fear of her male chauvinist husband as she still wore the burden of the wedding ring on her finger. The ordeals faced by her in an oppressive marriage would continue to terrify her.
5. 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?
The ‘ordeals’ that Aunt Jennifer was surrounded by are: obeying her husband’s orders, giving in to his dominance, and fulfilling his commands and fear of the male dominated society

The use of the word ‘ringed’ is appropriate and significant because it aptly represents the vicious cycle created by the norms of society, from which Aunt Jennifer is unable to free herself. As the ring encircles the finger, her husband has encircled her in his clutches. Her body and soul are both trapped, struggling for freedom and fearlessness.

6. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?

The timid and fearful Aunt Jennifer creates an alternative world of free and fearless tigers to express her longing for freedom. For her, embroidery is an escape from her grim marriage. This is the time when she is with herself, and then, her innermost feelings are expressed.

7. Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

§  Tigers – Tigers symbolise untamed free spirit. In the backdrop of the dense forest, the tigers enjoy relentless freedom. Here they serve as the antithesis to the creator’s personality. Yellow connotes fierce energy while green reminds of spring and vitality.

• Aunt Jennifer- She is a typical victim in a male dominated society. She suffers loss of individuality, dignity and loss of personal freedom. She becomes dependent, fearful and frail.
• Wedding Band – It is a symbol of oppression in an unhappy marriage.  Marriage is social and legally binding making women silently accept subjugation and male domination especially in a patriarchal society. Its weight refers to the burden of gender expectations. Ringed means encircled or trapped, losing individuality and freedom.

§  Embroidery- It is a symbol of creative expression. The artwork expresses the Aunt’s suppressed dreams and unfulfilled desires.

8.  What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we find in the poem Aunt Jennifer's tigers?

The poem process constraints that a married woman experiences. Uncle's wedding band on Aunt Jennifer's hand symbolises oppressive band of patriarchal society. Aunt Jennifer is forced to live in accordance with the rules laid down by her husband. She does not have any freedom.