Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers by Adrienne Rich
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s finger fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Question Answers
1. What do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolize?
The tigers symbolize strength, freedom, and fearlessness. They represent the qualities that Aunt Jennifer lacks in her own life due to her oppressive marriage but wishes to express through her art.
2. How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers described in the poem?
The tigers are described as “prancing across a screen,” bright like “topaz,” and living in a “world of green.” They are strong, fearless, and unafraid of men, representing power and independence.
3. What does Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band symbolize?
The wedding band symbolizes the burden of marriage and the oppression Aunt Jennifer faces. It is described as “heavy,” showing that her marital life has been restrictive and dominated by her husband.
4. How is Aunt Jennifer’s life different from the tigers she creates?
Aunt Jennifer’s life is full of restrictions and struggles, while the tigers she embroiders are free and powerful. Unlike her, they move without fear and symbolize the strength she longs for but cannot achieve.
5. What is the significance of the last stanza?
The last stanza suggests that even after Aunt Jennifer’s death, her struggles and suffering will remain. However, the tigers she created will continue to “prance” freely, symbolizing the lasting power of art and the freedom she wished for.
6. What poetic devices are used in the poem?
- Imagery – Vivid descriptions of tigers, their movement, and colors.
- Symbolism – Tigers symbolize freedom; the wedding band represents oppression.
- Alliteration – “Prance across a screen,” “fingers fluttering,” etc.
- Contrast – Between Aunt Jennifer’s weakness and the tigers’ strength.
Also Read- My Mother at Sixty Six Question Answers
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Question Answers (MCQs)
- What do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolize?
a) Fear and submission
b) Strength and freedom
c) Domestic life
d) Love and happiness
(Answer: b) Strength and freedom - How are the tigers described in the poem?
a) Weak and caged
b) Bright and fearless
c) Lazy and slow
d) Dark and hidden
(Answer: b) Bright and fearless - What does the “wedding band” symbolize?
a) Aunt Jennifer’s love for her husband
b) The burden of marriage
c) Her passion for embroidery
d) A gift from her family
(Answer: b) The burden of marriage - What poetic device is used in “prance across a screen”?
a) Metaphor
b) Simile
c) Alliteration
d) Hyperbole
(Answer: c) Alliteration - How will Aunt Jennifer be remembered after her death?
a) As a happy and free woman
b) As someone burdened by marriage
c) As a powerful and fearless person
d) As a famous artist
(Answer: b) As someone burdened by marriage - What does the phrase “fingers fluttering” suggest?
a) Aunt Jennifer is sewing quickly
b) She is nervous and weak
c) She is excited about her art
d) Her hands are strong
(Answer: b) She is nervous and weak - What remains unaffected by Aunt Jennifer’s struggles?
a) Her artwork
b) Her marriage
c) Her emotions
d) Her family
(Answer: a) Her artwork - What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
a) ABAB
b) AABB
c) ABCB
d) AABA
(Answer: b) AABB - What does the phrase “denizens of a world of green” refer to?
a) The tigers in the forest
b) Aunt Jennifer’s garden
c) The color of her embroidery
d) Her dream of freedom
(Answer: a) The tigers in the forest - What is the central theme of the poem?
a) The joy of art
b) The strength of women
c) Gender oppression and freedom
d) The beauty of nature
(Answer: c) Gender oppression and freedom