Aunt Jennifer's Tigers: Symbolism and Character Analysis

Q&A on Aunt Jennifer's Tigers

Symbolism

Question 19: Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

Answer: The tiger and the ring are two key symbols in the poem. The tiger embodies power, confidence, and the masculine world, while the ring, though represented as a wedding ring, symbolizes the constraints and oppression that bind Aunt Jennifer.

Question 21: What lies heavily on Aunt Jennifer's hand? How is it associated with her husband?

Answer: The wedding ring weighs heavily on Aunt Jennifer's hand, symbolizing the burden of her husband's dominance and the oppressive nature of their relationship.

Question 28: How do the words 'denizens' and 'chivalric' add to our understanding of Aunt Jennifer's tigers?

Answer: Describing the tigers as 'denizens' and 'chivalric' emphasizes their belonging in their habitat and their fearless, gallant nature. They are confident masters of their domain, holding a position of respect in the animal world.

Character Analysis

Question 20: Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?

Answer: Yes, both the reader and the speaker sympathize with Aunt Jennifer. The poem adopts a feminist perspective, criticizing the male-dominated world for its oppression and denial of equal rights to women.

Question 29: Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?

Answer: Aunt Jennifer, living an oppressed life, yearned for freedom, confidence, and boldness. Embroidering tigers on the panel became her way of expressing her inner desires and longings.

Question 30: Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?

Answer: Aunt Jennifer's art serves as an outlet for her suppressed emotions. By creating majestic and confident tigers, she contrasts her own submissive and subdued character, revealing her desire for freedom and liberation.

Question 32: How is Aunt Jennifer different from her tigers?

Answer: Aunt Jennifer's tigers are fearless and confident, while she is submissive and subdued, living in fear of the patriarchal society and her oppressive husband. Unlike the chivalric and free tigers, she is meek and weak.

Question 33: Aunt Jennifer's tigers are totally different from her own character. Highlight this contrast.

Answer: The contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers is stark. While she is a victim of male chauvinism, living a subjugated and oppressed life, her tigers represent her longing for freedom. They are dominant, chivalric, and confident, embodying the boldness she desires.