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 fingers 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.
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 fingers 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.
How is the poem structured? (stanzas 1,2, and 3) What happens in each?
Why is the personae of Aunt Jennifer's neice used as a voice?
Which words have pregnant meanings beyond the text?
How are we made to understand the relationship between Aunt Jennifer and her husband?
What do these tigers represent?
What is this poem's subtext?
Why is both the object Aunt Jennifer created as well as Aunt Jennifer the sunject of this poem.
Why is the poem entitled "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers?
How do the the rhyme scheme and other poetic devices such as alliteration contribute to the poems' effectiveness?
We are able to understand the relationship between Jennifer and her husband because the narrator mentions that her wedding banner weighs her down and "sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand." I believe this poem is entitled "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" because the tigers represents what Jennifer wants to be-- strong, brave, proud. These tigers that Jennifer are weaving with her "fingers fluttering" are a representation of what Jennifer wants to be. She mentions that the wedding banner weighs her down, which is a connotation that her marriage is taking over her life and that she is powerless. I believe that the personae of Aunt Jennifer's niece is used as the voice because she has an innocent tone and it makes the reader feel as if Aunt Jennifer is trapped within something and is powerless.
ReplyDeleteI Really do like this poem because although it is very short it has a long story behind it and with the right understanding you can figure out a lot about Aunt Jennifer and her life.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you Mr.Balgley, at first I didn't understand this poem. But then when it is broken down you could see what the poem is about. I believe that the relationship between Aunt Jennifer and her husband isn't at all that good. To me "The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band
ReplyDeleteSits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand.
" means that he gave her back his wedding band and they are seperating. The tiger represents freedom and being strong. This seperation will let Jennifer feel free like a tiger and she will be a strong women by herself. She won't fear anything and would be a proud of who she is. I agree with Brandon that the tigers that she is weaving represents what Jennifer wants to be.
i agree with brandon. she feels trapped like theres no way out. she also feels like she is being smothered by her husband. the tigers are suppose to represent the freedom and the courage she wish she has
ReplyDeleteIn order for me to understand this poem, I had to read it a couple of times. I have to honestly say that I really do love this poem. It is very meaningful because it shows that Aunt Jennifer and her husband have been having a lot of problems in their relationship. This poem basically shows instead of tells. I think it does this because of the line that states "The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band, Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand."
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Melida, the tiger represents Jennifer being a strong woman and for having to deal with these tough times.
I agree with Melida, I also had some trouble understanding the poem at first. Aunt Jennifer feels trapped being married to her husband. The tigers represent bravery and being proud, which is exactly what aunt Jennifer wants to be. The person speaking is aunt Jennifer's niece.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of my classmates. I didnt really understand the poem as much but i believe We could be able to understand the relationship between Jennifer and her husband,as Brandon said. This poem is about Aunt Jennifer feels trapped being married to her husband. Jennifer wants to be strong,and proud. These tigers that Jennifer are weaving representation of what Jennifer wants to be.
ReplyDelete