3. About Poet
Adrienne Rich (1929) was born in
Baltimore,
Maryland, USA. • Widely known known for
her involvement in
contemporary women's movement as a poet
and theorist. Published nineteen volumes of
poetry, three collections of essays and other
writings. A
strong resistance to racism and militarism
echoes through her work.
• The poem Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
addresses the constraints of married life a
woman experiences.
4. Introduction
INTRODUCTIO
N
Theme of the poem
The poem depicts Jennifer, the speaker’s aunt, and
the motif of tigers that she embroiders on a tapestry.
The tiger motif is used to represent Aunt Jennifer’s
ferocious personality and her need for freedom and
self-expression. The poem also considers the
limitations and restraints placed on women by society,
especially in terms of gender roles and expectations.
The speaker implies that although Aunt Jennifer
struggles to fully express herself in her daily life, she
is able to do so only through her embroidered art.
5. Poem overview
SUMMARY
The protagonist of the poem, Aunt Jennifer is doing
the embroidery of Tigers on the piece of clothing with
needles and wools which represents fearlessness,
confidence, and strength. These Tigers are jumping
and prancing with great confidence and they have
been described as having a golden yellow colour.
These Tigers are described as dwelling in the world
of green as they live in dense forests. The Tigers are
not afraid of the men who are standing under the tree,
since they are bold, fearless, and strong
6. Conclusion
By Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers summary, the
poet wants to represent the life of a woman
who has to live under a constant fear from
her husband. Also, she will only get freedom
when she will die.
7. Important Expressions -
Prance : walk or move around with high springy steps.
Topaz : a bright yellow coloured stone.
Denizens : here, an animal that lives or is found in a
particular place.
Chivalric : being courteous esp. to women, an act of a
gentleman.
