About the Poet
Adrienne Rich
- Lifespan: Adrienne Rich (1929–2012).
- Birthplace: Born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
- Achievements: Published 19 volumes of poetry, 3 essay collections, and other writings.
- Themes: Known for her strong stance against racism and militarism.
- Contribution: Played a significant role in the contemporary women's movement as a poet and theorist.
- About "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers": The poem highlights the struggles and constraints faced by women in married life.
Summary
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.
Stanza 1
In this stanza, the poet describes Aunt Jennifer's embroidered tigers as bright and fearless creatures living in a lush green world. Their vivid topaz color symbolizes energy and vitality. Unlike Aunt Jennifer, they are unafraid of the men beneath the trees and move confidently, embodying strength and freedom. The tigers represent the qualities Aunt Jennifer aspires to but cannot achieve in her constrained life.
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.
Stanza 2
In this stanza, the poet portrays Aunt Jennifer as frail and burdened by the constraints of her marriage. Her trembling fingers struggle to work with the wool and ivory needle, reflecting her lack of strength and autonomy. The "massive weight of Uncle's wedding band" symbolizes the oppressive and dominating nature of her marriage, emphasizing the societal expectations and gender roles that restrict her freedom and creativity.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
he tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
