Analyzing 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' Quiz

Exploring "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers"

Originally published in 1966, Adrienne Rich's iconic poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" invites us to delve into a captivating world of symbolism, feminism, and poetic imagery. As we unravel the layers of this masterpiece, we'll find Rich's powerful critique of societal norms and women's roles, interwoven with a mesmerizing use of figurative language.

The Poem's Context and Structure

The poem opens with a scene of Aunt Jennifer's sewing room, where she stitches tiger-shaped appliqués onto an "embroidered pillow." The repetition of the tiger motif throughout the poem mirrors the repetitive nature of Aunt Jennifer's daily life.

The poem's structure follows a 10-line stanza form, with each line consisting of ten syllables and adhering to a stanzaic rhyme scheme of ABABCDEDCDE.

Symbolism and Feminism

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a textbook example of feminist poetry, critiquing the repression and oppression of women. The tigers themselves are symbols of Aunt Jennifer's untapped potential. In her sewing, her life is reduced to an endless repetition of the same pattern, much like the way women were confined by societal expectations. Rich's use of the phrase "embroidered pillow" further reinforces the stifling nature of gender norms.

The poem also explores the concept of the "domesticated woman," a term coined by Rich in her essay "When We Dead Awaken: Writing as Re-Vision." The "domesticated woman" represents a woman who conforms to societal expectations, choosing a life of domesticity over personal aspirations. Aunt Jennifer is a prime example of this phenomenon.

Imagery and Figurative Language

Rich's use of vivid imagery helps to bring the poem's themes to life. For instance, the tigers themselves are described as "grow[ing] in her lap," representing the way in which women's aspirations and desires grow within them, untouched by the world around them.

The poem also features numerous metaphors, many of which highlight the poem's themes. For example, Aunt Jennifer's sewing machine becomes a "great iron moth," symbolizing the way in which machines represented progress and modernity, yet also suffocated women's individuality. Moreover, the phrase "embroidered pillow" symbolizes the way in which women were expected to be decorative, their lives confined to the domestic sphere.

The Question of Identity

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" also raises questions about identity. Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as a passive character, her life reduced to the repetitive act of sewing tigers onto a pillow. Rich's use of figurative language, however, suggests that Aunt Jennifer's true identity lies beneath the surface. Through her use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Rich encourages us to look beyond Aunt Jennifer's passive demeanor and explore the hidden depths of her character.

A Timeless Classic

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" remains a timeless classic, not only for its exploration of feminism and societal norms, but also for its innovative use of poetic imagery and figurative language. Rich's poem invites us to delve deeper into the world of Aunt Jennifer, and to question the repressive norms that shape our own lives.

As we continue to explore the rich nuances of this emotional and thought-provoking piece, we'll gain a deeper understanding of Rich's message, and perhaps discover something new about ourselves in the process.