Chapter 6: Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers – Class 12 English Flamingo NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions Class 12 English Flamingo Poem 6 Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Think it out

Question 1. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tigers’ attitudes?

The tigers inhabit the forest as proud and fearless creatures. The words ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ suggest their natural majesty and nobility. ‘Denizens’ emphasizes that they belong to the wild and are free, while ‘chivalric’ portrays them as noble and courageous, in stark contrast to the fear and subjugation Aunt Jennifer experiences in her life.

Question 2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are ‘fluttering through her wool’ in the second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?

Aunt Jennifer’s fluttering hands reflect her physical weakness and emotional distress. Years of oppression and fear under a dominating husband have left her frail and anxious. The difficulty she experiences while embroidering is symbolic of the burden she carries in her married life—her hands tremble not just with age but with the weight of a life lived under constant pressure.

Question 3. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?

The phrase symbolizes the heavy burden of Aunt Jennifer’s marital responsibilities and subjugation. The ‘massive weight’ of the wedding band is a metaphor for the oppressive nature of her marriage. It shows how her husband’s dominance has left her spirit stifled, and even a symbol of commitment like a wedding ring feels like a shackle in her life.

Question 4. Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified in the third stanza?

Aunt Jennifer is terrified of the lasting impact of her patriarchal and oppressive marriage. Even in death, the emotional trauma and fear imposed by her husband haunt her. Her fingers remain ‘ringed’ with ordeals, suggesting that the fear and burden she faced in life will remain a part of her legacy.

Question 5. What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by? Why is it significant that the poet uses the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem?

The ‘ordeals’ refer to the hardships Aunt Jennifer endured in her marriage—emotional repression, lack of freedom, and control by her husband. The word ‘ringed’ is significant as it implies being encircled and trapped. It refers to the wedding ring as a symbol of bondage, but also to a cycle of suffering that surrounded her life. Thus, ‘ringed’ represents both her literal marriage and the figurative cage of patriarchy she was confined in.

Question 6. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?

Aunt Jennifer, a meek and submissive woman, lacked the courage to stand up against her oppressive husband. In contrast, the tigers she embroiders are bold, fearless, and free—everything she is not. Through this contrast, the poet suggests that art becomes Aunt Jennifer’s means of expressing her inner desires and silent rebellion. The tigers symbolize the strength and independence she longs for but is unable to achieve in real life.

Question 7. Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

The poem uses powerful symbolism to contrast strength and subjugation. The tigers represent freedom, strength, and assertiveness, qualities that Aunt Jennifer admires but cannot embody due to her constrained life. The wedding ring symbolizes the oppressive nature of her marriage—a burden she cannot escape even in death. These symbols collectively highlight the poem’s deeper message about gender roles, repression, and the unspoken emotional suffering of women.

Question 8. Do you sympathise with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?

Yes, Aunt Jennifer’s plight arouses deep sympathy. Her life, shaped by fear and oppression, is portrayed as a silent tragedy. The speaker shows compassion for her, shedding light on her quiet suffering through the imagery of trembling fingers and heavy wedding band. The speaker’s attitude is empathetic and mournful, highlighting the harshness of Aunt Jennifer’s reality and the contrast with the freedom she imagines through her art.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1: What is suggested by the phrase, ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?

The phrase refers to the heavy burden Aunt Jennifer feels in her marriage. The wedding band, which traditionally symbolizes love and commitment, instead represents oppression and the loss of personal freedom for her. It is described as ‘massive’ to emphasize the emotional and psychological weight of her marital responsibilities.

Question 2: For Aunt Jennifer, what do the tigers symbolise?
Or
Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?
Or
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?

The tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery symbolize strength, fearlessness, and independence—qualities that she herself lacks. Through the depiction of these animals, she reveals her inner yearning for freedom and autonomy in a life otherwise constrained by patriarchal authority. The poet uses this contrast to highlight the difference between a woman’s suppressed real life and the bold spirit she expresses through art.

Question 3: What will happen when Aunt Jennifer is dead?
Or
What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?

Even after Aunt Jennifer’s death, the tigers she created will continue to move proudly across the tapestry. This suggests that while her life may have been limited by fear and oppression, her artistic expression and desire for freedom will live on. The permanence of art contrasts with the fragility of human existence.

Question 4: How is Aunt Jennifer different from her tigers?
Or
How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers different from her?

Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as timid, oppressed, and fearful, while her tigers are bold, fearless, and majestic. This stark contrast highlights her inner conflict—the brave spirit she wishes to embody versus the submissive role she plays in real life. The tigers reflect the freedom and power she is denied.

Question 5: What are the difficulties that Aunt Jennifer faced in her life?

Aunt Jennifer was burdened by the pressures of a patriarchal marriage. Her fear of her husband and the heavy demands of married life made her feel caged and silenced. Even simple tasks like embroidery were difficult for her due to this emotional strain.

Question 6: How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male dominance?

Unable to voice her struggles openly, Aunt Jennifer expresses her suppressed emotions through her art. The tigers she embroiders symbolize her rebellion—they are everything she is not: fearless, assertive, and free.

Question 7: What is the weight that lies heavy on Aunt Jennifer’s hand?

The weight is symbolic of Uncle’s wedding band, representing the burdens of her marriage. It signifies the restrictions and emotional suffering she experiences as a married woman in a patriarchal setup.

Question 8: How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tigers’ attitudes?

‘Denizens’ shows that the tigers are native and dominant in their natural habitat, while ‘chivalric’ conveys their bravery and noble confidence. Together, these words paint the tigers as powerful, dignified, and unafraid—a stark contrast to Aunt Jennifer’s timid existence.

Question 9: Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are fluttering through her wool in the second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?

Aunt Jennifer’s hands tremble because she is emotionally and physically weakened by years of subjugation. The weight of her responsibilities and fears makes even simple tasks like embroidery feel overwhelming.

Question 10: Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?

The tigers reflect the strength and confidence she wishes she had. Through them, she channels her unspoken desire for freedom, courage, and self-expression—qualities absent from her daily life.

Question 11: Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified in the third stanza?

She is afraid of her dominating husband and, more broadly, the oppressive expectations of society. Her fear is so deep-rooted that it continues to haunt her even in her moments of solitude and creativity.

Question 12: What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by? Why is it significant that the poet used the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem?

The ‘ordeals’ refer to the lifelong struggles Aunt Jennifer faces in a patriarchal society. The word ‘ringed’ signifies how these hardships encircle and bind her. It also alludes to the wedding ring, symbolizing marital oppression and emotional captivity.

Question 13: Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

The poem uses multiple symbols: the tigers symbolize courage and independence, the wedding ring represents marital bondage, and Aunt Jennifer herself stands as a symbol of oppressed women whose voices are stifled by societal norms.

Question 14: Do you sympathise with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?

Yes, we sympathize with Aunt Jennifer, who represents many women silenced by societal expectations. The speaker portrays her with empathy, criticizing the injustices she faces while subtly encouraging women to fight for their identity and freedom.

Question 15: Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer.

Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are bright like topaz and roam freely in the green forests. They are fearless and self-assured, embodying the traits Aunt Jennifer deeply desires — strength, confidence, and autonomy.

Question 16: What does the title of the poem suggest to you? Are you reminded of other poems on tigers?

The title focuses on Aunt Jennifer’s embroidered tigers, representing her unspoken aspirations. It reminds one of other poems like William Blake’s “The Tyger,” where the tiger symbolizes power and mystery, similar to its representation here.

Question 17: What, in your opinion, is the motivation of Aunt Jennifer behind creating tigers?

Aunt Jennifer is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She uses art to voice her silent anguish. The tigers she embroiders symbolize all that she yearns for but cannot experience — bravery, strength, and freedom from patriarchal constraints.

Question 18: Give the sum and substance of the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers in about 80 words.

The poem portrays Aunt Jennifer as a woman stifled by her oppressive marriage. Through embroidery, she creates powerful tigers that reflect her repressed desire for freedom. Though her physical state is weak and fearful, her art is bold and everlasting. Even in death, the weight of societal expectations clings to her, but her embroidered tigers continue to symbolize the strength she could never live out.

Question 19: What kind of ordeals is Aunt Jennifer surrounded by?

She faces constant emotional and societal pressures, especially from her dominating husband. These ordeals leave her physically fragile and mentally drained, unable to escape the shackles of a traditional, male-dominated society.

Question 20: How will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us?

This line is from another poem, “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda. Keeping still allows people to reflect and connect with each other. It promotes peace and gives individuals a chance to pause and rethink their actions — possibly preventing destruction and promoting empathy.

Question 21: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

(a) Are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers real? Give reasons for your answer.

No, the tigers are not real. They are embroidered on a tapestry by Aunt Jennifer.

(b) Why do the tigers not fear the man beneath the tree?

The tigers are fearless and powerful; they symbolize confidence and do not fear men.

(c) What do you understand by ‘chivalric certainty’?

‘Chivalric certainty’ refers to the noble and confident manner in which the tigers move, as if they are proud warriors certain of their strength.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1: Explain the stark difference in the death of Aunt Jennifer and the tigers prancing.

The poem draws a powerful contrast between Aunt Jennifer and the tigers she embroiders. While the tigers remain vibrant, fearless, and full of life throughout the poem, Aunt Jennifer fades away silently, burdened by years of suppression and fear. Even in death, she is not free—her “fingers still ringed” reflect how the weight of her marriage and societal expectations continue to bind her.

In contrast, the tigers she creates are bold and energetic, symbols of the freedom and courage she could only dream of. They move with pride and power—qualities Aunt Jennifer lacked in her own life. The tigers become a lasting emblem of the independence she was denied. This stark difference highlights the lifelong oppression faced by Aunt Jennifer and her silent submission to the norms of a patriarchal world.

Question 2: Analyse the symbols and poetic devices employed in the poem.

Adrienne Rich uses rich symbolism and poetic techniques to express deeper themes in the poem. The tigers are symbolic of freedom, strength, and fearlessness—everything Aunt Jennifer desires but is unable to achieve in her real life. They represent the spirit of a woman unchained from societal expectations. Aunt Jennifer, in contrast, symbolizes the many women who live under the weight of male dominance.

The phrase “bright topaz denizens of a world of green” is a metaphor that paints the tigers as majestic and untamed, living freely in the forest. Their grace and pride contrast sharply with Aunt Jennifer’s trembling fingers. The alliteration in “fingers fluttering” underscores her fragility and the burdens she carries. Similarly, “prancing proud” emphasizes the power and confidence of the tigers.

These literary devices deepen the contrast between Aunt Jennifer’s repressed life and the vivid, liberated world of her imagination, portrayed through her art.

Question 3: In a predominantly male dominated society, women have always faced oppression from men. What changes can be brought about in society for uplifting the position of women like Aunt Jennifer?

To uplift women like Aunt Jennifer and create a more equitable society, several meaningful changes are necessary:

• Equal access to education: Many girls are still denied proper education due to societal and familial pressures. Ensuring education for every girl can help her become independent and empowered.
• Gender equality in opportunities: Whether in upbringing, employment, or personal development, women should be given the same opportunities as men.
• Empowerment in decision-making: Women must have the freedom to make their own life choices. Aunt Jennifer’s inability to take independent decisions is a clear reflection of patriarchal control. Changing mindsets at both family and societal levels is crucial.

These reforms can help create a world where women no longer feel the need to express their suppressed desires through art alone—they can live them freely.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Extract Based Type

I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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.

Question 1: How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers described?

Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are portrayed as bold, bright, and lively. They are golden-yellow like topaz and move with a sense of confidence and elegance across the screen. They symbolize fearlessness and strength.

Question 2: Why are they described as denizens of a world of green?

The tigers are referred to as denizens of a world of green because they belong to the lush green forests. This emphasizes their natural habitat and the freedom they enjoy there.

Question 3: Why are they not afraid of men?

The tigers are symbols of fearlessness and authority. They are not afraid of men because they represent power, independence, and the courage that Aunt Jennifer lacks in her real life.

Question 4: Give the meaning of ‘prance’.

‘Prance’ means to move with lively or springy steps, often showing energy, joy, or pride.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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 hands.

III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow

“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.”

Question 1: Who is the aunt mentioned here?

The aunt mentioned is Aunt Jennifer, the central character in Adrienne Rich’s poem. She represents a woman who has silently endured the challenges and oppression of her married life.

Question 2: Why is she ‘ringed with ordeals’?

The phrase ‘ringed with ordeals’ suggests that Aunt Jennifer has been constantly surrounded and burdened by the trials of her marriage. These struggles, mostly emotional and psychological, have trapped her throughout her life.

Question 3: What is the difference between her and the tigers?

Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as timid and overwhelmed by life’s hardships, while the tigers she embroidered represent fearlessness and pride. Unlike her, they move freely and confidently, symbolizing the freedom she longs for but never experiences.

Question 4: Why has Aunt Jennifer created the tigers so different from her own character?

The tigers are symbolic of Aunt Jennifer’s unspoken desire to be strong and liberated. By crafting them, she gives shape to her inner wish for courage and independence—qualities she lacks in her own life.

Question 1: Why are her fingers fluttering?

Her fingers flutter because she is mentally distressed and physically weak due to the burdens of her married life. The fear and domination she has faced cause her hands to tremble.

Question 2: Why is the wedding band described as ‘massive’? Why was it sitting heavily on her hand?

The wedding band is called ‘massive’ as a symbol of the oppressive weight of her marriage. It sits heavily on her hand, reflecting the emotional burden and control imposed by her husband, leaving her feeling subdued and powerless.

Question 3: Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created images different from her character?

Aunt Jennifer created the image of tigers because they symbolize the qualities she deeply desires—freedom, bravery, and strength. Unlike her timid and oppressed life, the tigers express her inner yearning to break free from patriarchal constraints.

Or

Question 1: Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands terrified?

Aunt Jennifer’s hands appear terrified because they reflect a lifetime of fear, repression, and struggle within her marriage. Her hands bear the imprint of the emotional weight she carried for years.

Question 2: Why did she make the tigers?

She created the tigers as symbols of the freedom and strength she could never claim for herself. Through her artwork, she tries to live out the courage and confidence that she has always yearned for.

Question 3: What will happen to her tigers after her death?

Her tigers will live on, continuing to prance with pride and confidence. They are eternal representations of strength and symbolize that even after Aunt Jennifer’s death, her inner aspirations will remain alive through her art.

Question 4: How are the tigers different from her?

The tigers differ sharply from Aunt Jennifer. While she is timid, frail, and dominated by fear, the tigers are bold, free, and full of vitality. They embody all the traits she wishes she had but could never express in real life.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers – About the Poem

Adrienne Rich’s poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers presents a poignant portrayal of a woman oppressed by her marriage but who finds solace and subtle rebellion through her art. The poem reflects how Aunt Jennifer, weighed down by the symbolic burden of her marriage—the wedding band—uses embroidery to express her unspoken desires for strength, independence, and freedom.

The tigers she creates on a wool panel represent everything Aunt Jennifer is not. They are powerful, self-assured, and fearless—qualities she longs for. Her trembling fingers and the inability to even pull a needle through the wool reflect the toll that marital domination has taken on her spirit. Even in death, the trauma and suppression will linger on, but her tigers will continue to leap and prowl freely in their forest, untamed and proud.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers – Summary in English

In the poem, Aunt Jennifer is shown embroidering a piece of cloth, crafting tigers that stand in stark contrast to her own timid and oppressed self. These tigers, golden and sleek, move fearlessly across a green forest landscape. They are symbols of power, pride, and courage—unlike Aunt Jennifer, whose frail fingers struggle with the ivory needle.

Her act of creating these tigers highlights the deep contrast between her imaginative world and her lived reality. Her marriage has been emotionally suffocating, marked by dominance and a lack of sensitivity from her husband. The tigers embody the strength and freedom that Aunt Jennifer has never known in her life.

Eventually, Aunt Jennifer will die, and even in her grave, her hands will bear the symbolic weight of her suffering. Yet the tigers she has embroidered will continue to exist beyond her, leaping joyously and fearlessly, immortalizing the freedom she yearned for but never truly experienced.

आँट जेनिफर की टाइगर्स – सारांश (हिंदी में)

आँट जेनिफर ऐसी जीवों की कढ़ाई कर रही हैं जो उनके स्वभाव से बिल्कुल विपरीत हैं। वह एक ऊनी पट्टी पर हाथी दांत की सुई से बाघों के चित्र उकेर रही हैं। ये बाघ जंगल में स्वतंत्रता से घूम रहे हैं। उनकी चमकती पीली खाल पर धारियाँ हैं, और वे उन पुरुषों से नहीं डरते जो पेड़ों के नीचे खड़े हैं। ये बाघ अपनी ताकत और स्वतंत्रता पर गर्व करते हैं।

आँट जेनिफर स्वयं बहुत कमजोर हैं। उनकी उंगलियाँ इतनी काँपती हैं कि वे सुई तक नहीं खींच पातीं। वे उन बाघों को काढ़ रही हैं जिनमें वे सभी गुण हैं जो उन्हें अपने वैवाहिक जीवन में नहीं मिल सके। उनका जीवन उनके पति की कठोरता और उपेक्षा से त्रस्त रहा है। बाघ उन गुणों—स्वतंत्रता, आत्मविश्वास और साहस—का प्रतीक हैं जिनकी वह आकांक्षा रखती थीं।

एक दिन आँट जेनिफर इस दुनिया को छोड़ देंगी, लेकिन उनकी पीड़ाओं की छाप उनके हाथों पर बनी रहेगी। वे जीवन भर एक दासता भरे रिश्ते में रहीं और मृत्यु के बाद भी उस बोझ से मुक्त नहीं होंगी। लेकिन वे बाघ, जो उन्होंने बनाए हैं, हमेशा निर्भीकता और आनंद के साथ जंगल में घूमते रहेंगे।