CBSE Class 12 English Textbook – Flamingo includes a poem titled “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by American poet Adrienne Rich. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers depicts the struggles of a woman burdened by an oppressive marriage. Through Aunt Jennifer, the poet highlights the domination and compromises many married women faced, especially in the twentieth century. Unable to share her pain, Aunt Jennifer expresses it through her art, creating tigers that contrast with her life. These fearless tigers symbolize her deep desire for freedom and courage.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- A Thing of Beauty.  

CBSE Class 12 English Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Summary

The poem introduces Aunt Jennifer, a married woman embroidering a decorative piece featuring tigers. These tigers, prancing against a green forest backdrop, resemble topaz with their yellowish-brown color. They stand in sheer contrast to Aunt Jennifer, who has endured the oppression of her husband’s dominance. Unlike her, the tigers are fearless and unafraid of the men beneath the forest trees. This imagery reflects Aunt Jennifer’s deep desire to live freely and without fear. The men in the forest symbolize the restrictions imposed on her by her husband.

Aunt Jennifer longs for the youthful, carefree confidence she had before marriage, which the poet subtly conveys through the phrase “sleek, chivalric certainty” used to describe the tigers’ movements. In contrast to the tigers’ grace, Aunt Jennifer’s life has been consumed by fear and oppression, leaving her weak and anxious. The poet emphasizes her fragile state through the image of her “fluttering fingers,” which struggle to handle the wool and pull the ivory needle while she embroiders.

Years of living under constant control have deeply shaken Aunt Jennifer, making even the smallest tasks feel burdensome. Her marriage, marked by domination and emotional strain, has left her so worn down that her wedding ring now feels unbearably heavy. The ring symbolizes the weight of her suffering and the emotional toll she has endured throughout her married life, a constant reminder of the bondage and restrictions she has faced.

Aunt Jennifer’s bondage is not something she can easily escape from, and true liberation may only come with her death. However, the poet implies that even death might not free her completely, as the wedding ring will still be on her hand, serving as a constant reminder of the struggles and hardships she faced during her married life. The poet captures Aunt Jennifer’s difficult experiences as a wife, marked by oppression and control. Yet, despite everything, she held on to suppressed dreams—the desire to live without limitations or subjugation. The tigers she embroidered reflect this hidden part of her, symbolizing the courage and freedom she was never able to fully realize.

Conclusion of Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

In conclusion, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is a powerful reflection on the oppression faced by women in patriarchal marriages, particularly in the 20th century. Through Aunt Jennifer’s character, the poet portrays the emotional and physical burdens of a restrictive marital life, highlighting the contrast between her inner desires and outward reality. While her tigers represent freedom, strength, and fearlessness—qualities she longs for—they also serve as a reminder of the life she could never fully attain. Aunt Jennifer’s story symbolizes the silent struggles many women endure, but her art remains a lasting testament to her unspoken hopes for liberation and independence.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Poetry, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the poem. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.

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