Of what or of whom is aunt Jennifer terrified of in the 3rd stanza?a)...
Aunt Jennifer is, probably, terrified of the oppression of her chauvinist husband. She lives her life under constant pressure of duties and responsibilities of a married lady. The image of the wedding ring, even after her death, suggests that there is no escape whatsoever from the conventions of her marriage and that she had to succumb to them.
Of what or of whom is aunt Jennifer terrified of in the 3rd stanza?a)...
Aunt Jennifer's Fear in the Third Stanza
Introduction:
In the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich, the third stanza explores Aunt Jennifer's fears and anxieties. The stanza reveals her fear of her dominant husband and the oppressive marriage she finds herself in.
Fear of Her Dominant Husband:
- The third stanza begins by stating that Aunt Jennifer is terrified of her dominant husband.
- The use of the word "terrified" emphasizes the intensity of her fear.
- This fear stems from the fact that Aunt Jennifer is living in a patriarchal society where she is expected to conform to her husband's expectations.
- Her husband's dominance is further highlighted by the imagery of his "massive weight" on Aunt Jennifer's fingers.
- This suggests that Aunt Jennifer feels trapped and oppressed in her marriage.
Symbolism of the Tigers:
- While Aunt Jennifer is terrified of her husband, she finds solace and strength in the embroidered tigers she creates.
- The tigers symbolize the freedom and power that Aunt Jennifer yearns for.
- They represent the qualities and characteristics she wishes she possessed - fearlessness, strength, and independence.
- The contrast between Aunt Jennifer's fearful reality and the powerful tigers she creates highlights her desire for liberation.
Escape Through Art:
- Aunt Jennifer's art becomes an outlet for her to express her innermost desires.
- Through her embroidery, she is able to momentarily escape the oppression of her marriage.
- The act of creating the tigers empowers her and gives her a sense of control.
- However, her fear is lingering, as indicated by the description of her "fingers fluttering through her wool."
- This suggests that even in her art, Aunt Jennifer is haunted by her fears.
Conclusion:
In the third stanza of "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," Aunt Jennifer's fear is primarily focused on her dominant husband and the oppressive marriage she finds herself in. Through her art, she seeks to find a temporary escape from her fears and express her desire for freedom and independence. The poem sheds light on the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies and the longing for empowerment and self-expression.