Introduction:
The poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich portrays a stark contrast between Aunt Jennifer and the tigers she creates in her needlework. While Aunt Jennifer is depicted as fearful and oppressed, the tigers are portrayed as courageous and carefree. This contrast highlights the power dynamics and societal expectations that Aunt Jennifer grapples with.

Detailed Explanation:
Aunt Jennifer:
- Aunt Jennifer is described as an elderly woman who is oppressed and terrified.
- She is depicted as being confined within the confines of her marriage and society's expectations.
- The poem suggests that Aunt Jennifer's life is filled with fear and tension, symbolized by her trembling fingers.
- She is also portrayed as someone who is unable to voice her fears and concerns, as her wedding band weighs heavily upon her.

Tigers:
- In contrast to Aunt Jennifer, the tigers she creates in her needlework are depicted as bold and fearless.
- The tigers are described as being "proud and unafraid" and exhibit a sense of freedom and power.
- They are seen prancing and leaping through the forests, symbolizing their uninhibited and carefree nature.
- The tigers are also described as having a sense of immortality, as they will "go on prancing, proud and unafraid" even after Aunt Jennifer's death.

Symbolism:
- The contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers serves as a symbol for the societal expectations and limitations placed upon women.
- Aunt Jennifer's fearful existence represents the way women are often confined and oppressed by patriarchal expectations.
- The tigers, on the other hand, represent the strength and resilience that women can possess, even in the face of adversity.
- The poem suggests that Aunt Jennifer finds solace and empowerment in creating the tigers, as they embody the qualities she desires for herself.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the tigers in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" are different from Aunt Jennifer herself in that they represent courage and freedom, while Aunt Jennifer is depicted as fearful and oppressed. The poem explores the power dynamics and societal expectations that Aunt Jennifer grapples with, using the contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers to highlight these themes.