Aunt Jennifer's Fluttering Fingers: A Symbol of Nervousness

Introduction:
The poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich portrays Aunt Jennifer's struggle to assert her individuality and freedom within a patriarchal society. The poet uses various poetic devices to convey Aunt Jennifer's emotions and inner turmoil. One such device is the fluttering of Aunt Jennifer's fingers, which can be interpreted as a symbol of nervousness.

Explanation:
1. Aunt Jennifer's Embroidery:
Aunt Jennifer is depicted as an artist who expresses herself through her embroidery. She creates intricate images of tigers, which symbolize strength, freedom, and fearlessness. However, despite the empowering nature of her art, Aunt Jennifer's fingers flutter as she works on her embroidery.

2. Difficulty in Pulling the Needle:
The poem mentions that Aunt Jennifer finds the ivory needle hard to pull. This could be interpreted as a physical manifestation of her nervousness. The difficulty in pulling the needle symbolizes Aunt Jennifer's struggle to assert herself and break free from the constraints of her marriage.

3. The Weight of Uncle's Wedding Band:
The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band is described as sitting heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand. This imagery highlights the burden of her marriage and the oppressive nature of her relationship. The weight of the wedding band adds to Aunt Jennifer's feelings of unease and nervousness.

4. Contextualizing Aunt Jennifer's Nervousness:
Aunt Jennifer's nervousness can be understood in the context of her oppressive marriage. The poem suggests that she is trapped in a patriarchal society where her individuality and freedom are stifled. Her embroidery becomes a way for her to escape this reality temporarily. However, her nervousness indicates that she is still affected by the constraints of her situation.

5. Symbolic Interpretation:
The fluttering of Aunt Jennifer's fingers can be seen as a symbol of her anxiety and lack of confidence. It reflects her internal struggle to assert herself and overcome the limitations imposed on her by society. The tension and nervousness in her fingers mirror the tension and unease she feels in her life.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Aunt Jennifer's fluttering fingers in the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" symbolize her nervousness and anxiety. They represent her struggle to assert herself and break free from the constraints of her oppressive marriage. Through this poetic device, the poet effectively conveys Aunt Jennifer's inner turmoil and the challenges she faces in her quest for self-expression and freedom.