Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:Aunt Jen...
The poet describes Aunt Jennifer's tigers as 'bright topaz denizens' of the forest. They are fearless and ferocious in sharp contrast to their creator, Aunt Jennifer's nervousness, oppressed and timidity.
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Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:Aunt Jen...
Aunt Jennifer's Oppression
Aunt Jennifer's oppression is evident in the given extract from the poem. The description of her finger fluttering through her wool and finding even the ivory needle hard to pull suggests that she is struggling and facing difficulties. The imagery of the needle being hard to pull implies that she is physically weak and oppressed.
Physical Oppression
The extract also highlights Aunt Jennifer's physical oppression through the mention of the massive weight of Uncle's wedding band sitting heavily upon her hand. This image symbolizes the burden of her marital responsibilities and the control exerted over her by her husband. The weight of the wedding band represents the weight of societal expectations and traditional gender roles that she is forced to bear.
Symbolism
The use of symbolism in the extract further emphasizes Aunt Jennifer's oppression. The wool she is working with represents her domestic duties and the constraints of her role as a wife. The ivory needle symbolizes her attempts to create something beautiful and meaningful despite her oppressive circumstances. However, the difficulty she faces in pulling the needle suggests that her efforts are met with resistance and struggle.
Conclusion
Based on the given extract, it is clear that Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as an oppressed individual. She is burdened with the weight of societal expectations and her husband's control, which is symbolized by the heavy wedding band on her hand. Additionally, her physical struggles and difficulties in pulling the needle indicate her overall oppressive situation. Overall, Aunt Jennifer's character in the poem represents the plight of many women who face oppression and struggle to find their own voice and freedom.