Extract Based Questions: Aunt Jennifer's Tiger | English Class 12 PDF Download

Read the given extract and answer the questions
Extract:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

Question (i) What is the rhyme scheme of the extract?
(a) ABAB
(b) AABB
(c) ABBA
(d) ABCB
Ans: Answer written by student: (b) AABB
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the rhyme scheme of the extract. Rhyme scheme is the pattern of end rhymes in a poem or a stanza. Rhyme scheme can be represented by using letters to mark each rhyme. For example, if the first and second lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines rhyme, the rhyme scheme is AABB.
• In this extract, the poet uses a rhyme scheme of AABB, which means that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. For example, "screen" and "green" rhyme with each other, and "tree" and "certainty" rhyme with each other.

Question (ii) What is the imagery used in the extract?
(a) Visual imagery
(b) Auditory imagery
(c) Olfactory imagery
(d) All of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: (a) Visual imagery
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the imagery used in the extract. Imagery is the use of descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Imagery can be used to create vivid pictures in the reader's or listener's mind, and to evoke emotions and sensations.
• In this extract, the poet uses visual imagery, which is the use of descriptive language that appeals to the sense of sight. Here, the poet uses visual imagery to create a picture of Aunt Jennifer's tigers on a screen or a tapestry. The poet describes their color as bright topaz, which is a yellowish-orange gemstone. The poet also describes their habitat as a world of green, which suggests a lush and natural environment. The poet also describes their movement as prancing and pacing, which suggests grace and confidence. The poet also describes their attitude as fearless and chivalric, which suggests courage and nobility.

Question (iii) What is the metaphor used in the extract?
(a) The comparison of the tigers to bright topaz
(b) The comparison of the screen to a world of green
(c) The comparison of the men to a tree
(d) None of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: ((a) The comparison of the tigers to bright topaz
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the metaphor used in the extract. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using "like" or "as." A metaphor can be used to create a vivid or surprising image, or to convey a deeper meaning or symbolism.
• In this extract, the poet uses a metaphor in the second line, which reads "Bright topaz denizens of a world of green." Here, the poet compares the tigers to bright topaz, which is a yellowish-orange gemstone. This metaphor creates a vivid image of the tigers' color and contrast with the green background. It also conveys a deeper meaning or symbolism of the tigers' value and beauty, as topaz is a precious and rare stone.

Question (iv) What is the allusion used in the extract?
(a) The reference to Aunt Jennifer
(b) The reference to chivalry
(c) The reference to men
(d) None of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: (b) The reference to chivalry
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the allusion used in the extract. An allusion is a figure of speech that refers to a person, place, thing, or event from history, literature, mythology, religion, or culture. An allusion can be used to create a connection or contrast with something familiar or significant.
• In this extract, the poet uses an allusion in the fourth line, which reads "They pace in sleek chivalric certainty." Here, the poet refers to chivalry, which is a code of conduct for knights in medieval times. Chivalry involves qualities such as bravery, honor, loyalty, courtesy, and justice. This allusion creates a contrast between the tigers and the men in the poem. The tigers are depicted as chivalrous and noble, while the men are depicted as oppressive and cruel. This allusion also creates a connection between Aunt Jennifer's tigers and her own ideals and aspirations. She may admire and desire chivalry in her life, but she does not receive it from her husband or society.

Question (v) What is the tone of the speaker in the extract?

(a) Sympathetic and critical
(b) Humorous and sarcastic
(c) Angry and bitter
(d) Indifferent and bored
Ans: Answer written by student: ((a) Sympathetic and critical
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the tone of the speaker in the extract. Tone is the attitude or emotion that a speaker or writer conveys through their words and style. Tone can be determined by looking at the choice of words, punctuation, imagery, figurative language, etc.
• In this extract, the speaker uses a tone of sympathy and criticism. Sympathy is the feeling of understanding and compassion for someone else's situation or feelings. Criticism is the expression of disapproval or disagreement with something or someone. The speaker shows sympathy for Aunt Jennifer, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage and who expresses her creativity and freedom through her needlework. The speaker also shows criticism for the patriarchal society that oppresses and silences women like Aunt Jennifer. The speaker uses words and phrases such as "bright topaz," "world of green," "sleek chivalric certainty," etc., to show sympathy for Aunt Jennifer's tigers and what they represent. The speaker also uses words and phrases such as "men beneath the tree," "screen," "pace," etc., to show criticism for the men and the society that limit and threaten Aunt Jennifer's life.

Question (vi) What is the message or theme of the extract?
(a) The conflict between nature and civilization
(b) The exploitation of the poor by the rich
(c) The loss of tradition and culture
(d) The oppression of women by patriarchy
Ans: Answer written by student: (d) The oppression of women by patriarchy
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the message or theme of the extract. Message or theme is the main idea or lesson that a writer or speaker wants to convey through their work. Message or theme can be expressed as a word, a phrase, or a sentence.
• In this extract, the poet conveys a message or theme of the oppression of women by patriarchy. Patriarchy is a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. Oppression is the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power over someone or something. The poet shows how Aunt Jennifer is oppressed by her husband and by society, who do not respect her as a person or as an artist. The poet also shows how Aunt Jennifer's tigers are a symbol of her resistance and escape from patriarchy, as they are fearless, powerful, and free. The poet also implies that Aunt Jennifer's tigers will outlive her and her oppressors, and that they will inspire other women to fight for their rights and dignity.

Read the given extract and answer the questions
Extract:
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

Question (i) What is the personification that the speaker employs in the first line of the extract?
(a) The attribution of human qualities to the wool
(b) The attribution of human qualities to the needle
(c) The attribution of human qualities to the fingers
(d) None of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: (c) The attribution of human qualities to the fingers

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the personification that the speaker employs in the first line of the extract. Personification is a figure of speech that involves giving human characteristics or abilities to non-human things or animals. Personification can be used to create a vivid or surprising image, or to convey a deeper meaning or symbolism.
• In this extract, the speaker employs personification in the first line, which reads "Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool." Here, the speaker gives human qualities to Aunt Jennifer's fingers, such as fluttering. Fluttering is a verb that describes a quick and light movement, usually associated with birds or butterflies. By using this personification, the speaker creates a vivid image of Aunt Jennifer's fingers moving swiftly and delicately through her wool. The speaker also conveys a deeper meaning or symbolism of Aunt Jennifer's fingers, such as nervousness or excitement. She may be fluttering her fingers because she is anxious or eager about her needlework.

Question (ii) What is the simile that the speaker utilizes in the second line of the extract?

(a) The comparison of the wool to a cloud
(b) The comparison of the needle to ivory
(c) The comparison of the pull to a tug
(d) None of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: (b) The comparison of the needle to ivory

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the simile that the speaker utilizes in the second line of the extract. A simile is a figure of speech that involves comparing two different things using "like" or "as." A simile can be used to create a vivid or surprising image, or to convey a deeper meaning or symbolism.
• In this extract, the speaker utilizes a simile in the second line, which reads "Find even the ivory needle hard to pull." Here, the speaker compares the needle to ivory. Ivory is a hard and white material that comes from elephant tusks or other animal teeth. By using this simile, the speaker creates a vivid image of the needle's color and texture. The speaker also conveys a deeper meaning or symbolism of the needle, such as its value and rarity. Ivory is a precious and scarce material that is often used for art or jewelry. The needle may represent Aunt Jennifer's artistic talent and expression, which are also valuable and rare in her life.

Question (iii) What is the hyperbole that the speaker conveys in the third line of the extract?
(a) The exaggeration of the weight of the wedding band
(b) The exaggeration of the size of Uncle's hand
(c) The exaggeration of the effect of the wedding band
(d) All of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: ((d) All of the above

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the hyperbole that the speaker conveys in the third line of the extract. A hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves an extreme or unrealistic exaggeration for emphasis or effect. A hyperbole can be used to create humor, surprise, or criticism in a poem.
• In this extract, the speaker conveys a hyperbole in the third line, which reads "The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band." Here, the speaker exaggerates three things: the weight of the wedding band, the size of Uncle's hand, and the effect of the wedding band. The speaker uses the word "massive" to describe the wedding band, which implies that it is very heavy and large. The speaker also implies that Uncle's hand is also very big and strong, as he can wear such a heavy ring. The speaker also implies that the wedding band has a huge impact on Aunt Jennifer's life, as it represents her marriage and her oppression. By using this hyperbole, the speaker creates a contrast between Uncle's power and Aunt Jennifer's weakness. The speaker also creates a criticism of Uncle's dominance and Aunt Jennifer's subordination.

Question (iv) What is the rhyme that the speaker employs in the fourth line of the extract?
(a) The correspondence of sound between band and hand
(b) The correspondence of sound between wool and pull
(c) The correspondence of sound between lie and by
(d) All of the above
Ans: Answer written by student: ((a) The correspondence of sound between band and hand

Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the rhyme that the speaker employs in the fourth line of the extract. Rhyme is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar or identical sounds at the end of words that are close together. Rhyme can be used to create rhythm, harmony, or emphasis in a poem.
• In this extract, the speaker employs rhyme in the fourth line, which reads "Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand." Here, the speaker repeats the sound of /and/ at the end of two words: "band" and "hand." This rhyme creates a rhythm and a harmony for the line, as it matches with the rhyme scheme of AABB for each stanza. This rhyme also creates an emphasis for these two words, as they are important symbols in the poem. "Band" represents Aunt Jennifer's marriage and oppression, while "hand" represents Aunt Jennifer's life and struggle.

Question (v) What is the mood that the speaker creates in the extract?
(a) Joyful and optimistic
(b) Gloomy and hopeless
(c) Curious and adventurous
(d) Calm and peaceful
Ans: Answer written by student: (b) Gloomy and hopeless
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the mood that the speaker creates in the extract. Mood is the feeling or atmosphere that a speaker or writer creates for the reader or listener. Mood can be determined by looking at the choice of words, punctuation, imagery, figurative language, etc.
• In this extract, the speaker creates a mood of gloom and hopelessness. The speaker uses words and phrases that express sadness, despair, and futility. For example, the speaker uses words such as "fluttering," "hard," "massive," "heavily," etc., to create a mood of gloom and hopelessness. These words and phrases show how Aunt Jennifer is unhappy and helpless in her life, and how she has no hope of changing it.

Question (vi) What is the message or theme that the speaker conveys in the extract?
(a) The conflict between nature and civilization
(b) The exploitation of the poor by the rich
(c) The loss of tradition and culture
(d) The oppression of women by patriarchy
Ans: Answer written by student: ((d) The oppression of women by patriarchy
Step-by-step explanation:

• To answer this question, we need to identify the message or theme that the speaker conveys in the extract. Message or theme is the main idea or lesson that a speaker or writer wants to convey through their work. Message or theme can be expressed as a word, a phrase, or a sentence.
• In this extract, the speaker conveys a message or theme of the oppression of women by patriarchy. Patriarchy is a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. Oppression is the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power over someone or something. The speaker shows how Aunt Jennifer is oppressed by her husband and by society, who do not respect her as a person or as an artist. The speaker also shows how Aunt Jennifer's tigers are a symbol of her resistance and escape from patriarchy, as they are fearless, powerful, and free. The speaker also implies that Aunt Jennifer's tigers will outlive her and her oppressors, and that they will inspire other women to fight for their rights and dignity.