The poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich is part of the CBSE Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo book. It explores themes of female oppression, courage, and creative expression through the metaphor of Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery work.
In the poem, Aunt Jennifer creates vivid tigers on a panel, which are bold, fearless, and free, symbolizing the strength and independence she longs for. In contrast, Aunt Jennifer herself is trapped by societal and marital constraints, representing the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The poet highlights the contrast between her artistic freedom and personal oppression, emphasizing how art can become a medium to express one’s inner strength and resistance.
For CBSE Class 12 students, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is important for summary, theme, poetic devices, and value-based questions. Key elements include symbolism, imagery, and feminist perspective. Understanding this poem helps students appreciate literary techniques and social commentary, making it easier to answer board exam questions effectively.
The poem inspires readers to recognize women’s resilience and the subtle ways they assert freedom through creativity.
