CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Book Chapter 7 - The Interview - Summary Explanation Q&A

The Theme of the Lesson 'The Interview'

There are two stories in the interview. The first story focuses on how celebrities perceive interviews, with many famous individuals feeling that interviews are an intrusion on their personal lives. In fact, some have never granted an interview in their entire lives. This story highlights the theme of how freedom of the press can compromise an individual's privacy.

The second story is an excerpt from an interview with the renowned writer and academician, Umberto Eco. In this story, Eco shares his effective time management techniques that have contributed to his many successes. He provides insights into various factors that play a role in achieving personal and professional success.

Summary  of 'The Interview'

The lesson commences with an introduction to the interview, which has been a common journalistic practice for a little over 130 years. The author acknowledges that people have varied opinions on interviews, with some valuing it highly, while others despise being interviewed. Interviews can have a lasting impact, and an old saying suggests that one's true identity gets stolen when perceptions are formed. Many renowned celebrities, writers, and artists have criticized interviews, including Rudyard Kipling, who considered it a crime and an assault worthy of punishment. He believed that a respectable person would never request or give an interview.

The article features an excerpt from an interview between Mukund, a journalist from The Hindu newspaper, and Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy. Eco had already gained a reputation as a scholar in semiotics, literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before turning to writing fiction. The interview primarily focuses on the success of his novel, The Name of the Rose, which sold over ten million copies. The interviewer asks Eco how he manages to do so many things, to which he responds that he is doing the same thing. He explains that his books for children promote peace and non-violence, reflecting his interest in philosophy. Eco identifies himself as an academic scholar who attends conferences during the week and writes novels on Sundays. He is not bothered by being recognized as a novelist instead of a scholar since scholarly work is difficult to reach a wide audience. Eco believes that there are empty spaces, or interstices, in one's life, as there are in atoms and the universe, and he utilizes these moments to be productive. The Name of the Rose combines detective work with metaphysics, theology, and medieval history, making it a challenging read. Eco believes that had he written the novel ten years earlier or later, it would not have seen such great success, and the reason for its triumph remains a mystery.

THINK AS YOU READ 

(Page 69)

1. What are some of the positive views on interviews?

ANSWER:

The author contends that interviews are instrumental in uncovering a person's hidden talents, revealing truths about people and events, and serving as a highly valuable form of communication. Interviews offer the most insightful glimpses into our peers and colleagues. In practical terms, conducting an interview requires skill and can differ in purpose, approach, and effectiveness. By asking questions, we can learn about the lives of public figures. It is important to recognize that an interviewer wields significant authority and trust.

2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

ANSWER:

The majority of celebrity writers hold a disdainful attitude towards interviews, viewing them as an unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives. They believe that interviews somehow diminish their stature. This sentiment was shared by Rudyard Kipling who regarded interviews as a form of immortality, a crime, and a violation of his personal space. H.G. Wells, who likened interviews to "thumb prints on his windpipe," considered them to be a daunting and trying experience.

3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

ANSWER:

Numerous religious groups have orthodox members who hold a strong aversion to being photographed. Their belief is that taking a photograph of someone is tantamount to stealing their soul and granting the photographer control over their being. They contend that the process of being photographed results in a loss of a part of themselves.

4. What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?

ANSWER:

Frequently, celebrities perceive interviews as a predatory act, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. Saul Bellow, despite being interviewed on numerous occasions, always felt uneasy. He famously likened the experience to having thumbprints on his windpipe, an assault on his personal being. The interviewer's approach created an overwhelming sense of tension and pressure, making Bellow feel suffocated and as if his windpipe had been constricted by thumbprints.

5. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

ANSWER:

Interviews have become a ubiquitous feature of modern journalism, and are widely regarded as a highly effective form of communication worldwide. Thousands of celebrities have been interviewed over the years, providing valuable insights into their thoughts, values, and perspectives. Through questioning and interaction, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of their views and receive complete information about their feelings. Interviews offer unparalleled glimpses into the lives of our contemporaries, providing us with vivid impressions of their personalities and experiences.

The Interview Questions and Answers

1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

ANSWER:

Mukund Padmanabhan from 'The Hindu' conducted the interview with Umberto Eco, during which Eco remained composed and displayed no sign of disdain or displeasure. He responded to the queries posed to him in a candid and gracious manner, much like V.S. Naipaul. Unlike some who view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, Eco is modest and considerate in his responses. When Mukund inquired about how he manages to accomplish so much, Eco simply stated that he is always doing the same thing, similar to Rudyard Kipling. Eco does not perceive interviews as immoral, criminal, or an assault on one's person. Rather, he cooperates with Mukund and exhibits a keen interest in the exchange.

2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?

ANSWER:

As a university professor, Eco spends his week attending academic conferences. He utilizes the empty spaces in his life, which he refers to as 'interstices,' similar to the structure of atoms and the universe, to write. For instance, if he is waiting for someone to arrive via the escalator at his house, he would use that time to write an essay rather than remain idle. Consequently, Eco considers himself a scholar who writes novels on Sundays.

3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

ANSWER:

Typically, academic scholars create incorrect hypotheses, correct them, and then draw conclusions. However, Umberto takes readers through his research journey, citing all the trials and errors that led to his conclusions. His narrative writing style distinguishes him from others.

4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

ANSWER:

According to Umberto Eco, he identifies as a member of the academic community. He is a university professor who spends his week attending academic conferences and reserves Sundays for writing novels.

5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

ANSWER:

The novel, The Name of the Rose, stands out as a difficult read, setting it apart from other novels. It is a detective narrative that weaves together metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Consequently, it caters to audiences seeking a more challenging reading experience, though not necessarily all the time. Nevertheless, the reason for the novel's success remains a mystery to this day. Umberto believes that if the novel had been written ten years earlier or later, it would not have garnered the same level of audience reception.

Class 12 English Flamingo Poem My Mother at Sixty Six by Kamala Das

Complete Text

Driving from my parent’s

home to Cochin last Friday

morning, I saw my mother,

beside me,

doze, open mouthed, her face

ashen like that

of a corpse and realised with

pain

that she was as old as she

looked but soon

put that thought away, and

looked out at Young

Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling

out of their homes, but after the airport’s

security check, standing a few yards

away, I looked again at her, wan,

pale

as a late winter’s moon and felt that

old

familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,

but all I said was, see you soon,

Amma,

all I did was smile and smile and

smile......

Summary

The poem by Kamala Das reflects the poet's emotions as she drives with her aging mother and realizes the fragility of life. The poet sees her mother doze beside her, her face looking ashen, and is struck with a deep pain and ache for her mother's aging and vulnerability. The sight of the merry children and young trees outside the car window tries to ease the poet's thoughts, but after the airport security check, the poet sees her mother again, pale and wan, and feels the familiar ache and fear from her childhood. Despite these emotions, the poet tries to hide her feelings and merely says goodbye, smiling.

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Imagery Used in the Poem

Mother's appearance as a corpse: The appearance of the poet's mother as a corpse symbolizes the poet's fear of losing her and the fragility of life. This image highlights the contrast between life and death and underscores the pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging.

Young trees sprinting: The image of young trees sprinting symbolizes energy, vitality, and growth. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Merry children spilling out of their homes: The image of merry children spilling out of their homes symbolizes youth, innocence, and happiness. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.

Late winter's moon: The comparison of the poet's mother to a late winter's moon symbolizes her pale and wan appearance, as well as her vulnerability and distance. This image emphasizes the poet's fear of losing her mother and underscores the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Smile: The image of the poet smiling serves as a mask for the deep pain and fear she feels. It expresses the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The smile also expresses the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.

Question 1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

Answer:

The poet feels a deep pain and ache for the aging and vulnerability of her mother. She compares her appearance to that of a corpse and is reminded of his childhood fear of losing her. Despite this pain, the poet tries to mask his emotions and merely says goodbye and smiles.

Question 2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

Answer:

The young trees are described as "sprinting" because she is fast moving in her car, as she drives from her parent's home to Cochin. The use of the word "sprinting" also implies a sense of liveliness and swift movement, which contrasts with the tired and vulnerable appearance of the poet's mother. The sight of the young trees provides a momentary distraction for the poet, but does not ease the deep pain and ache she feels for her mother's aging.

Question 3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

Answer:

The image of the merry children is brought in by the poet to provide contrast to the vulnerability of her aging mother and to show the energy and joy of youth. The sight of the children spilling out of their homes, full of life and happiness, provides a momentary distraction for the poet and a contrast to her own feelings of pain and fear. The children symbolize youth, vitality, and innocence, and the sight of them serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.

Question 4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

Answer:

The poet compares the appearance of her mother to a "late winter's moon" to describe her mother's pale, wan appearance after the airport security check. The comparison to a "late winter's moon" emphasizes the mother's fragile and vulnerable state and the poet's fear of losing her. The image of the moon also suggests a sense of distant coldness and detachment, which mirrors the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to say goodbye with a smile. The comparison serves to underscore the deep pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging and to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Question 5. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Answer:

The parting words of the poet, "see you soon, Amma," and her smile signify her attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The words and smile serve as a mask for the deep pain and fear the poet feels, as she is reminded of the inevitability of loss and the fragility of life. The words and smile are a way for the poet to maintain a sense of hope and optimism, despite her feelings of sadness and fear. They also express the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate.        

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poem, My Mother at Sixty Six, describes the scene where a mother and daughter are driving to their hometown Cochin. The mother dozes off and when the daughter looks at her ashen unmoving body, she suddenly gets frightened that she is dead. The daughter realizes that her mother is quite old and she could lose her to death at any time. This makes her pensive and she reflects on the love for her mother. The poet narrates the bonding between the duo and brings forth the pain and fear experienced by the daughter of losing her mother due to the inevitable reality of life which is death.

Question 2. Comment on the tone of the poem with reference "My Mother at Sixty Six".                

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The tone of this poem is predominantly pensive and sorrowful. The poet suddenly notices that her mother looks as old as she is. However, it does not surprise her because she has always been aware of the certainty of her mother's death. As she does when she turns away from her mother to look at the Q.7. trees and the children, she has simply chosen not to think about losing her mother anytime soon. Yet that fear has always plagued her and it plagues her still. This saddens her and one can see her silent tears even when she has forced herself to smile.

Question 3. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the "merry children" and mother. Comment.

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poet has used the image of merry children spilling out of their homes to bring a contrast between old age and childhood. Her mother's pale, colourless face stands for old and fading age. Merry children symbolise the spring of life, vigour and happiness. They also symbolize the spontaneity of life in contrast to the passive and inactive life of her aged mother.

Question 4. The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother's death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss.

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' is rich in imagery. Kamala Das uses the devices of comparison and contrast. The use of simile is very effective. The face of the poet's old mother is described as 'ashen'. This ashen face is 'like that of a corpse'. The poet uses another simile. The "wan, pale' face of the mother is compared to 'a late winter's moon'. The poem excels in contrasts. The old ‘dozing’ lady inside is contrasted with the young tress ‘sprinting’ and merry children ‘spilling’ out of their homes.

Question 5. Kamala Das speaks of an old familiar ache...' What do you think is the reason for this feeling?

[CBSE SQP, 2020-21]

Answer:

As a child, Kamala Das had a fear of losing her mother. She always felt sad when she was separated from her mother and was scared that she might not be alive the next time she came back.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020-21]

Question 6. What kind of pain does Kamala Das feel in 'My Mother at Sixty-Six?

[Delhi Set-1, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: -pain of separation - losing her mother-childhood fear-mother getting old.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das feels pained at the thought of her mother getting old. She was pained to think that she may lose her mother soon. She had the fear of losing her mother and getting separated from her permanently.

Question 7. Why are the young trees described as sprinting?

[Delhi Set-II, 2017, Comptt., Delhi Set-II, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: - Image of youthfulness energy -vitality-full of life-contrast to mother's pale/ old face.

(Any two) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: The young trees running spiritedly in the opposite direction stand in sharp contrast to the poetess' aged and pale-looking mother. The trees symbolize youth and life, whereas the old mother represents old age and is moving towards the grave. They symbolise the quick passage of time that has brought old age to her.

Question 8. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children?

[Outside Delhi Set-1, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: to drive away pain-fear of separation from her mother-children symbolic of life/energy/ dynamism/happiness-to distract from thoughts of her ageing mother.

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017)

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das looked at the young children, as they represented youth, which is full of life and energy. She wanted to drive away the fearful and disturbing thought that her mother was getting old and weak and might die soon.

Question 9. Why has the mother been compared to the 'late winter moon'?

[Comptt., Outside Delhi Set-I, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: Pale wan colour/mother had lost her glow on her face.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: The mother has been compared to the 'late winter moon' because she has become pale like the moon in the winter. She is dull and lifeless. Her face has lost her glow and is misted with wrinkles, as the winter of moon shrouded with clouds.

Question 10. What did Kamala Das think when she looked at her mother?

[Comptt. Outside Delhi Set-III, 2017]

Value Points: - dozing like a corpse/as old as she looked-fear that she may not meet her mother.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das' mother was dozing, as she was sitting in the car. Her face looked pale and like a dead body. Kamala Das thought that her mother would not live long and felt pain that she might not meet her again.

Question 11. What were the poet's feelings as she drove to Kochi Airport?

[Comptt., 2015]

Answer:

Value Points: Fear of separation/worried about her ageing mother/fear of losing her mother/ anxiety.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

Detailed Answer: Her feelings at the airport were of fear because she was afraid that her mother was going to die because she was looking very weak and she was not sure whether she would be able to meet her mother again. She hid her fear by smiling and assured her mother that they would meet again.

Long Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in 120-150 words:

Question 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona's fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.

You may begin this way:

Pallipuram

Cochin, Kerala

22 August' 60

My dear Kamala

I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right. Judging by how little you spoke that day………………………………………………… (continue) ………………………………

With love

Amma

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

Value Points: poet's words and smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real feelings- parting words: "See you soon, Amma", give an assurance to the mother- poet's continuous smiles are an attempt to overcome the ache and fear inside her heart- latent fear of losing mother could be felt at the surface- mother grown weak and frail- effect of old age- ageing is a natural process-time and ageing spare none- with this ageing, separation and death become inevitable- the advice: don't be pained and frightened by the idea that she (poet) may have to face all these things herself- everyone has to face this situation one day or the other- human life is transient and people are mortal beings who have to suffer through the pangs of death

Detailed Answer:

Pallipuram

Cochin, Kerala

22 August '60

My dear Kamala

I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right Judging by how little you spoke that day, I understand that you were trying to hide your fears. You are afraid that you are going to lose me and I am going to die soon. My child, you can put your fears to rest as I am enjoying the prime of my health. I am doing my daily chores actively and I do not feel tired so soon. I am looking forward to meet you soon. If all my plans work, I will be shifting near you in another month or so.

Having said that, my child, you need to understand that the death is the ultimate truth of life. The one who is born has to die. All of us have to meet this fate sooner or later. So, as your guide and mentor, I would advise to face this truth boldly as a day will come when this truth will be realised in my case also. Remember, when that day comes, I want you not to grieve but to cherish the happy moments we shared and move on with your life.

Looking forward to see you soon.

With love

Amma

Question 2. Imagine you are the poet's friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be -to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?

Q[CBSE Question Bank 2021]

Answer:

Value Points: Aged people usually undergo pangs of loneliness and need companionship The pes simistic approach they develop towards life can be. shunned only if we provide them with abundant love, care, importance and empathy. They expect their children to sit calmly and talk to them about the happenings of their lives and to take their sug- gestions for making significant decisions. Their lost vitality can thus be easily rejuvenated. This happiness will encourage them to live life enthu- siastically

Detailed Answer:

Poet        : Hi, how are you doing?

Friend        : I am good, but you are not your usual self What happened? You seem lost somewhere

else

Poet        : I met my mother over the weekend. She is just sixty-six but was looking older than her age

Friend        : O, they all look like that. My father is only fifty-nine but he already looks like seventy. Poet        : Not only that, but her health was also looking deteriorated I had to shift over here due to professional work. It was a pain leaving her alone at home I have not spent enough time with her lately. There is so much I want to discuss with her, but don't have time

Friend: Don't worry, she will be well. We all seem afraid of the impending truth. But, come on, face your fears boldly. Take a week's off and spend time with her. At least, you will not regret later in life.

Poet: But, boss will not allow me to take off. You know the work pressure we have right now at office

Friend: Don't worry, I will take care of that. I will work overtime couple of days and cover up for you

Poet: Thanks dear, you are truly a friend indeed. I will talk to boos in the morning. Thanks and good night

Friend: So, cheer up now! All will be well Good night.

Other Poems of class 12 syllabus with in-depth analysis, explanation, themes and Summary

1. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum by Stephen Spender
2. Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
3. A Thing of Beauty by John Keets
4. A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost
5. Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich

Class XII - Flamingo Prose - Poets and Pancakes - Various Themes

 

Themes in Poets and Pancakes

1. Nepotism and Fawning at the place of work: Kothamangalam Subbu reaches the position of second in command at the Gemini Studios because of favouritism by virtue of being born a Brahman. He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after...a flop film.' He was a poet, a novelist, and yet, the office boy believes that all this success might have been 'because he seemed so close and intimate with The Boss'. Another reason for Subbu's success might be that 'his general demeanour...resembled as sycophant's.

2. The hierarchy at the place of work: 'A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department. The chief make-up man applied make-up on the chief actors and actresses, his senior assistant looked after the second hero and heroine, and the junior assistant looked after the comedian. The office boy, who feels jealous of Subbu, is on the lowest stage of the hierarchical ladder.

3. Social Integration at the place of work: While partiality, flattery and grading order are argumentative in nature, it is surprising to know that social assimilation was closely followed in Gemini Studios. As such, the make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who was succeeded by a Maharashtrian. The Maharashtrian was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and then, of course, there were the local Tamils.

4. Publicity at the place of work: Unfortunately, Gemini Studios became a battlefield for advertising in which the people, who worked in Studios, became the confused, dazed and unfortunate victims in a war of attitudes and schools of thought that they didn't really understand! The Moral Re-Armament army's hidden agenda was to counter International Communism'. It was with this express purpose that they visited Madras in 1952. Later, when Stephen Spender visited Gemini Studios, it was to propagate the virtues of Communism. Although his speech was interspersed with words like 'freedom' and 'democracy, his accent left them baffled" 

5. Jealousy at the place of work: Asokamitran describes jealousy at great length. In this case, there was one person who was jealous of Kothamangalam Subbu. This was the office boy who had 'entered the studios years ago in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screenwriter', but he had not managed to any of them. He was in his early forties and looked at Subbu with envy. "In all instances of frustration, you will always find the anger directed towards a single person openly or covertly and this man of the make-up department was convinced that all his woes, ignominy and neglect were due to Kothamangalam Subbu.' Subbu had managed to write poetry, he had written a novel. and 'He was an amazing actor all of which the Office boy had wanted but could never achieve.

Class XII - English Core - Flamingo -Poem 5 - Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Poem Text

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 finger 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.

When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

Introduction

The poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" was written by American poet Adrienne Rich in 1951. It appeared in her first published book of poems, A Change of World. Told from the perspective of an anonymous speaker, the poem describes a woman, Aunt Jennifer, who crafts vibrant tapestry panels (depicting tigers) to escape-mentally, at least, her unhappy marriage. Written at a time when divorce was unacceptable, the poem criticises the traditional institution of marriage, suggesting that it oppresses women.

Aunt Jennifer creates a needlepoint that shows tigers leaping across the canvas. Bright and vibrant, like topaz gems, the tigers live within the green world of the canvas. They are not afraid of the men standing underneath the tree, also depicted in the image. The tigers walk with certainty, grace and courage.

Aunt Jennifer's fingers swiftly and delicately work the yarn, yet she finds it physically difficult to pull even a small needle made of ivory through the canvas. Her husband's wedding band feels huge and weighs down heavily on her hand.

When Aunt Jennifer dies one day, her frightened hands will finally be still. Yet they will still be marked by the difficulties that ruled over her while she was alive. Meanwhile, the tigers she created will continue to leap across her needlepoint without shame or fear.

Theme

'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' by Adrienne Rich is a multi-layered poem that uses the images of sewn tigers to talk about the institution of marriage. The poet also explored the themes like Female Role in the Home, the Female Role in Marriage, Animals as Women and Nature, Patriarchal Power, Individual Freedoms, Political Issues, Art as escapism etc.

Message

This poem is a vigorous protest against male chauvinism and patriarchy which want to marginalize woman in every front. This poem offers a clear statement against the traditional marriage living relationship where women take the secondary role. Like Aunt Jennifer, millions of women still are a life of deprivation and subjugation. So this poem belongs to the feminist literary genre.

Title

The title, 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' is appropriate as it suggests that the poem is about Aunt Jennifer's knitted tigers. With their chivalrous, ferocious, bright and carefree attitude, she creates an alternate world for herself. These tigers are the only means of free expression in her life, which is otherwise burdened by fear and struggles of married life.

Form, Style and Literary Devices

It's a formal rhyming poem, an early example of Adrienne Rich's work. Through the short lines of the poem, the speaker embodies the struggle this woman is going through and juxtaposes it against the tigers that she's creating. Their power is contrasted against her own lack of power.

In three verses, the reader is left in no doubt that Aunt Jennifer has suffered over the years and is looking for a positive way to express her artistic talents before it's too late.

The tigers she creates will outlast her and become a symbol of freedom and independence.

Structure: The poem's structure hints at the parallel existence of freedom and fear. In the first stanza, we get a description of the tigers. In the next stanza, we find a picture of Jennifer's life. In the final stanza, Jennifer's life and the tigers' fearless movements interact. The final victory of the tigers outlives the death of the woman. The first 'stanza describes artistic freedom but the second stanza narrates patriarchal power The structural similarity between the two stanzas rather highlights the binary opposition between rebellion and repression. In the final stanza, repression and rebellion are seen together. It indicates that women can revolt if only they throw away the conventions represented by the wedding ring.

Tone: The poem's voice is distant, which is created by the third-person point of view. The third-person narrator, a third-person viewpoint and the older generation have made Aunt Jennifer more authentic. The choice of diction suggests the vigour of the animals and the lifelessness of Jennifer. The words 'prance', 'pace', 'denizen', 'bright', 'proud', unafraid', 'sleek, chivalric' are associated with tigers. However, negative words like 'massive weight, sits heavily. terrified hand', ringed', and 'ordeals' highlight the weak points of Jennifer's life. Moreover, in the case of tigers, we get references to strong verbs and active voices. On the contrary, in Jennifer's case, we get passive voices suggesting the passivity of her life. 

Poetic Devices

Rhyme Scheme

'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' is a three-stanza poem separated into stanzas of four lines, known as quatrains. These quatrains follow a simple rhyme scheme of AABB, with the couplets changing end. sounds from stanza to stanza. While there is evidence of metrical patterns in 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers,' it is not entirely consistent. There are sections of the poem in which Rich uses nearly perfect iambic pentameter and moments where she moves away from it and uses trochees instead.

It is a conventional rhyme scheme. However, Rich has brought the protest through this pattern. It seems that she has made the poem's structure conventional to highlight the conventionality of the protagonist's life and discuss about Critical appreciation of "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers".

Imagery

It is quite important in this poem. It can be seen through the description of the tigers, their landscape, and Aunt Jennifer's hands.

Rich has used animal imagery to inject power and vigour into the vision of Jennifer, which she terribly misses in her personal life. Tigers are the popular symbols of power and rebellion. Rich's tigers signify the vital life force that conventional society hardly allows for women. The creator of the tigers, Jennifer, lives a life of fear, depression and submission. But her tigers are fiercely uncompromising. Here the animal imagery suggests violence and energy, which women aspire to acquire but painfully lack.

Anaphora

It is a simple and helpful technique There is a good example in the first stanza with the repetition of "They” at the start of lines three and four. 

Alliteration

It helps to create a feeling of rhythm and rhyme even if one does not exist. For example, "fluttering fingers" in stanza two and "prancing, proud" in stanza three.

Symbolism

Heavy wedding band: Symbolises oppression in an unhappy marriage; Tigers: Untamed free spirit. The central symbols of the poem are the tapestry tigers and the Uncle's wedding band. The tapestry tigers are not just individual artistic expressions, and they are politically inflected, engaged in patriarchal chivalry myths. The personal and the political again meet in the intimacy of Uncle's wedding band. By the physical intimacy of a wedding band and by the familial presence conferred by 'Uncle's wedding band’, Aunt Jennifer's Tigers specify the presence of patriarchal politics. The interplay between rebellion and repression has made the poem enjoyable. This poem underscores the theme of power and social status. Aunt Jennifer is assigned the role of an aunt. She has no independent identity. In the poem, her name is mentioned four times, and on every occasion, she is an aunt. This imposition has fragmented her role.

Hyperbole

The weight of husband's wedding ring

Paradox

Here a trembling and ‘mastered’ woman creates free and confident creatures in her artistic endeavours. Fluttering fingers produce something that has ‘certainty’.

Contrast

This poem identifies the problems of women in society. The male-dominated society subordinates women. So they have nothing to do but continue the roles imposed on them by their male counterparts. Aunt Jennifer is the representative of these ill-fated women. Marriage as an institution does not support them. It instead ensures their eternal bondage. That's why the wedding ring is inseparable from Jennifer's life. The final stanza points to the contrast between the fearless tigers and the lifeless aunt. In fact, through this contrast, Rich is stressing the basic idea of feminism. According to feminism, women are deprived of equal status because of social strictures and repressions. The tigers are beyond these norms, but Jennifer is confined within them.

Summary

Aunt Jennifer is creating animals that are so different from her own character. She is perhaps working on a panel or a strip of woollen cloth. With an ivory needle, she is making the figure of tigers moving freely in the forest. They have bright yellow coats with stripes. They are fearless of the men standing under a tree. They are proud of their freedom and physical strength.

Aunt Jennifer is weak; therefore, her feeble fingers fail to pull even a light needle. She is creating mighty tigers on a panel, but her own married life has been an utter failure. Uncle has, perhaps, been much too severe and insensitive to her feelings. The tiger symbolises what she has missed in her married life. Someday, Aunt Jennifer will quit this world. She would be lowered into the grave. Her weak and terrified hand will still have the mark of her suffering. She will remain a slave in her grave. The tigers, however, created by her will go on playing merrily forever, proud and fearless.

Stanza Wise Explanation

Stanza One

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. 

In the first stanza of Aunt Jennifer's Tigers, the speaker begins by describing the movement of the tigers across the fabric canvas. They are prancing "across a screen" in a "world of green". The perfect rhymes give this poem a sing-song-like sound juxtaposed against the darker subject matter. It creates a haunting atmosphere that allows for easy contemplation of the problems of marriage. The speaker describes very clearly how the tigers do not "fear the men beneath the tree". They move without fear or trepidation. It should be noted that this is a state that the artist, Aunt Jennifer, does not know. She is not without fear as they are.

The animals are personified. Rich uses words like "chivalric" (an older term that connects to a certain respectful yet patronising treatment of women) to describe them. They are masculine, without worry, and "certain" in their actions. This makes it seem even less likely that Jennifer will find this same strength.

Stanza Two

Aunt Jennifer's finger 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.

The speaker describes in the next stanza how quickly Jennifer's fingers move. They "flutter” through the movements but are without real strength. The word "flutter" evokes the image of birds' wings and gentle movements. Her hands find the "needle hard to pull". There is something weighing them down, a "wedding band". The ring that ties her to her husband keeps her from moving beyond who she is at that moment. It sits heavily on her hand, her mind, and her soul.

Stanza Three

When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie 

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. 

The third stanza begins with a striking move into the future. The speaker looks towards the time in which Jennifer is going to die. These lines are enjambed, encouraging the reader to move smoothly and quickly through the stanza. She will stop eventually, as will the movement of her hands. But the ring will still be there. Even in death, she will in some ways be tied to her "ordeals".

As she struggles, suffers, and dies, the tigers will continue to prance proudly on her page. They, unlike her, are "unafraid".

Analysis

The speaker describes the tigers the aunt produced by using coloured threads on heavy cloth. They are set in motion. They are moving quickly by raising their front legs and jumping forwards on their hind legs in the green jungle. They look bright yellow and as valuable as topazes which reveals her dream of a happier life in her needlework.

There are men sitting under the tree, but the tigers do not care for them. They move on to their goal boldly and smoothly. Jennifer finds it difficult to make pictures by using the ivory needle. She is tired of doing the household work after she got married. She can't get herself involved in her artistic work. She has to do it in her leisure time. Even then she has to be sure whether her husband is watching her or not. So her hands are terrified. She will not be free from fear until she dies. She will be dominated by her husband. She will die, but her art will express her desire to move proudly and fearlessly like the tigers she has made.

Aunt Jennifer's hands are 'terrified' because of the massive weight of household duties. They are heavily pressed. They have undergone severe trials. She is dominated by her husband continuously. 'Fingers fluttering, 'ordeals', 'mastered', 'hard to pull' indicate her fear. By mentioning that it is 'Uncle's wedding band', the poet suggests that Uncle owns Jennifer too and that as a female, she is the property of her husband. The word 'massive' and 'heavily Aunt Jennifer lives a demanding sort of life in which she has to attend to her husband's needs and fulfil his commands. As a result she is somewhat worn out in her old age. Aunt Jennifer is 'ringed', trapped in her marriage and controlled like an animal. Her husband is her master. Her wish to be like the tiger, proud and unafraid' also shows her fear in real life. Tigers are fierce, courageous and independent animals. They lead the life the way they want to. But Aunt Jennifer is just opposite to tigers. She is quiet, coward, and totally dependent on her husband. She leads her life the way her husband likes for her. So tigers are an appropriate contrast to her.

Aunt Jennifer has an artistic talent. If she used it properly, she will surely become a great artist. But she has misused her ability because of cowardice. She can't go against the established pattern in life. She is pressed by 'the massive weight of household work. Instead of pleasing herself, she tries to please her dominating husband. She lives a quiet and subdued life. But the tigers she imagined are just opposite to her. They are proud, active, fearless, determined and chivalric. They move toward their goals with single-mindedness.

The tigers in the poem represent Jennifer's innermost desire. She wants to be strong like the tigers that do not fear the men. Like the beautiful animals in the jungle, she wants to create precious pieces of art. Her life has been uncertain, helpless. Her husband is strong and fearless, but he is not chivalrous. So she finds courage, justice and honour in the smooth movement of the tigers. Thus the tiger stand for her unfulfilled wishes. She can't revolt against him on her own. In order to gain freedom she must be like her tigers that prance being proud and unafraid. The word 'chivalric suggests her inner wish that is, her husband should show bravery, honour, generosity, and good manners to her like the knights in the Middle Ages did. She would like to go forward towards her aim, like the determined tigers.