Correct option is D
Explanation:
The poem Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich is a powerful work that explores themes of female oppression and artistic expression. Aunt Jennifer’s embroidered tigers symbolize her desire for freedom and strength in contrast to her constrained life. The poem critiques patriarchal structures that limit women's agency and celebrates the enduring nature of art as a form of resistance.
Information Booster:
Adrienne Rich (1929–2012):
A celebrated feminist poet and essayist, Adrienne Rich used her poetry to challenge social norms and advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and political justice. Her work frequently interrogates the intersections of personal and political identity.
About Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers:
Published in Rich’s first collection, A Change of World (1951).
The tigers in the poem are a metaphor for Aunt Jennifer’s suppressed inner strength and autonomy.
The juxtaposition between Aunt Jennifer’s constrained domestic life and the bold imagery of the tigers creates a striking critique of gender roles.
Symbolism of the Tigers:
The tigers are fearless, prancing with grace and defiance, unlike Aunt Jennifer, whose life is described as burdened by patriarchal constraints symbolized by "the massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band."
Additional Knowledge:
Thom Gunn: A British poet known for his modernist influences and exploration of identity, but unrelated to this poem.
Kamau Brathwaite: A Barbadian poet celebrated for his Caribbean literature, focusing on post-colonial themes, not related to Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers.
Roy Fisher: An English poet whose works focus on urban landscapes and modernism, unrelated to this poem.