The last poem in the NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo textbook is Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, written by Adrienne Rich. It’s a short but powerful poem that talks about a woman’s silent struggles in a male-dominated society. Through her embroidery work, Aunt Jennifer creates tigers that are bold and fearless—completely opposite of how she feels in her real life. This contrast between imagination and reality is what makes the poem so impactful. Even though the poem is just a few lines, it carries deep meaning related to gender roles, freedom and emotional expression.
I chose to write about this chapter because it often gets overlooked due to its small size. Many students think it’s not that important, but that’s where they go wrong. In board exams, short poems like these are easy scoring areas, and the symbolism used here is a favourite for examiners. Also, it’s a great example of how literature can reflect personal pain without directly talking about it. The poem also brings up important questions about women’s rights and emotional suppression, which are still relevant in many Indian households today. That’s why understanding this poem properly can not only help in exams but also open your eyes to real-life issues around us.
Summary of Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers by Adrienne Rich
In the poem, Aunt Jennifer is an old woman who is doing embroidery, stitching images of tigers. These tigers are strong, confident and free, unlike Aunt Jennifer who feels trapped and burdened in her own life. The poet shows how the tigers she creates represent the kind of life she wishes she had—one where she could move freely and fearlessly.
The poem is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza describes the tigers—how they are majestic and proud. The second stanza talks about Aunt Jennifer herself, how her fingers are shaking and how she is weighed down by the “massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band”. The last stanza shows that even after her death, the embroidery she created will remain, and the tigers will keep running proudly. This shows that art lasts beyond the life of the artist, and also that her imagination gave her an escape from her unhappy reality.
Important Themes in the Poem
- Freedom vs Oppression: The tigers are free, but Aunt Jennifer is emotionally caged.
- Gender Roles: The poem shows the burden many women carry within marriage.
- Art as Escape: Aunt Jennifer expresses her emotions through her creative work.
- Inner Strength: While she appears weak, her art speaks volumes about her hidden courage.
Symbolism in the Poem
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tigers | Symbol of strength, freedom, and confidence |
| Embroidery | Aunt’s inner world and her unspoken desires |
| Uncle’s Wedding Band | Symbol of male control and marital pressure |
| Shaking Fingers | Sign of fear, old age and lifelong mental burden |
Literary Devices in the Poem
- Alliteration – “prancing proud”, “fingers fluttering” adds rhythm to the poem
- Imagery – Vivid description of the tigers helps the reader visualise the contrast
- Symbolism – Every element in the poem stands for something deeper
- Contrast – Between Aunt Jennifer’s reality and the world she creates
Download PDF – Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Class 12 NCERT
To download the official NCERT version of this chapter, use the link below. This PDF is perfect for revision, printing, or reading on phone before exams.
NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 13: Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
