The formalism of the poem conceals considerable problematic aspects while revealing the theme of Jennifer’s torments in marriage. There is an even more lyrical subject – the significance of art’s existence. The daring tigers that Aunt Jennifer produces in embroidery are defined in the work’s opening stanza. However, the limits of engagement, represented by the wedding ring that bears down her fingers while she sews, are juxtaposed in the second stanza. Another important point to mention is the issues that are addressed in the third verse. Death will not liberate Jennifer from her ordeals; still, the tigers she has produced will remain strong and fearless.
There is a direct relationship between insurrection and oppression, the individual and the societal, the intimate and the public. The poem is interconnected with a theme that has been a lengthy topic of feminism. This poem aspires to show the necessity for Aunt to escape the clutches of the sociopolitical ties that bound females to their homes. There is an attempt to break the chains that tie them to their husbands.
Poetic devices enliven language by allowing the rhythm to develop the phrases, keeping the reading distinctive. The most prevalent literary devices seen in the poem are alliteration and end rhyme. For instance, the author uses the following alliteration – “fingers fluttering” (Rich, 1951, line 5).
The line is interesting to read due to the repeated “f” The repetitive consonants – like “prance across a screen (Rich, 1951, line 1) – enable the depicted reality to look energetic, extending the atmosphere of the previous stanza. This poem also includes a non-stop rhyme sequence at the end of each line. Such an end rhyme adds a rhythm to the narration making the key ideas clear and precise.
Reference
Rich, A. (1951). Aunt Jennifer’s tigers. CPCW. Web.