How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your response with two justifications. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

Class 12th English Core, Question - How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your response with two justifications. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

By
Komal Kohli
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Question 31:How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your response with two justifications. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

The correct answer is :In the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich, Aunt Jennifer’s marriage can be seen as a compromise because she is portrayed as being trapped in a loveless and oppressive relationship. This can be supported by the following two justifications:

  1. Lack of agency: Aunt Jennifer is described as being unable to escape her marriage, even through her needlework. The image of her stitching tigers into her tapestry can be seen as a symbol of her attempts to assert her independence and individuality, despite the constraints of her marriage. This suggests that Aunt Jennifer is trapped in a relationship that she did not choose, and that her marriage is a compromise in terms of her freedom and autonomy.

  2. Oppression: The description of Aunt Jennifer’s husband as a “terrible” man who “weighs” upon her also supports the idea that her marriage is a compromise. The use of the word “terrible” and the image of him weighing upon her suggest that he is oppressive and controlling, and that Aunt Jennifer is trapped in a relationship that is physically and emotionally draining.

Overall, these two justifications from “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” suggest that Aunt Jennifer’s marriage is a compromise in terms of her freedom, autonomy, and happiness. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the unequal and oppressive nature of relationships, and highlights the need for individuals to assert their independence and individuality, even in the face of adversity.

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