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.
(a) What feelings does the reference to Aunt's death create here?
(b) What 'ordeals' do you think is Aunt Jennifer facing?
(c) What is Aunt Jennifer trying to search for in her art?
(d) Who will go on 'prancing, proud and unafraid'? Why?
(e) Why has the poet referred to Aunt Jennifer only as Aunt in the end?
(a) A feeling of morbidity and hopelessness,a sense of finality is created by the reference to Aunt's death.
(b) The phrase 'ringed with ordeals' is a reference to her wedding ring being a symbol of the ordeals that she has had to face in her married life. Aunt Jennifer'dlife has become encircled with the pressure of married life and performing her wifely duties.
(c) Aunt Jennifer is searching for faith and confidence through her art. her art gives her a sense of freedom and independence.
(d) The tigers will go on prancing, proud and unafraid as they are confident and sure of their prowess and worth.
(e) The poet has referred to Aunt Jennifer only as Aunt in the end as she is representative of the fate of most ordinary women who lose their identity and their freedom in performing their wifely duties.
(b) The phrase 'ringed with ordeals' is a reference to her wedding ring being a symbol of the ordeals that she has had to face in her married life. Aunt Jennifer'dlife has become encircled with the pressure of married life and performing her wifely duties.
(c) Aunt Jennifer is searching for faith and confidence through her art. her art gives her a sense of freedom and independence.
(d) The tigers will go on prancing, proud and unafraid as they are confident and sure of their prowess and worth.
(e) The poet has referred to Aunt Jennifer only as Aunt in the end as she is representative of the fate of most ordinary women who lose their identity and their freedom in performing their wifely duties.