Wedding Band Symbolism In Aunt Jennifer's Tigers

In Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich, the wedding band is a central symbol of the poem's exploration of marriage, gender, and power. The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band represents the oppressive and unhappy marriage Aunt Jennifer is subjected to, weighing her down and stifling her creativity. The ring symbolises the dominance of her husband and the patriarchal society she lives in, reflecting the struggles of women in similar situations.

The weight of the ring

The ring is described as "Uncle's wedding band", a deliberate use of the possessive pronoun by the poet Adrienne Rich. This is significant because it shows that the ring is a symbol of ownership. It is "his" ring, and by extension, Aunt Jennifer is also "his". This is a common interpretation of wedding rings, particularly among feminist thinkers, who see the ring as a symbol of male ownership of women, like "the ring a farmer puts through the nose of an animal".

Aunt Jennifer's unhappy marriage

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a poem by American poet Adrienne Rich, published in 1951 in her first book of poems, "A Change of World". The poem describes Aunt Jennifer, who embroiders tapestry panels of tigers to escape her unhappy marriage.

The wedding band is a central symbol in the poem, representing Aunt Jennifer's oppressive and unhappy marriage. The weight of the ring is a metaphor for how her marriage weighs her down and stifles her creativity. The fact that the ring is referred to as "Uncle's wedding band" signifies that it is a symbol of possession and ownership by her husband. The use of the possessive "Uncle's" suggests that Aunt Jennifer is seen as her husband's property. The weight of the ring is also a metaphor for the patriarchal society in which she lives, where women are oppressed and marginalised.

Aunt Jennifer's hands are described as "terrified" and "mastered by ordeals", reflecting the fear and powerlessness she feels in her marriage. The contrast between the proud and unafraid tigers and Aunt Jennifer's struggle with her needlework highlights the freedom she desires but cannot attain. The tigers represent Aunt Jennifer's creativity, free spirit, and desire for power and independence. They wander past men without fear, embodying the courage and strength she wishes she had.

The poem criticises the traditional institution of marriage, suggesting that it oppresses women and traps them in unhappy and controlling relationships. Aunt Jennifer's art is a way for her to express her true self and her desires for freedom and power. However, even in death, she will not be free from the weight of her ordeals, as the final stanza poignantly describes: "When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie/ Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by."

Oppression in a male-dominated society

Adrienne Rich's poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" explores the oppression of women in a male-dominated society through the symbolism of Aunt Jennifer's wedding band. The weight of the ring, described as "Uncle's wedding band", represents the oppressive and dominating presence of her husband in Aunt Jennifer's life. The poem highlights the contrast between the free and fearless tigers, which are a product of Aunt Jennifer's imagination and creativity, and the limitations imposed on her by her marriage and the patriarchal society she lives in.

The poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" serves as a powerful critique of the male-dominated society, where women like Aunt Jennifer are burdened and restricted by the expectations and norms of their gender roles. The weight of the wedding band, which sits heavily on Aunt Jennifer's hand, symbolizes the oppressive nature of her marriage and the patriarchal society that controls her life. The poem suggests that even in death, Aunt Jennifer will not be free from the ordeals she endured during her life.

In a male-dominated society, women often face systemic discrimination and are expected to conform to traditional gender roles that restrict their freedom and opportunities. They may be denied access to education, face barriers to career advancement, and be subjected to gender-based violence. Additionally, women's contributions to society are often undervalued or overlooked, further perpetuating their oppression.

The oppression of women in a male-dominated society is a complex and pervasive issue that has been addressed by various feminist theorists. While some argue that biology is the root cause of patriarchy, others contend that socialization processes are primarily responsible for establishing and perpetuating gender roles that favor men. Sociologist Sylvia Walby, for example, identifies six overlapping structures that define patriarchy and contribute to the oppression of women: the household, paid work, the state, violence, sexuality, and culture.

It is important to recognize that not all men benefit equally from patriarchy, and there are forms of male oppression that exist within a male-dominated society. However, it is crucial to distinguish between male oppression and female oppression, as they are fundamentally different. Men may face challenges and disadvantages due to societal expectations of masculinity, but they are not systematically oppressed based on their gender.

Aunt Jennifer's lack of freedom

The weight of Uncle's wedding band, which sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand, is a powerful symbol of the burden she carries. The ring belongs to her husband, and by calling it "Uncle's wedding band", the poem suggests that it represents his claim of ownership over her. The weight of the ring is not just physical but also metaphorical, symbolizing the oppressive and controlling nature of her marriage. It holds Aunt Jennifer back from the life she wants to lead and prevents her from expressing her true self.

Aunt Jennifer's hands, described as terrified and mastered by ordeals, further emphasize her lack of freedom. Even in death, she will not be free from the weight of her ordeals, as the poem imagines her hands will "lie / Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by". The use of the word "ringed" here reinforces the idea that it is her marriage that has mastered and trapped her.

The tigers that Aunt Jennifer embroiders are a stark contrast to her own life. They are fearless, proud, and unafraid, wandering with "chivalric certainty". They represent the freedom, courage, and power that Aunt Jennifer longs for but cannot attain due to the oppressive forces in her life. The men beneath the tree, who do not frighten the tigers, symbolize the male-dominated society that burdens and terrifies Aunt Jennifer.

Through these symbols, the poem offers a critique of traditional marriage and patriarchal society, suggesting that they serve to oppress and restrict women, trapping them in unhappy and unfulfilling lives. Aunt Jennifer's art, though, endures, and the tigers she creates will continue to prance "proud and unafraid" long after her death.

The endurance of art

Adrienne Rich's poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a powerful exploration of the endurance of art and the oppression suffered by women in marriage. The poem, told from the perspective of an anonymous speaker, describes Aunt Jennifer's attempt to escape her unhappy marriage through her art. The embroidered tigers that Aunt Jennifer creates are symbols of her creativity, free spirit, and desire for power and freedom. They proudly stride past men without fear, embodying the courage and independence that Aunt Jennifer wishes she had.

The weight of Uncle's wedding band on Aunt Jennifer's hand is a stark contrast to the freedom of the tigers. The ring, described as having a massive weight, represents the oppressive force of a patriarchal society and an unhappy marriage that weighs her down and hinders her creativity. The fact that the ring is referred to as "Uncle's" signifies that it is a symbol of possession and ownership, reinforcing the power dynamics of the time.

Aunt Jennifer's art serves as a means of escape and a way to express her true self. Even though she is burdened by the weight of her marriage and the constraints of society, her art endures. The poem's final stanza poignantly captures this enduring quality of art:

> "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."

The tigers, a product of Aunt Jennifer's imagination and artistic skill, will continue to prance "proud and unafraid," even after their creator's death. This enduring quality of art is a subtle irony in the poem, as Aunt Jennifer is unable to attain the freedom and power that her creations embody. Her art, however, lives on, leaving a lasting legacy.

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a powerful testament to the endurance of art and the impact it can have even after the artist is gone. Through her poetry, Rich gives voice to the struggles of women in a male-dominated society, highlighting the oppressive forces that weigh them down. The poem serves as a reminder that art has the unique ability to transcend the limitations of its creator, enduring through the ages and continuing to inspire long after the artist is gone.

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