Uncles' Wedding Band: A Family Affair

The phrase Uncle's wedding band is a line from Adrienne Rich's poem Aunt Jennifer's Tigers. The image of the massive weight of Uncle's wedding band suggests that Aunt Jennifer feels trapped and burdened by her marriage. The weight of the ring symbolises how her marriage weighs her down and restricts her creativity. The fact that the ring is referred to as Uncle's wedding band indicates that her husband used it to take possession of her, implying that she is his property. This interpretation aligns with feminist objections to the symbolism of the wedding ring as a sign of ownership.

The weight of the ring

Aunt Jennifer is attempting to create a work of art that contrasts with the grim reality of her married life. The embroidered tigers are chivalric, certain, proud, and unafraid, while Aunt Jennifer is terrified and weighed down by her ordeals. The weight of the ring almost prevents her from being creative. It sits heavily upon her hand as she tries to stitch, a burden that makes it difficult for her to pull the needle through the fabric.

Aunt Jennifer's ordeals

The poem, 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' by Adrienne Rich, conveys the sense of a woman weighed down by her marriage. The line, "The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band / Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand", symbolises how trapped and dominated Aunt Jennifer feels by her husband. The fact that the ring is referred to as "Uncle's wedding band" suggests that it remains his possession, and by extension, so is she. Feminist thinkers have objected to this symbolism of the wedding ring as a sign of ownership.

In conclusion, Aunt Jennifer's ordeals refer to the crushing weight of a domineering marriage and the heavy responsibilities that controlled her life. The image of 'Uncle's wedding band' symbolises the loss of freedom and the overwhelming burdens she endured, which continue to haunt her even in death.

The ring as a symbol of ownership

The wedding ring is a symbol of love, devotion, and loyalty in modern times. However, its history is not as romantic. In ancient Rome, wedding rings were a symbol of ownership, marking a wife as the property of her husband. The practice of wearing a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, or the "ring finger," is also rooted in the belief that a vein in this finger, the "vena amoris" or "vein of love," ran directly to the heart. This belief has since been disproven, but it continues to influence the placement of wedding rings today.

The Romans adopted the tradition of wearing wedding rings from the Egyptians, but with a different interpretation. While the Egyptians associated the circle of the ring with eternal love, the Romans used it to “claim" or signify ownership of their wives. Roman betrothal rings, made of iron, symbolized strength and permanence. The giving of a ring marked the transfer of a woman from the ownership of her father to that of her husband. This practice reflected the Roman view of women as possessions rather than equal partners in marriage.

The use of wedding rings as a symbol of ownership was not limited to ancient Rome. In some cultures, husbands gave their wives "puzzle rings" or "gimmel rings" that could be dismantled into two or more pieces. These rings were believed to ensure the wife's fidelity by making it difficult for her to remove the ring without her husband's knowledge. If the ring was found to be tampered with, it indicated that the wife had committed adultery.

The perception of wedding rings as a symbol of ownership has evolved over time. In modern times, the exchange of wedding rings is seen as a mutual declaration of love and commitment between equals. The practice of men wearing wedding bands, which gained popularity during World War II, further challenged the notion of women as property. Today, the wedding ring is widely recognized as a symbol of eternal love and unity rather than ownership.

While the historical context of wedding rings as a symbol of ownership is important to acknowledge, it is essential to distinguish between cultural and individual interpretations. In some cultures, the wedding ring may still be associated with traditional gender roles and dynamics. However, for many individuals, the ring serves as a reminder of the mutual love, respect, and equality that define their marriage.

Aunt Jennifer's loss of freedom

The wedding band, a gift from her husband, becomes a symbol of ownership and control. The use of the phrase "Uncle's wedding band" suggests that, despite being given to Jennifer, the ring remains his possession, implying a claim of possession over her. This interpretation aligns with the view of some feminist thinkers, who see the wedding ring as a symbol of ownership, akin to a ring through an animal's nose. The weight of the ring, both physically and metaphorically, represents the weight of Jennifer's responsibilities and the harsh experiences of her married life.

Aunt Jennifer's hands, which are described as "terrified," "quivering," and "fluttering," convey the loss of freedom and agency she experiences. The weight of the ring almost prevents her from creating art, as it sits heavily upon her hand, making it difficult for her to pull the needle through the fabric. The very act of embroidery becomes a struggle, reflecting the oppressive nature of her marriage.

The tigers that Aunt Jennifer embroiders stand in stark contrast to her own life. They are described as "chivalric, certain, proud, and unafraid," embodying the spirit that Jennifer herself is unable to express. While the tigers are free and bold, Jennifer is weighed down by the massive weight of her wedding band, a constant reminder of her husband's dominance and the loss of freedom she endures.

The poem's imagery and symbolism powerfully convey the suffocating and sinister nature of Aunt Jennifer's marriage. The weight of Uncle's wedding band upon her hand serves as a physical manifestation of the loss of freedom and autonomy Jennifer experiences within the confines of her marriage. The ring becomes a tangible symbol of the oppressive forces that restrict her, both mentally and creatively.

The weight of responsibilities

Aunt Jennifer's hands, fluttering through her wool as she knits, reflect the trembling weight of her responsibilities. The very object that should signify love and commitment—the wedding band—has become a metaphor for the oppressive force in her life. The ring, referred to as "Uncle's wedding band," implies a sense of possession and ownership. It is as if, through the ring, her husband has laid claim to her, reducing her to a mere object, a possession to be controlled and dominated.

The weight of these responsibilities is not just a physical burden but a mental and emotional one as well. Aunt Jennifer's ordeals are inescapable, encircling her like a ring on her finger. The weight of the ring, though not necessarily a physical weight, is a constant reminder of the heavy responsibilities she carries. It holds her in, preventing her from expressing her true self and living a life of freedom and pride.

The contrast between Aunt Jennifer and the embroidered tigers she creates is stark. The tigers are chivalric, bold, and unafraid, while Aunt Jennifer is terrified and mastered by her ordeals. The weight of her responsibilities has crushed her spirit, leaving her unable to find peace or joy in her marriage. The ring, a symbol of unity and love, has instead become a symbol of cruel mastery and domination, a constant reminder of the weight she carries.

Frequently asked questions