CBSE Class 12 English Core Flamingo Book Poem 5 Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Question Answers from previous years question papers (2019-2024)
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 5, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”.
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(i) Which of the following are symbolised by the ‘tigers’ in the extract above?
- masculine world
- feminine world
III. world of bold, fearless creatures
- world of beautiful handicrafts
(A) I, II and III
(B) II, III and IV
(C) III and IV
(D) I, III and IV
Ans. (C) III and IV
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False.
The creator of the tigers was fearless and assertive like the tigers.
Ans. False
(iii) Complete the following sentence.
The use of the word ‘topaz’ suggests that the image of the tiger on the screen is ___________.
Ans. bright yellow colour / real / perfect creation
(iv) ‘Tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree’ because they are
(A) tamed
(B) in a cage
(C) fearless
(D) kings of the jungle
Ans. (C) fearless
(v) Based on the poem’s rhyme scheme evident in lines 1 and 2, which of the following will rhyme?
mean, akin, cream
Ans. mean
(vi) Chivalric certainty refers to which poetic device?
(A) Alliteration
(B) Metaphor
(C) Simile
(D) Repetition
Ans. (A) Alliteration
Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) The maturity of adulthood
(B) The glory of feminity
(C) Victim of male domination
(D) The superficial beauty
Ans. (C) Victim of male domination
(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
Aunt Jennifer is nervous and traumatized because of the constraints of her marriage.
Ans. True
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately :
The fingers fluttering through her wool symbolize __________.
Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s struggle and oppression under the weight of her marriage.
(iv) The use of the words “massive weight” creates a powerful image of __________.
Ans. the burden and oppression imposed by Uncle’s wedding band on Aunt Jennifer.
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4, which word would rhyme with ‘band’ and ‘hand’?
(A) stand
(B) wind
(C) bent
(D) tent
Ans. (A) stand
(vi) The heavy wedding ring is a source of :
(A) joy.
(B) freedom.
(C) dignity.
(D) burden.
Ans. (D) burden.
Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand
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.
(i) ‘Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.’ Through the above expression the poet indicates :
(A) Aunt Jennifer is happily married.
(B) Aunt Jennifer loves the tigers in the panel.
(C) Aunt Jennifer’s unhappy married life.
(D) Aunt Jennifer’s rich and luxurious life.
Ans. (C) Aunt Jennifer’s unhappy married life.
(ii) Select the option that has the same literary device as used in ‘Still ringed with ordeals’.
(A) Leopards cannot hide in the jungle as they are spotted.
(B) Sun smiled happily on us.
(C) Her lovely voice was music to his ears.
(D) Life is like a box of chocolates.
Ans. (B) Sun smiled happily on us.
(iii) Complete the following sentences with reference to the extract.
The Tigers in the panel symbolize _____________.
Ans. The Tigers in the panel symbolize strength and independence
(iv) State whether the statement given below is True or False :
“Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.”
‘The above expression suggests that Aunt Jennifer is dying.
Ans. False
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-2, which word would rhyme with line 1?
__ ____ ___
full sand bye
Ans. full
(vi) The use of the word ‘fluttering fingers’ in the extract suggest that the fingers of Aunt Jennifer are trembling. This creates an image of _____.
Ans. This creates an image of fear and weakness.
Q4. Explain how “The tigers in the panel ……. Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.” [40-50 Words]
Ans. The tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s tapestry symbolize strength, confidence, and freedom. Unlike Aunt Jennifer, who is oppressed and subdued by her marriage, the tigers she creates are proud and unafraid. They represent her inner desire for freedom and empowerment, a stark contrast to her own life of subjugation.
Q5. The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The tone is one of admiration and longing. The poet admires the tigers’ strength and fearlessness, qualities that Aunt Jennifer wishes she could embody in her own life.
Q6. Create a comprehensive comparison of the themes present in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and My Mother at Sixty-six’. Specifically discuss the different ways each poem addresses the concept of struggle and resilience. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is based on the theme of a woman’s desire of living a free life. It highlights the bindings of married life and fear of her husband which will accompany her even after death. The other poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ conveys the message of fear and separation. It shows a woman’s helplessness towards her old ailing mother when she has to leave her and go. The woman hides her feeling from the mother with a false smile.
In both the poems we see a married woman’s struggles. Aunt Jennifer is subjected to agony at the hands of her husband and the marital obligations pressurize her so much that while doing her favourite hobby, her fingers flutter due to his fear. She depicts her inner feeling of fearlessness and boldness through the pattern that she is making. Thus, her desire is not dead and we see that she is resilient and has the desire to bounce back. The poet Kamala Das, in ‘My mother at sixty-six’ is also struggling with the fear of losing her old mother to death. Still, she overcomes the fear and smiles towards the mother. She hopes to see her mother again and on this positive note, she departs.
Thus, both the poems show the struggle and also, show their inner strength which supports them in overcoming the sadness and being happy.
Q7. If Aunt Jennifer speaks to Pablo Neruda, the poet of “Keeping Quiet”, about her problems and constraints, would it be right for her to accept his response of introspection, reflection and silence? Write a letter to Pablo Neruda expressing her views. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Pablo
Thank you for your letter wherein you advised me to introspect and remain silent. However, these suggestions do not seem apt for my situation.
I want to sensitize you on the same and so, I am writing to you. Please consider that matrimony is a personal bond between two people and if one is subjected to torture, one must speak up in order to protect oneself. Otherwise no external agency will interrupt such a relation.
I am questioned on trivial matters like my choice of hobby. While embroidering the panel, I am under fear that if her arrives, he may scream at me for doing such a useless activity. My fingers flutter when I pull the needle. I feel helpless. He expects me to be at his beck and call all the time. I am under constant fear. I have to live with him all my life and I am subjected to continuous torture. It is taking a toll on my well-being and once I reach a point when I am unable to speak up for myself, then, no one will be able to bail me out.
Your suggestion of introspection and remaining quiet will worsen my condition and the trauma will lead me to insanity. Thus, I request you to ponder over your suggestion.
Your Friend
Jennifer.
Q8. How does the use of vivid imagery by Adrienne Rich in “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and by Kamala Das in “My Mother at Sixty-six” contribute to the overall themes of their respective poems? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Both the poems have visual imagery which contributes to the theme of the poem. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers prance… They do not fear the men; this shows the aunt’s desire of freedom. They pace in sleek chivalry indicates her desire to live fearlessly. Aunt’s finger flutter when she pulls the needle shows her fear of the husband who may question her hobby. The wedding ring on her hand sits heavily which indicates the pressure of marital obligations. Thus, the entire poem involves visual depictions.
In My mother at sixty-six, the mother’s face is ashen, like a corpse which makes the reader visualize a dull, ash coloured face which resembles a dead body. Then, the poet sees young trees outside the car which seem to be running, young children running and playing in the garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts them in opposition to the scene inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her. Later, the mother’s face is dull, like the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader. Thus, she has also used visual imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to death.
Q9. How do imagery and symbolism in the poems “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and “My Mother at Sixty-six” offer insights into relationships? Write a diary entry expressing your thoughts. You may begin this way :
I read the two poems today and … [120-150 Words]
Ans.I read the two poems today and both have used imagery and symbolism express relationships.
The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is all about marital relations. The tigers are a symbol of fearlessness and pride which depict the aunt’s desire. The tigers prance across the world of green and do not fear the men beneath the tree creates visual imagery to present aunt’s desire of living with freedom and without fear. The uncle’s wedding band is a symbol of the burdening marital obligations which pressurize the aunt and the word ‘ringed’ show that she is wearing the wedding ring and also, that she is surrounded by the marital obligation unto her death. Her terrified hands find the ivory needle hard to pull creates a scene where the reader can imagine that the woman is scared of the husband who will perhaps object to her hobby of doing embroidery.
The poem My mother at Sixty-six is about filial relationship. The mother’s face is ashen, like a dead body. Then, the poet sees young trees outside the car which seem to be running, young children running and playing in the garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts them in opposition to the scene inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her. Later, the mother’s face is dull, like the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader. Thus, she has also used visual imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to death.
Both these poems highlight the nuances of the relationships that they talk of.
Q10. After reading ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger’ and ‘Going Places’, you realise that Aunt Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by their respective husbands.
As a social activist you have to write an article to a newspaper on the need to empower women.
You may begin like this.
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for any nation to progress ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Empowerment of Women: A Vital Social Reform
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for any nation to progress. Women like Aunt Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by societal norms and their husbands’ dominance. This highlights the urgent need to empower women to break free from such constraints.
Empowering women means providing them with education, economic independence, and equal opportunities. It involves changing societal attitudes that perpetuate gender discrimination and encouraging women to assert their rights. By doing so, women can contribute significantly to society’s growth and development.
Creating awareness, implementing supportive policies, and fostering an environment of respect and equality are crucial steps towards women’s empowerment. Let us work together to ensure that every woman can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities.
Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green,
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(i) Denizens of the world of green refer to _______.
(a) huntsmen
(b) Aunt Jennifer
(c) uncle
(d) tigers
Ans. (d) tigers
(ii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the second line of the extract.
(a) heart of stone
(b) trees sprouting
(c) silver spoon
(d) white murder
Ans. (a) heart of stone
(iii) The men setting beneath the tree are ____.
Ans. The tired humans
(iv) What quality of uncle can be inferred through these lines?
(a) compassionate nature
(b) courageous
(c) confident
(d) dominating
Ans. (d) dominating
(v) The tigers in the extract are symbolic of
(a) creativity and courage
(b) confidence and gentleness
(c) cruelty and fear
(d) aggression and starving
Ans. (a) creativity and courage
(vi) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across
(1) the screen
(2) the fields
(3) the embroidered tunic
(4) the cage
Which of the following is the most appropriate choice?
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) (1), (2) and (3)
(d) (1) and (3)
Ans. (a) (1) and (2)
Q2. Why do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers not fear the men beneath the tree? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The men beneath the tree are so courageous and gentlemanly that Aunt Jennifer’s tigers have no reason to be afraid of them. Like the knights before them, they confidently wander the woods. They have learned to live in the wild without fear.
Q3. Why did Aunt Jennifer create tigers so different from her own character? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Aunt Jennifer created tigers so different from her own character because the tigers represented the freedom and strength she longed for but could not attain in her own oppressed and submissive life. The tigers symbolized her unfulfilled desires for power and independence.
Q4. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, can be read together to show the permanence and everlasting impact of art and of things of beauty. Comment. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Both “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich and “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats explore the idea of art and beauty being eternal and having a lasting impact on humanity. Aunt Jennifer uses needlepoint to make tigers that reflect the strength and freedom she lacks in her married life. The tigers will live on long after Aunt Jennifer has passed away, symbolising the enduring power of art. Similarly, Keats ‘A Thing of Beauty’ indicates that beauty is a source of joy that transcends the fleeting character of human existence.
These poems imply that beauty and art, whether in the shape of needlework or nature, have the ability to transcend human constraints and time, making a lasting impression on individuals and civilizations. Even after the creators have
passed away, art and beauty remain relevant and treasured for future generations. These poems remind us that art and beauty may create a sense of permanence and inspire future generations, rather than being fleeting pleasures.
Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams
Q1. What was Aunt Jennifer terrified of? [40 Words]
Ans. Perhaps she was terrified of her husband. While embroidering, her fingers were fluttering on pulling the ivory needle. She might have been afraid of her husband’s disapproval of her hobby thus, her hands trembled.
Q2. Aunt Jennifer deserves our sympathy? Elaborate. [40 Words]
Ans. Aunt Jennifer was married at a young age and since then she had lived under her husband’s dominance. She has the massive weight of marital obligations which she fulfils. All these burdens will go with her unto death. All this makes us sympathize with her.
Q3. What does Aunt Jennifer symbolize in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. In the poem, Aunt Jennifer symbolizes the struggle against the constraints imposed on her by her marriage. The tigers she creates represent her desire for freedom and strength in contrast to her repressed reality.
Q4. Describe the contrast between the tigers and Aunt Jennifer. [40 Words]
Ans. The tigers are free and fearless. They are prancing around the dense forest. On the contrary, the aunt is under the dominance of the husband, she lives in constant fear reflected by her trembling fingers.
Q5. Explain the irony at the end of the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. [40 Words]
Ans. Ironically, while Aunt Jennifer will continue to be terrified even after she passes away, her creatures, the tigers, will continue to pace and dance around freely. Aunt Jennifer would not be freed from her oppression even after her death. The uncle’s wedding band would continue to ‘ring’ her fingers. But the tigers she created will always be brave and courageous.
Q6. Why does Adrienne Rich describe the tigers as ‘chivalric’ in the poem `Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. The tigers are chivalric because they are confident. They are certain about their movement because they are free and fearless. They do not fear the men too.
Q7. Explain the significance of the ‘denizens pacing in sleek certainty’ in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. [40 Words]
Ans. Tigers are described as being inhabitants of the green by the poet. It denotes that they reside in the forest, far from populated areas. The poet also remarks on the tigers’ graceful, chivalrous movements. This demonstrates the regal and honourable position they hold among all other animals in the wild. They are self-assured and courageous animals.
Q8. What is the significance of the image “Massive weight of uncle’s wedding band” in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. In the poem, the phrase “Massive weight of uncle’s wedding band” refers to the wedding ring that uncle had given to Aunt Jennifer on their wedding day. The ring is weighty because it stands for the challenging experiences she had while married as well as her loss of personal independence. She feels trapped forever in the web of duties, chores and responsibilities of family.
Q9. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? [40 Words]
Ans. Since she herself was a shy woman, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers stood in contrast to her as symbols of bravery, daring, and fearlessness. They represent the strength, power, and confidence she lacks in herself. Because she was denied the courage and freedom that tigers embodied, Aunt Jennifer created them as creatures that were extremely different from her own passive persona. They also symbolised her deep desire to follow in their courageous and bold footsteps.
Q10. The tigers’ description as ‘chivalric’ is a contrast to that of Aunt Jennifer. Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” the tigers are described as chivalric, symbolising strength, fearlessness, and freedom. They prance with confidence and pride, embodying qualities that Aunt Jennifer herself lacks. Aunt Jennifer, on the other hand, is depicted as a submissive and oppressed woman, bound by the constraints of her marriage. The chivalric tigers represent her desires for independence and self-expression, contrasting sharply with her own reality of subjugation and powerlessness. This contrast highlights the disparity between Aunt Jennifer’s inner aspirations and her external life, emphasising the theme of female oppression and the longing for liberation.
Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams
Q1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
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.
(i) Who is the aunt afraid of?
Ans. her husband
(ii) What do the tigers represent here?
Ans. They represent fearlessness and freedom
(iii) How has Mrs.Jennifer failed in her aim?
Ans. She has failed to live a fearless life
(iv) Name the figure of speech used in the second line.
Ans. Pun is used in the word ‘ringed’ which means the wedding ring on the aunt’s finger and surrounded by the ordeals of martial obligations.
Q2. Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer. [30-40 words]
Ans. The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer are bright in colour. They are jumping around in the forest. They are not afraid of the hunters who are standing under the tree.
2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem
Q1. What is Aunt Jennifer’s aim in life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. She wants to live a free life. She seeks fearlessness. She wants to move out of the oppressed life enforced upon her through the wedlock. These desires are depicted through the free and fearless tigers embroidered by her.
Q2. Why did Aunt Jennifer decide to create animals so different from her own character? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Tigers are a symbol of strength. They are fearless and confident. Aunt Jennifer years for freedom from a male dominated society. She wants to be free and fearless like the tigers in the forests, and therefore she creates images of the bright topaz tigers.
Q3. How do symbols in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ help us understand her plight? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The poet uses various symbols to show Aunt Jennifer’s plight. Firstly the tigers that she is embroidering are a symbol of fearlessness. The tigers show her desire to live freely. The wedding ring that sits heavily on her hand is a symbol of the marital obligations which are a constant pressure on her mind. Her activity of doing embroidery is a woman’s hobby which indicates her desire to live away from her dominating husband.
Q4. Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?
Ans. These animals, the tigers, reflect Aunt’s desire of living a fearless, free life. Her character has been undermined by her husband but the tigers reflect her true character.
Q5. How are Aunt Jennifer and the tigers created by her different from each other in their attitudes? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Aunt is scared of her husband while the tigers are not afraid of the men standing under the tree. The aunt lacks confidence and her fingers flutter while pulling the needle while the tigers prance across the forest with chivalric certainty. The aunt will remain bound by the marital obligations even after her death while the tigers will go on prancing across the forest forever.
Also see:
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Summary, Explanation
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Character Sketches