My Mother at Sixty-six

-Kamala Das
1. What kind of pain does Kamala Das feel in my Mother at Sixty-Six?

In "My Mother at Sixty-Six," Kamala Das talks about a kind of sadness that's not about physical
pain. It's more like a heavy feeling inside. The poem shows how the poet feels when she sees
her 66-year-old mom, who looks old and fragile. This makes her think about time passing and
the fact that her mom won't be around forever. It's also about how the child now has to take
care of the parent. The poet describes these feelings by painting a picture of her mom getting
older and the weight of knowing they'll be separated someday.
2. Having looked at her mother mother, Why does Kamala Das look at the young
children?
Kamala Das looks at the young children after gazing at her aging mother. It's like she's taking
a moment to think about life's circle. By watching the kids, she might be considering the
contrast between the start of life and its eventual end. It's a way for her to reflect on how
time passes and how life goes through different stages—from being a child to growing old.
This shift lets her explore deeper ideas about life, mortality, and how generations are all
connected.
3. Why does Kamala Das compare her mother to a pale winter's moon?
Kamala Das compares her mom to a Pale winter's moon in her poem because she wants to
show that her mom looks a bit weak and not as lively as before. It's like saying her mom is not as
bright and energetic. By using this comparison, the poet is trying to express how her mom's
beauty is not as strong as it used to be. It helps to paint a picture of her mom becoming delicate
and less vibrant as she gets older. The comparison is a way of quietly talking about the changes
that come with aging.
4. Smile, Smile & Smile Signifies__________?
In the poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six," the repetition of the word means a couple of things like
It shows that even though her mom is getting older and facing challenges, she tries to stay
positive by smiling. The repetition of "smile" also show how the poet is dealing with the sad
feelings about her mom getting old. It's like finding comfort in those moments when her mom
smiles, even though there's an understanding that aging can be tough. It's a way of highlighting
the mix of happy and sad emotions that come with growing older.
I looked again at her wan, pale
as a late winter's moon
and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood fear
but all I said was,
see you soon, Amma
all I did was smile
and smile and smile.

The parting words of the poet, "See you soon, Amma" suggest her _______
(i) passion
(ii) ache
(iii) happiness
(iv) love
 I looked again at her wan, pale
as a late winter's moon
and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood fear
but all I said was,
see you soon, Amma
all I did was smile
and smile and smile.

2. "...all that the poet did was smile and smile and smile..." She is trying to _______
conceal/hide her pain behind her smile
3. State which statement is true:
The mother has been compared to the late winter's moon as this
(i) refers to her pale and wan appearance
(ii) emphasizes that the mother is inching close to death
(iii) emphasizes the mother is old at the age of 66
(iv) refers to the dark clouds which hide the moon
I looked again at her wan, pale
as a late winter's moon
and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood fear
but all I said was,
see you soon, Amma
all I did was smile
and smile and smile.

4. The words “my childhood fear” means_______________

It means that the author has a fear of loosing her mother.
……….but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes……………

1. What thought did the poet drive away from her mind?
The poet drove away the painful thought that her mother was getting older and could
die at any time.

2. What did she see when she looked out of the car?
As she looked out of the car, she saw young trees by the roadside that seemed to be
moving. She also noticed a group of children happily running out of their homes to play.
 ……….but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes……………

3. How do you know that the joyful scene didn’t help her drive away the
painful thought from her mind?
When the poet went through the airport security check and looked at her mother, the fear
of losing her to death returned. This shows that the earlier happy scene didn’t stop the
painful thought from coming back to her mind.

4. What are the merry children symbolic of?

The merry children symbolize the energy of youth. Their lively and playful nature
contrasts with the poet’s mother, who has grown old and pale.
Bring out the significance of the title 'My Mother at Sixty-Six'.
The title "My Mother at Sixty-Six" is significant because it highlights the poet’s
mother's age and the feelings of fear and sadness that come with growing old. The
poet's mother, at sixty-six, is no longer young and strong, and the poet is deeply
aware that her mother’s life is passing by. The title sets the tone for the poem,
which reflects the poet’s fear of losing her mother, as well as the inevitability of
aging and death. The age of sixty-six becomes a symbol of the reality that time is
fleeting and that everyone must face the loss of loved ones one day.
Imagine you are Douglas, who faced his own fears and struggles in "Deep Water,"
would advise Kamala Das in dealing with her own emotional conflict of fear and
loss as she watches her mother age.

Dear Kamala,
I understand the depth of your fear as you watch your mother grow older. The ache you
feel in seeing her frail and pale is natural, just as my childhood fear of water was. But
remember, fear is not something we can simply push away.

In my experience, the only way to truly overcome such fear is by facing it, accepting it,
and finding strength in it. Just as I learned to face my fear of water, you must learn to
embrace the reality of aging and loss. Cherish the moments you have now, Don’t let fear
control you, but let it teach you to appreciate the preciousness of the present and don’t
forget

“Growing older is a part of life we can't control, but we face it with hope, knowing each
stage brings its own journey.”
A thing of beauty
- John Keats
1. What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its
drink immortal?

Keats considers nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls this drink
immortal as the joy and the happiness given by it never passes into nothingness. It only
increases with time.

2. According to Keats what moves away the pain and suffering from human life?

In spite of all the sufferings, a beautiful thing helps us to remove the cover of gloom or darkness
from our lives. The things of beauty are the sun, the moon, old and new trees, daffodils, clear
rills, musk roses that bloom among the thick forest ferns.

3. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort?

In the hot season, both man and beast find comfort by staying in the shade of trees or by
enjoying the coolness of nature. The beautiful things nature provides are simple, but they have a
soothing effect on all living beings.
4. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

Grandeur is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ because We admire and worship our heroes and
even the fall of our great heroes is described, as glorious, as their lives. These stories inspire us to
lead our lives and overcome our struggles.

5. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’
suggest to you ?

he line "Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth" suggests that when we
pick fresh flowers to make a garland, it shows we love life, nature, and beauty. The flowers
make us feel connected to nature.
6. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth ?

The poet describes the earth's beauty by showing how it changes every year. In winter, the
earth seems empty, with no new plants growing and trees losing their leaves. It looks like
everything is lost. But when spring comes, the earth wakes up, full of new plants, flowers, and
fruits. This teaches us not to lose hope because after every dark time, there is a bright future
ahead.
We have imagined for the mighty dead.
All lovely tales that we have heard or read.
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

1. All lovely tales evoke the feeling of:

(i) sadness and nostalgia
(ii) nostalgia
(iii) inspiration and pride
(iv) pride

2. The phrase immortal drink refers to____________

The phrase "immortal drink" refers to the timeless and eternal stories, tales, or wisdom that continue to nourish
and inspire us, as if they are an endless source of inspiration from the heavens.
We have imagined for the mighty dead.
All lovely tales that we have heard or read.
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

3. The rhyme scheme of the above extract is:

(i) aabb
(ii) abab
(iii) aaab
(iv) abbb

4. What is the poetic device used in the line - "An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring
unto us from the heaven's brink"?
Imagery
 A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(i) Keats defines beauty as:

(a) transient

(b) eternal

(c) illusionary

(d) short lived

 A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(ii) ‘Will keep a bower quiet for us’ means all of the following EXCEPT:

(a) create a peaceful, shady place

(b) provide a shelter

(c) will decrease noise pollution

(d) nature’s canopy

 A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.
(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below:

1.Beautiful things uplift the soul.

2.Beauty is ever-changing.

(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.

(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.

(c) Both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.

(d) Both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.

 A thing of beauty is a joy forever
(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are:
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
1.lack of noble nature
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing. 2.old tunes

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing 3.dull days

A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
4.calm mind
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 5.a flowery band
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching. 6.strong relationships

Choose the most appropriate option:

(a) (1) and (2)

(b) (1) and (3)

(c) (4) and (5)

(d) (3) and (6)

 A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from the used example:

Flowery band : metaphor :: ___________: alliteration

We have often heard the phrase: ‘Beauty is skin deep’. In spite of that, we often see people idolising actors
and celebrities who are good looking and attractive.
You have a conversation regarding this with your friend who believes that physical beauty defines a person.
Write down that conversation.

I: Hey, I was thinking about something. You know how people always say "beauty is skin deep"?

Friend: Yeah, but come on, physical beauty definitely matters! It's what people notice first, right? It defines
the person.

I: I get that it grabs attention, but don’t you think there’s more to a person than just looks?

Friend: But think about actors and celebrities. People adore them because they’re good-looking. Their
appearance has a huge impact!

I: True, but their talent, personality, and work are what really define them in the long run, right? Looks
fade, but character lasts.

Friend: I see your point. Maybe I’ve been putting too much focus on looks. You’re right, there's more to a
person.
Keats presents beauty as something eternal and unchanging. How does the idea of
beauty's permanence in his poem contrast with the fleeting nature of life and beauty in
"My Mother at Sixty-Six"?
John Keats in his poem A thing of beauty talks about how beauty brings happiness and
peace that last forever. It says that beautiful things—like nature, good stories, and happy
memories—help us feel better even when life is hard. Beauty makes us forget about sadness
and gives us comfort, joy, and hope. It never disappears, and it always stays with us to lift
our spirits.

While In My mother at sixty six Kamala das talks about growing old, something that happens
to everyone. It shows how young people feel when they can't control things but still hope
for the best. she talks about how everyone goes through different stages in life, getting
older and facing whatever life gives them.

So in conclusion Keat says “True beauty never fades; it brings peace and joy to the soul,
even in the darkest times while Kamala Das says Growing older is a part of life we can't
control, but we face it with hope, knowing each stage brings its own journey.
A Roadside Stand
- Robert Frost
Question 1: What does the roadside stand ask for, and what is the speaker's view on it?
The roadside stand asks for money, particularly city money, to support its existence. The
speaker expresses a desire for financial help to preserve their way of life and mentions that if
the city provides the money, they can stay in their quiet place.

Question 2: Describe the landscape around the roadside stand as portrayed in the poem.
The landscape around the roadside stand is described as having a little old house with a new
shed. The traffic speeds by, and there are signs offering various items for sale, such as wild
berries and golden squash. The speaker mentions the beauty of the mountain scene but
notes the marred appearance due to artless paint and signs with wrong north and south
directions
Question 3: What emotions or concerns are expressed by the speaker regarding the city's
influence on the village?
The speaker expresses concerns about the city taking away their land for money. They fear
the impact of urbanization on their peaceful village life.
Question 4: What is the poet’s call to the polished traffic passing ahed?
The poet is asking the people inside those vehicles to take a moment and think about the
small stand on the roadside. The stand is struggling and needs help to survive. The poet
wants the busy travellers to notice this and understand the importance of preserving the
simple, peaceful life represented by the stand and the rural surroundings. It's like asking
them to pause for a while and think about the struggles faced by those living in countryside
places threatened by the fast changes happening around them.

Question 5: How does the poet feel at the thought of the plight of the rural people?
The poet, Robert Frost conveys a mix of emotions. Some of the emotions expressed in the poem
include:
1.Sympathy: The poet seems sympathetic to the challenges faced by the rural community, particularly
the threat of losing their land and traditional way of life.
2.Concern: There's a sense of concern for the impact of urbanization on the tranquility of the village.
The poet is troubled by the idea of the city taking away the simplicity and peace of the rural setting.
3.Resistance: Frost expresses a desire for the village to resist the changes imposed by the city. The poet
seems to value the traditions and quietness of rural life and wishes to maintain them in the face of
modern developments.
Question 6: What does the poet say about the 'greedy good-doers' and 'beneficent easts of
prey?
The poet calls the foxy politicians 'greedy good-doers' and 'beneficent beasts of prey. These
people befool the poor with their false promises. They take away all the peace and sleep of
the poor while they themselves sleep during the day even.
Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass.

1. What cannot be borne by the poet and why?

The poet feels deeply sad about how these country people are tricked with false promises
that will never come true, leaving them deprived.

2. What is ‘childish longing’?

Like children, these country people have many hopes and dreams that remain unfulfilled.
They keep their windows open, hoping that potential customers will come by,

3. Why the longing has been termed as ‘vain’?

The longing has been termed as ‘vain’ because it will never be fulfilled.
Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass.

4. Why do the people driving in the cars stop sometimes?

The people in the car sometimes stop to either ask for directions to their destination or to
request a gallon of gas if they run out.
The ‘Greedy good doers and beneficent beasts of prey’ exploit these hard-working rural
people. After observing these malpractices you plan to write what you viewed in your
diary You may begin like this:

Dear Diary,
I visited the roadside stand. A number of vendors with different stalls were eagerly ---------
Dear Diary,
Today, I visited the roadside stand, A number of vendors with different stalls were eagerly selling their goods to
passersby. It seemed like a lively place, but there was something unsettling about the whole situation. As I
looked closer, I saw the exploitation of these hardworking rural people by what I can only call the 'Greedy good
doers and beneficent beasts of prey.' These people, already struggling, were being lured by false promises and
empty hopes, unaware that they would never be fulfilled.

The vendors, though hardworking, seemed caught in a cycle of dreams they couldn’t escape, their windows
always open, waiting for some stroke of good luck to bring fortune their way. The situation made me reflect
deeply. These innocent folks deserve so much more, but they are being taken advantage of by those who
pretend to help, offering nothing but empty words. It's truly heartbreaking to witness.

See you tomorrow!

In both "A Roadside Stand" and "Sophie from Going Places," the characters have dreams but face
disappointment. Compare how the people at the roadside stand and Sophie deal with their hopes and the reality
they face. How do they react to their dreams not coming true? Use examples from both stories to explain your
answer.
Hint: Think about their dreams, what stops them from achieving them, and how they feel about it.
In both "A Roadside Stand" and "Sophie from Going Places," the characters have big dreams
but face the harsh reality that those dreams may never come true. The people at the
roadside stand are poor and hopeful, always waiting for a customer to bring them good
fortune. They dream of a better life but are tricked by false promises, making them feel
disappointed and trapped in their struggles. Their hopes are constantly unfulfilled, reflecting
their helplessness and vulnerability.

Similarly, Sophie in "Going Places" dreams of a better future, imagining herself as successful
and special. She is hopeful about a chance meeting with a boy named Danny, believing it will
change her life. However, her dreams are unrealistic, and when Danny doesn’t show up,
Sophie is left feeling confused and disillusioned.
Both characters are driven by hope, but their dreams are crushed by reality, showing their
longing for something better despite the limitations they face.
Keeping Quiet
- Pablo Neruda
What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem?

The poet talks about how people feel sad because they never have time for
themselves. They don't understand what they or others really want. They're
always busy and don't take time to think about their actions or what will
happen because of them.
What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s attitude
towards these wars?

The poet talks about different kinds of wars in the poem: wars against humanity and nature.
These include wars using poisonous gases and fires. The poet believes these wars don't
benefit anyone. Even if there's a victory, there are no survivors, meaning both sides suffer
heavy losses.
What will counting up to twelve and keeping quiet help us to achieve?

The poet wants everyone to count to twelve, then be completely still and quiet. This silence
will bring us together, which is really important for humanity's survival. It's also a chance for
us to think about what we do and what happens because of it.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Silence alleviates sadness of our life.
(B) Life and death are part of our existence.
(C) We must keep our lives moving.
(D) Life is stressful and monotonous.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

(ii) The sadness being referred to (line 9) is due to :

(A) failure to understand ourselves.
(B) failure to understand others.
(C) loss of peers in life.
(D) inability to achieve what we desire.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

(iii) Based on the rhyme scheme, which of the following does not rhyme with line 1?
(A) cruised
(B) complaint
(C) mused
(D) bruised
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

(iv) Can silence play a role in easing or interrupting sadness?

Silence can be powerful when it comes to dealing with sadness. It provides space for
reflection and introspection, allowing emotions to settle.
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]
Dear Pablo,

Thank you for your letter and for advising me to reflect and remain silent. However, I don't think these suggestions are
suitable for my situation.

I want to explain my feelings, so I’m writing to you. Please understand that marriage is a personal bond between two
people, and if someone is being mistreated, they must speak up to protect themselves. No one else will step in if such a
relationship goes unchallenged.

I am constantly questioned about small things, like my choice of hobby. When I’m embroidering, I live in fear that if he
comes in, he might yell at me for doing something he thinks is pointless. My hands shake when I pull the needle, and I
feel powerless. He expects me to be available for him all the time, and I live in constant fear. I have to spend my whole
life with him, and the emotional abuse never ends. It’s affecting my health, and if I reach a point where I can’t speak out
for myself anymore, no one will be able to help me.
Your advice to reflect and stay quiet would only make my situation worse. The emotional pain could lead to madness. So,
I ask you to think carefully about what you’ve suggested.

Your Friend
Jennifer
If you were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty”, how would you interpret the need for quiet
introspection as mentioned in “Keeping Quiet”? [120-150 Words]
If I were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty,” I would see quiet introspection as an important
step in learning to appreciate the beauty around us. In “Keeping Quiet,” the poet’s call for
silence and stillness is necessary for reflecting on our actions and their effect on the world.
This moment of introspection allows us to reconnect with ourselves and recognize the
simple, yet profound beauty in everyday life. Just like the beauty of nature brings us peace
and joy, quiet reflection helps us understand and value these moments. Through this
process, we can develop a deeper appreciation for life’s small wonders, bringing peace and
contentment to both ourselves and the world around us.
Wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet)

Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the
plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and not violence.
Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [120-150 Words]
The Power of Peace
By - XYZ

Peace is very important because it helps people live together in harmony and solve problems without
hurting each other.

Wars and violence cause a lot of pain, destruction, and loss of life. Pablo Neruda, in his poem Keeping
Quiet, talks about how wars bring no real winners, only suffering.
Mahatma Gandhi showed the power of peace when he helped the Champaran farmers without using
violence. He believed that problems could be solved through non-violent actions like protests and
talking things out. Instead of fighting, it’s better to communicate, understand each other, and find
peaceful ways to solve problems. This approach leads to better outcomes and helps build a world
where everyone can live peacefully.
Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet’. He advises Robert Frost in the context of his conflict and
pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your advice in a letter to Robert Frost. You may
begin.

Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you… [120-150
Words]
Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you that death is not a
solution to any problem. I understand your pain, but I want to remind you that feeling hopeless will not help them.

Instead, we should stop for a moment, be silent, and think about their suffering. In my poem Keeping Quiet, I talk about
how pausing can help us see things more clearly.
These poor people are not only struggling with money, but they are also ignored by society. The world keeps moving
forward without thinking about them. But if we all stop for a moment and reflect, we might start to truly understand their
pain.

However, thinking is not enough. We must also act, but in a kind and thoughtful way. Helping them form a group to sell
their goods is a good idea. But we must make sure they are treated with respect and have a say in their own future.

Your friend
Pablo
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
- Adrienne Rich
Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?

Aunt Jennifer decided to sew pictures of tigers because she sees them as symbols of
bravery, fearlessness, and strength. Tigers aren't scared of the men near them. Her sewing
the tigers might show her own feelings of anger and frustration towards men being in
charge.
What is the weight that lies heavy on Aunt Jennifer’s hand? How is it associated with her
husband?

Aunt Jennifer feels the heaviness of her wedding ring on her hand, symbolizing the burden of
her married life. Maybe this weight makes her feel controlled. Aunt Jennifer had a hard time
in her marriage with a husband who was controlling and oppressive.
What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?

The tigers Aunt Jennifer made will last forever. Even after she dies, they'll keep moving
proudly. Maybe she's saying that the tigers, which stand for her feeling of freedom inside,
will never go away.
How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes?

Animals that live naturally in a place or the creatures living in a specific area are called
denizens. Tigers usually live in forests, so the poet calls them "denizens of a world of green."
Tigers are known for being in control of their own territory.
The poet also calls the tiger "chivalric." This means the tiger shows extraordinary courage
when facing danger. To explain this, the poet says the tigers weren't scared of the men under
a tree and confidently kept moving. Since tigers are brave and noble animals, the poet uses
the term 'chivalric'
“Aunt Jennifer’s finger 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.”

1. How would you describe Aunt Jennifer based on the above extract?
A) oppressed
B) malnourished
C) aging
D) diseased

2. Uncle’s wedding band sits heavily on Aunt Jennifer’s hand because

A) it is an expensive and heavy ring.
B) She was married against her will.
C) she feels burdened in her marriage.
D) their relationship is lacking in love.
“Aunt Jennifer’s finger 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.”
3. Pick the option that displays the image which correctly corresponds to the type of task Aunt is
engaged in.

A) Option (i)
B) Option (ii)
C) Option (iii)
D) Option (iv)
“Aunt Jennifer’s finger 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.”

4. Which of the following is an example of an alliteration?

A) finger fluttering through the wool
B) upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand
C) ivory needle hard to pull
D) massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
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

1. How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers described?

Aunt Jennifer’s tigers have been described as golden yellow in colour. They prance fearlessly
across a screen.

2. Why are they described as denizens of a world of green?

They have been called denizens of a world of green because they are the natives of dense
green forests.

3. Why are they not afraid of the men?

They are not afraid of men because they are brave, strong, fearless and full of confidence.
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

4. What are her tigers symbolic of?

Her tigers are symbolic of Aunt Jennifer’s desire for freedom. They are also symbols of
strength and self-confidence.
In the poem Aunt Jennifer's tigers the poet exclaims that aunt's hands will
remain terrified even after her death. Give a pen-portrait of 'Aunt Jennifer's life'.
Aunt Jennifer's life has been very sad since she got married. The poem shows how she feels
trapped in a world controlled by men. Her husband troubles her, and she is scared and weak.
She uses her art to express her wish to be free and strong, like the tigers she makes.

Poet Adrienne Rich says that even after Aunt Jennifer dies, she will still feel scared because of
the pain she suffered from her husband and society. This means that problems like control,
suffering, and unfair treatment in marriage will continue if male dominance remains. Women
need to be brave, confident, and live for themselves. Otherwise, they will always stay stuck in
an unhappy life.
The poet Adrienne Rich has used images and symbols to express women's domination by
men. Elucidate.
The poet Adrienne Rich has used different images and symbols to show how women are
controlled by men.

1.Tigers – The tigers in the poem are strong, fearless, and free. They represent the kind of
life Aunt Jennifer wishes to have but cannot because of her marriage.
2.Aunt Jennifer’s Hands – Her hands are described as weak and trembling. This shows
that she is scared and burdened by the troubles in her married life.
3.Wedding Ring – The ring on her finger is heavy, symbolizing the weight of marriage and
the control her husband has over her. It shows how she feels trapped and helpless.

Through these symbols, the poet highlights how women suffer under male dominance and
how they wish to be free like the tigers.