Question

Interpret the symbols found in this poem.

Answer 1

Wedding band is a symbol of oppression in an unhappy marriage. Marriage is a social and legal binding, making women silently accept their subjugation and male domination, especially in a patriarchal society. Its weight refers to the burden of the husband's expectations. Ringed means encircled or trapped, losing individuality and freedom.
Aunt Jennifer is a a typical victim of male oppression in an unhappy marriage, who suffers loss of individuality, dignity and personal freedom silently. She becomes dependent, fearful and frail.
Tigers symbolize untamed free spirit. Here they are antithesis of their creator’s personality. The use of colours implies that Aunt Jennifer's tigers and their land are more vital and they enjoy a sense of freedom far greater than hers. Yellow (bright topaz) connotes the sun and fierce energy, while green reminds one of spring and vitality.
They pace and prance freely, proudly, fearless, confident and majestic in their bearing. Embroidery is a symbol of creative expression. The artwork expresses the Aunt’s suppressed desires and becomes her escape from the oppressive reality of her life. Aunt in the last stanza shows that she has lost her identity completely, thus lost even her name after her death.