she- rather than her husband-is intended by nature to take care of them (Seyersted 151). Furthermore, George Arms emphasizes that, Mrs. Chopin regards freedom from children as a necessary basis for complete freedom (150).In Aunt Jennifers tigers, the meaning expressed by Rich is deeply rooted within the simple structure and is anything but trivial. Rich has unfolded Aunt Jennifers life, feelings and triumphant spirit using the image of a symbolic embroidered tapestry. Aunt Jennifers Tigers is more suggestive that it first appears. It is highly symbolic and full of underlying meaning. The tree stanzas can each represent a different aspect of Aunt Jennifer and her situation. The first stanza symbolizes how Aunt Jennifer views her true, inner self. The second reflects how her life really is. The third is the legacy she will leave behind.Aunt Jennifer sees herself as a bright, outstanding, fearless individual in a lush, vibrant world portrayed in the tapestry by the topaz tigers in a world of green. The men beneath the tree possibly represent hunters who pose a threat to the tigers, much like her husband is a threat to her.In the second stanza, Rich first hints to the reader that Aunt Jennifer is demoralized by her husband. The massive weight of Uncles wedding band is symbolic of the continual, life- long oppression forced upon Aunt Jennifer because of her marriage. Unlike the tigers in her tapestry, Aunt Jennifer is unable to assert her courage and live her life in happiness.The last stanza is the memory of Aunt Jennifer that will live on after her death. Her terrified hands are symbolic of her failure to break free from her marriage and speak up for herself. The tigers prancing, proud and unafraid symbolize Aunt Jennifers inner spirit. On the outside, she was a victimized woman. Inside, she was richly imaginative and was able to express her innermost feelings through her embroidery. After her death, her true nature and spi...
