Adrienne Rich Poetry, Storm Warnings And The Knight

Aunt Jennifer sews her tigers to escape patriarchal oppression in society. This suggests that she uses her art as a means of expressing her emotions and finding solace from the male-dominated society that she feels trapped in. By creating these tigers, she symbolically asserts her independence and strength, contrasting the oppressive environment she faces. The answer highlights the theme of gender inequality and the struggle of women to break free from societal constraints imposed by patriarchy.

The correct answer is 1950s, Rich's early stages of writing. This can be inferred from the fact that the question asks about the stage of Rich's publishing career when the poems "Storm Warnings" and "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" were written. Since the poems were written during the 1950s, it can be concluded that they were part of Rich's early stages of writing.

The women in both "Storm Warnings" and "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" are not specific individuals, but rather symbolic representations of all women. They serve as metaphors for the experiences and struggles faced by women in society. The poems aim to capture the collective voice and emotions of women, rather than focusing on individual characters or personal experiences of the poet.

In the poem "Storm Warnings," the woman at the end has chosen to isolate herself. This means that she has decided to withdraw from others and find solace in solitude. The poem suggests that she is seeking refuge from the storm and its emotional impact. By isolating herself, she may be trying to protect herself from the external chaos and find inner peace. This choice reflects her desire to deal with her anxieties on her own terms and find a sense of calm amidst the storm.

Rich refused a National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton because she felt that her art was in opposition to the American political administration. This suggests that Rich had personal and ideological differences with the government and did not want to accept an honor from an administration she disagreed with.

The correct answer is "Confident and certain" because the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich portrays Aunt Jennifer's tigers as powerful and strong. The poem describes the tigers as prancing and dancing, which suggests their confidence and certainty. This is further emphasized by the description of their "chivalric certainty" and their ability to "pace in sleek chivalric certainty" despite Aunt Jennifer's fearful and oppressed existence.

The given quote suggests that no matter how much control or possession we have over time, it will continue to pass and we cannot change or alter it. This implies that time is an uncontrollable force that moves forward regardless of our actions or desires.

The correct answer suggests that even in death, Aunt Jennifer continues to be burdened by the societal expectations and constraints imposed on her because of her gender and marriage. This implies that her struggles and oppression persist even after her physical existence ends, highlighting the enduring impact of patriarchal oppression on women's lives.

The rhyme pattern of 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' is AA, BB. This means that the first and second lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines of each stanza also rhyme with each other. This consistent rhyme scheme helps create a sense of harmony and structure in the poem, enhancing its overall rhythm and flow.

Rich dates his poetry at the bottom so that readers are aware of when he wrote the poem. This allows readers to understand the context and historical background in which the poem was written, enabling them to better interpret and analyze the political situation at the time. By dating his poetry, Rich emphasizes that his work should be read as a reflection of a specific moment in history, rather than a timeless piece of literature.

The woman in the poem "Storm Warnings" is suffering from a long-term illness that is affecting her state of mind. This is evident from the description of her feeling restless, anxious, and constantly worried about the impending storm. The poem uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her emotional turmoil, suggesting that her suffering is not just physical but also psychological. The phrase "a long-term illness affecting her state of mind" captures the overall theme of the poem, highlighting the woman's internal struggles and the impact the storm has on her mental well-being.

The correct answer is "The public and private self." Both poems, "Storm Warnings" and "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," explore the theme of the public and private self. In "Storm Warnings," the speaker reflects on the inner turmoil and fear she experiences during a storm, highlighting the private emotions that contrast with the public appearance of strength. Similarly, in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," Aunt Jennifer's artwork symbolizes her private desires for freedom and strength, which contrast with her constrained and oppressed public life as a woman. Both poems shed light on the tension between one's inner thoughts and emotions and the external expectations and limitations imposed by society.