English Class 12
Flamingo - Poems (Literature)

Read the given extract and answer the questions

Extract:

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.

(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

Aunt Jennifer's Tiger- Extract based questions (3) - Teachoo.png

Question (i)

What is the personification that the speaker employs in the first line of the extract?

    A) The attribution of human qualities to the wool

    B) The attribution of human qualities to the needle

    C) The attribution of human qualities to the fingers

    D) None of the above

Answer:

   Answer written by student:

(C) The attribution of human qualities to the fingers

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •    To answer this question, we need to identify the personification that the speaker employs in the first line of the extract.
  • Personification is a figure of speech that involves giving human characteristics or abilities to non-human things or animals. Personification can be used to create a vivid or surprising image, or to convey a deeper meaning or symbolism.
  •    In this extract, the speaker employs personification in the first line, which reads "Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool". Here, the speaker gives human qualities to Aunt Jen nifer's fingers, such as fluttering. Fluttering is a verb that describes a quick and light movement, usually associated with birds or butterflies. By using this personification, the speaker creates a vivid image of Aunt Jennifer's fingers moving swiftly and delicately through her wool. The speaker also conveys a deeper meaning or symbolism of Aunt Jennifer's fingers, such as nervousness or excitement. She may be fluttering her fingers because she is anxious or eager about her needlework.🦋

Question (ii)

 What is the simile that the speaker utilizes in the second line of the extract?

  •    A) The comparison of the wool to a cloud
  •    B) The comparison of the needle to ivory
  •    C) The comparison of the pull to a tug
  •    D) None of the above

Answer:

   Answer written by student:

(B) The comparison of the needle to ivory

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •    To answer this question, we need to identify the simile that the speaker utilizes in the second line of the extract.
  • A simile is a figure of speech that involves comparing two different things using like or as. A simile can be used to create a vivid or surprising image, or to convey a deeper meaning or symbolism.
  •     In this extract, the speaker utilizes a simile in the second line, which reads "Find even the ivory needle hard to pull". Here, the speaker compares the needle to ivory using like. Ivory is a hard and white material that comes from elephant tusks or other animal teeth. By using this simile, the speaker creates a vivid image of the needle's color and texture. The speaker also conveys a deeper meaning or symbolism of the needle, such as its value and rarity. Ivory is a precious and scarce material that is often used for art or jewelry. The needle may represent Aunt Jennifer's artistic talent and expression, which are also valuable and rare in her life.🐘

Question (iii)

 What is the hyperbole that the speaker conveys in the third line of the extract?

  •    A) The exaggeration of the weight of the wedding band
  •    B) The exaggeration of the size of Uncle's hand
  •    C) The exaggeration of the effect of the wedding band
  •    D) All of the above

Answer:

  Answer written by student:

(D) All of the above

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •    To answer this question, we need to identify the hyperbole that the speaker conveys in the third line of the extract.
  • A hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves an extreme or unrealistic exaggeration for emphasis or effect. A hyperbole can be used to create humor, surprise, or criticism in a poem.
  •     In this extract, the speaker conveys a hyperbole in the third line, which reads "The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band". Here, the speaker exaggerates three things: the weight of the wedding band, the size of Uncle's hand, and the effect of the wedding band.
  • The speaker uses the word massive to describe the wedding band, which implies that it is very heavy and large. The speaker also implies that Uncle's hand is also very big and strong, as he can wear such a heavy ring. The speaker also implies that the wedding band has a huge impact on Aunt Jennifer's life, as it represents her marriage and her oppression. By using this hyperbole, the speaker creates a contrast between Uncle's power and Aunt Jennifer's weakness. The speaker also creates a criticism of Uncle's dominance and Aunt Jennifer's subordination.💍

Question (iv)

 What is the rhyme that the speaker employs in the fourth line of the extract?

  •    A) The correspondence of sound between band and hand
  •    B) The correspondence of sound between wool and pull
  •    C) The correspondence of sound between lie and by
  •    D) All of the above

Answer:

   Answer written by student:

(A) The correspondence of sound between band and hand

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •     To answer this question, we need to identify the rhyme that the speaker employs in the fourth line of the extract.
  • Rhyme is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar or identical sounds at the end of words that are close together. Rhyme can be used to create rhythm, harmony, or emphasis in a poem.
  •     In this extract, the speaker employs rhyme in the fourth line, which reads "Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand". Here, the speaker repeats the sound of /and/ at the end of two words: band and hand. This rhyme creates a rhythm and a harmony for the line, as it matches with the rhyme scheme of AABB for each stanza. This rhyme also creates an emphasis for these two words, as they are important symbols in the poem. Band represents Aunt Jennifer's marriage and oppression, while hand represents Aunt Jennifer's life and struggle.🎵

Question (v) 

What is the mood that the speaker creates in the extract?

  •    A) Joyful and optimistic
  •    B) Gloomy and hopeless
  •    C) Curious and adventurous
  •     D) Calm and peaceful

   Answer written by student:

(B) Gloomy and hopeless

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •     To answer this question, we need to identify the mood that the speaker creates in the extract.
  • Mood is the feeling or atmosphere that a speaker or writer creates for the reader or listener. Mood can be determined by looking at the choice of words, punctuation, imagery, figurative language, etc.
  •     In this extract, the speaker creates a mood of gloom and hopelessness. The speaker uses words and phrases that express sadness, despair, and futility . For example, the speaker uses words such as fluttering, hard, massive, heavily, etc., to create a mood of gloom and hopelessness. These words and phrases show how Aunt Jennifer is unhappy and helpless in her life, and how she has no hope of changing it.😞

Question (vi)

What is the message or theme that the speaker conveys in the extract?

  •    A) The conflict between nature and civilization
  •    B) The exploitation of the poor by the rich
  •    C) The loss of tradition and culture
  •    D) The oppression of women by patriarchy

Answer:

   Answer written by student:

(D) The oppression of women by patriarchy

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •    To answer this question, we need to identify the message or theme that the speaker conveys in the extract.
  • Message or theme is the main idea or lesson that a speaker or writer wants to convey through their work. Message or theme can be expressed as a word, a phrase, or a sentence.
  •    In this extract, the speaker conveys a message or theme of the oppression of women by patriarchy. Patriarchy is a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. Oppression is the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power over someone or something. The speaker shows how Aunt Jennifer is oppressed by her husband and by society, who do not respect her as a person or as an artist. The speaker also shows how Aunt Jennifer's tigers are a symbol of her resistance and escape from patriarchy, as they are fearless, powerful, and free. The speaker also implies that Aunt Jennifer's tigers will outlive her and her oppressors, and that they will inspire other women to fight for their rights and dignity.🐯
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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo