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Imagine you are Kamala Das, the poet of My Mother at Sixty Six. What advice might you offer to Adrienne Rich, the poet of Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, in the context of her portrayal of women’s oppression and resistance, as displayed in the given lines: The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand. When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by. Pen down your advice, in a letter to Rich.
You may begin this way: Dear Adrienne I recently read your poem, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” and…
You may end this way: I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support you. Sincerely, Kamala Das
Answer as written by the student:
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Dear Adrienne, I recently read your poem, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” and I was moved by your portrayal of women’s oppression and resistance. I admire your courage and skill in expressing your feelings through poetry. I also understand the pain and frustration that you must have experienced in your marriage. As a fellow poet and a woman, I would like to offer you some advice on how to cope with the challenges that you face. I hope this advice is helpful to you.
I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support you. Sincerely, Kamala Das |
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- The answer begins with a salutation to the recipient, Adrienne Rich, followed by an introduction that states the purpose of the letter: to offer advice in the context of her poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”.
- The answer then provides three pieces of advice, each in a separate paragraph, using bullet points for clarity and skimmability.
- The first piece of advice is to resist the oppression of her husband and society, and to assert her artistic voice and vision. This is based on the lines from the poem that suggest that Aunt Jennifer is weighed down by her husband’s wedding band and his mastery over her.
- The second piece of advice is to explore her own identity and desires, and to not be limited by the expectations of others. This is based on the contrast between the tigers that Aunt Jennifer embroiders, which are free and fearless, and her own life, which is constrained and fearful.
- The third piece of advice is to not lose hope for a better future, and to join forces with other women who share her vision and values. This is based on the idea that the tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery will continue to prance even after she dies, implying that her vision of freedom can live on through other women.
- The answer ends with a conclusion that expresses hope that the advice is helpful, and offers further support if needed. It also includes a signature with the name of the sender, Kamala Das.
