im studying the poem entitled 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' by Adrianne Rich and in a review of this poem they say that 'poets use of the word 'chivalric' refers to tigers stalking their domain' what does it exactly mean?
The only thing I can think of is that the whole concept of chivalry includes knights, who were basically warriors who lived by a particular code of behavior.
http://www.answers.com/topic/chivalry
Other than that, I don't see it!!
To understand the meaning of the word "chivalric" in relation to tigers stalking their domain in the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrianne Rich, let's break it down.
First, it's important to note that the word "chivalric" comes from the term "chivalry," which refers to a code of conduct followed by knights in medieval times. Chivalry was associated with honorable behavior, courage, and respect towards women.
In the context of the poem, Aunt Jennifer is portrayed as a woman who feels trapped and oppressed by her marriage. She expresses her desire for freedom and strength through the image of the tigers she creates in her needlework. The tigers symbolize her inner strength and defiance against the patriarchal society she lives in.
When the review mentions the poet's use of the word "chivalric," it suggests that the tigers represent a form of chivalry in their defiance and power, just like how knights would defend their territory or "domain." This implies that Aunt Jennifer's tigers are asserting their independence and authority within their own realm or space, much like knights would defend their honor and territory.
Therefore, the use of the word "chivalric" in this context signifies the tigers' ability to navigate and claim their domain with strength, much like how Aunt Jennifer wishes she could assert herself in her own life. It reinforces the theme of empowerment and the longing for freedom within the poem.