Lesson Plan: "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich

Lesson Plan: "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich

Objective:

• To analyze and interpret the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem.
• To understand the socio-cultural context of the poem.
• To develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

Materials:

• Copies of the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers"
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with discussion questions and analysis prompts

Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief introduction to Adrienne Rich, highlighting her role in modern feminist literature.
• Provide some background on the poem's publication and its context within the feminist movement.

2. Reading the Poem (10 minutes)

• Distribute copies of the poem to the students.
• Have the students read the poem silently first.
• Then, read the poem aloud as a class, with different students taking turns to read each stanza.

3. Initial Reactions (10 minutes)

• Ask students for their immediate reactions and thoughts about the poem.
• Write down key words or phrases on the whiteboard that students mention.

4. Guided Analysis (20 minutes)

• Discuss the main themes of the poem: gender roles, patriarchy, and artistic expression.
  • Questions to ask:
    • What do the tigers symbolize?
    • How is Aunt Jennifer portrayed in the poem?
    • What is the significance of the contrast between Aunt Jennifer and the tigers?
• Analyze the use of literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and meter.
  • Questions to ask:
    • How does the imagery in the poem contribute to its themes?
    • What symbols can you identify in the poem, and what do they represent?
    • How does the meter of the poem affect its tone and meaning?

5. Group Work (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a stanza to analyze in detail.
• Provide handouts with prompts and questions to guide their analysis.
• Have each group present their analysis to the class.

6. Class Discussion (20 minutes)

• Discuss the groups’ findings and how each stanza contributes to the overall meaning of the poem.
• Encourage students to think about how the poem’s themes relate to contemporary issues.
  • Questions to ask:
    • How do the themes in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" resonate with today's discussions on gender and feminism?
    • Can you draw parallels between Aunt Jennifer's situation and any modern-day scenarios?

7. Creative Activity (20 minutes)

• Ask students to write a short poem or a paragraph from the perspective of Aunt Jennifer, explaining her feelings and thoughts while creating her tapestry.
• Alternatively, students can create a visual representation of the poem’s themes through drawing or collage.

8. Conclusion (10 minutes)

• Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
• Highlight the importance of understanding and analyzing poetry as a means of exploring deeper societal issues.
• Assign homework: Write a short essay on the role of symbolism in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" and how it enhances the poem's message.

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussions and group work.
• Quality of the creative activity.
• Short essay on symbolism in the poem.

Extensions:

• Compare and contrast "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" with another poem by Adrienne Rich or a contemporary feminist poet.
• Research and present on the historical and cultural context of the poem's publication.

This lesson plan aims to engage students with the poem both analytically and creatively, fostering a deeper understanding of its themes and literary significance