question_answer 1)

How do 'denizens’ and chivalric' add to our understanding of the tigers attitudes?    

Answer:

Unlike their creator who sinks into the background, the tigers are described as 'bright topaz denizens'. The tigers are energetic and are free to 'prance' and run across the screen. The environment that the tigers enjoy is explained in detail. The tigers are bright like 'topaz' and they inhabit a world that is green. The 'bright topaz denizens of green.' evoke a mental image of majestic tigers not bound by the whims of another being. They are in their natural environment. They do not fear the men below the tree', something that Aunt Jennifer cannot do in her miserable reality because of her oppressor's looming presence.   Furthermore, the tigers are again contrasted with the men in the background. These men are described as 'beneath the tree' almost clinging to their only defense against the powerful tigers. ironically, these men are in fear of the 'sleek chivalric tigers'. But the tigers are inherently male; they are chivalric, hence tied to the long tradition of male authority and power. Their 'chivalric certainty' is a representation of the power envisioned by Aunt Jennifer for herself. This idea is then contrasted with Aunt Jennifer's reality where she in turn is dominated by male superiority   Aunt Jennifer's tigers do not fear men. They conduct themselves in a heroic, manly fashion. The tigers that Aunt Jennifer has made are confident and certain of who they are and what they want. The tigers are elegant. They have a confident pace without rush or worry, whereas 'Aunt Jennifer's fingers flutter through her wool', again implying a contrast with tigers.