question_answer 5)

What are the ordeals Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by? Why is it significant that the poet uses the word ringed'? What are the meanings of the word 'ringed’ in the poem?    

Answer:

The word 'ringed' has a double association. It indicates not only the ring that 'sits heavily' on her hand, but the difficulties in her life that will continue to surround her.   The last stanza of the poem gives us a surprisingly insightful look at the reality and end of Aunt Jennifer and women in her position all over the world. Aunt Jennifer never wins. Even in death, she must conform to the patriarchal society in which she lives. The ring on her finger symbolizes the weight she must bear dead or alive. Just as she created and controlled her needlework, society and gender roles created and controlled her.