Question

Analyse the portrayal of fear and freedom in ‘Deep Water’ and ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.

Hint:

• Link Douglas's fear to a specific physical trauma and Aunt Jennifer's fear to a systemic social structure (patriarchy).
• Mention the "internal freedom" of art versus the "external freedom" of action.
• Use the quote "All we have to fear is fear itself" to ground the analysis of Deep Water.

Answer 1

Concept:
• Fear is portrayed as a restrictive, paralyzing force that prevents individuals from living a full life.
• Freedom is defined as the successful transcendence of these fears, either through physical determination or creative projection.
• ‘Deep Water’ explores fear through an individual's physical struggle, while ‘Aunt Jennifer's Tigers’ explores it through a social and gendered lens.

Step 1: Analyze fear and freedom in ‘Deep Water’
William Douglas suffers from a deep-seated, paralyzing fear of water caused by childhood accidents.
This fear robs him of the freedom to enjoy fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
To gain freedom, Douglas employs a professional instructor and practices with grim determination for months.
His ultimate freedom is achieved when he swims across Lake Wentworth, realizing that "in death there is peace" and the only thing to fear is "fear itself."

Step 2: Analyze fear and freedom in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’
Aunt Jennifer lives in a state of constant, suppressed fear of her husband, represented by the "massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band."
Her life is restricted by the "ordeals" of a patriarchal marriage where she lacks agency and voice.
Freedom for her is only possible through her art—the embroidered tigers which are "bright," "proud," and "unafeared."
Unlike Jennifer, the tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree, representing the bold freedom her spirit craves but cannot achieve in reality.

Step 3: Compare the outcomes of both portrayals
In ‘Deep Water,’ freedom is attainable and life-affirming through individual willpower.
In ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,’ freedom remains elusive and symbolic; even after death, Jennifer’s hands remain "terrified," while her art continues to "prance" in freedom.
The contrast highlights that some fears can be conquered by the self, while others are deeply rooted in oppressive social structures.