Question

‘Their mother sighed.

Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings.’

The prose selection, Going Places includes this telling comment about Sophie’s mother.

In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, we are told that -

‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band

Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’

Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with reference to the two extracts given above.

You may begin the conversation like this … 

Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Answer 1

• Aunt Jennifershares about her loss of identity; use of art as a meansto express her deep-down desires and feelings.
• Sophie’s mother shares information about her servile role – all her time is spent in meeting the needs of the family; has no life of her own. Sophie’s mother stays home while all others go to witness Danny Casey’s football match. 
• Both feel burdened with responsibilities. 
• Both have domineering husbands; They do not have a say in the family matters.
• There seems to be no likelihood of any change in their status.