The Tiger

Emily Dickinson’s poem subverts expectations by portraying the tiger as a docile, even domestic creature, in stark contrast to its traditional representation as a ferocious predator. The opening line establishes this inversion, as the tiger is described as kittenish and mild, a phrase that undermines the animal’s natural ferocity. The speaker extends this absurdity by suggesting the tiger makes a suitable playmate for children, a notion that would be terrifying in reality. The poem’s humor lies in its deadpan delivery of these impossible scenarios, particularly in the final couplet, where the practicality of owning a tiger is framed as a matter of common sense for mothers of large families. Dickinson’s wit emerges from the juxtaposition of the tiger’s inherent danger with its absurdly mundane domestication, revealing a playful critique of societal norms. The poem’s brevity and lack of rhyme enhance its directness, allowing the incongruity to resonate sharply. Ultimately, the poem’s power lies in its ability to transform the familiar into the fantastical, leaving the reader to ponder the boundaries between reality and imagination.