Page 1: Analysis of "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker
This page provides an in-depth analysis of the poem "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices. The poem uses paper as a central metaphor to discuss various aspects of human life and society.
The opening stanza introduces the main metaphor of the poem:
Quote: "Paper that lets the light / shine through, this / is what could alter things."
This imagery sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that something as delicate as paper has the power to bring about change.
The poem then explores different forms of paper and their significance:
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Religious texts: The poem mentions "the back of the Koran," highlighting the importance of religious documents in preserving human histories.
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Personal records: It refers to handwritten notes of births, deaths, and family histories, emphasizing the role of paper in documenting personal narratives.
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Architectural designs: The poem imagines buildings made of paper, suggesting a more flexible and transient approach to architecture.
Highlight: The line "If buildings were paper, I might / feel their drift, see how easily / they fall away on a sigh, a shift / in the direction of the wind" emphasizes the contrast between the perceived permanence of buildings and the fragility of paper.
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Financial records: The poem mentions "Fine slips from grocery shops," suggesting that even mundane paper records can have significance in our lives.
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Maps: The poem describes how light shines through map borderlines, suggesting that geographical boundaries are as arbitrary and fragile as paper.
The poem uses light as a recurring symbol:
Vocabulary: Luminous - giving off light; bright or shining
Light is used to represent hope, spirituality, and interconnectedness. The poem suggests that by embracing the fragility and transparency of paper, we might "let the daylight break / through capitals and monoliths."
The final stanza brings the metaphor full circle, comparing human skin to paper:
Quote: "turned into your skin."
This powerful ending suggests that the temporary and transient nature described throughout the poem applies not just to paper and human constructions, but to human life itself.
Definition: Transient - lasting only for a short time; impermanent
The poem's themes include:
- The fragility and impermanence of human constructions and life
- The power of documentation and record-keeping
- The arbitrary nature of human-made boundaries and structures
- The potential for change and transformation
This analysis of "Tissue" provides valuable insights for students studying the poem for GCSE English Literature. It explores the poem's use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to convey complex ideas about human existence and society.
