tissue

• What does the speaker use as an extended metaphor in the poem Tissue?

  Paper
• How does the poet view the relationship between paper and life?

  Paper can alter things and change the way we live our lives
• What does the poet imply about the fragility and power of tissue paper in relation to human beings?

  Tissue paper is fragile but has the power to change things, similar to humans
• Which religious book is mentioned as an example in the poem Tissue?

  The Quran
• What does the poet suggest about the pages of religious books?

  They are connected to the most important aspects of our lives
• What does the phrase "paper that lets the light shine through" imply in the poem?

  It suggests that paper can be fragile yet has the power to alter things
• How does the poet describe the effect of time on paper?

  Paper loses power over time and can be easily destroyed
• What does the poet mean by "paper thinned by age or touching"?


  It implies that both paper and human life deteriorate over time
• What does the poet suggest about the significance of well-used books?

  They emphasize how religious texts can form the foundations of our lives
• What does the use of asyndetic listing in the poem signify?

  It emphasizes the significance of the Quran and religious books on humanity
• How does the poet view the control of life in relation to religious texts?

  She suggests that we have no control over our lives as they are predetermined
• What criticism might the poet be implying by linking Islam to paper?

  She may be criticizing extremist actions rooted in religious texts
• What does the term "sepia date" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to a type of filter used in photography to give an old-fashioned look
• What does the phrase "Pages smoothed and stroked and turned transparent with attention" suggest?

  It implies that studying religious texts deeply reveals their true meanings
• How does the poet describe the fragility of society in relation to buildings?

  She suggests that society is fragile and can easily fall apart
• What does the poet imply by saying "if buildings were paper I might feel their drift"?

  It suggests that society's stability is delicate and can change easily
• What do maps symbolize in the poem Tissue?

  Maps symbolize the divisions we create in society
• What does the phrase "might fly our lives like paper kites" imply about materialism?

  It suggests that materialism is temporary and can be easily released
• How does the poet view the significance of financial transactions in society?

  She views them as flimsy and temporary, similar to receipts
• What does the metaphor of "layer over layer" suggest about unity in society?

  It suggests that fragile things can become strong when united
• What does the phrase "trace a grand design with living tissue" imply about human existence?

  It implies that human life is fragile and transient
• How does the structure of the poem reflect its themes?

  The sustained quatrains represent order, while the final line reflects life's unpredictability
• What context is important to consider when analyzing the poem Tissue?

  The poet's partner was suffering from cancer at the time of writing
• What is the significance of the poet's background in relation to the poem Tissue?

  Her background influences her exploration of identity and borders
• What is the main message of the poem Tissue regarding human life?

  Human life is transient and should not be viewed as permanent
• How does the poet's experience with her husband's illness influence the poem's themes?

  It highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing it
• What does the poet hope to convey through her poetry?

  She wants to reflect on the transient nature of life and encourage better choices
• What are the key themes explored in the poem Tissue?

  • Fragility of life
  • Power of paper as a metaphor
  • The transient nature of existence
  • The significance of religious texts
  • The impact of societal structures
• What literary devices are used in the poem Tissue to convey its messages?

  • Extended metaphor (paper for life)
  • Asyndetic listing (emphasizing significance)
  • Juxtaposition (fragility vs. power)
  • Sibilance and alliteration (creating rhythm)
  • Simile (comparing lives to paper kites)
• What context should be considered when analyzing the poem Tissue?

  • Poet's partner suffered from cancer
  • Poet's background (Scottish Pakistani Muslim)
  • Themes of identity and borders
  • Collection focus on global politics and terrorism