Tissue

• What is the main metaphor used in Imtiaz Dharker's poem "Tissue"?

  Tissue paper is used as an extended metaphor for life.
• How does Dharker describe tissue paper in the poem?

  Tissue paper is described as fragile and easily affected by aging and handling.
• What significance is attributed to the Koran in the poem "Tissue"?

  Paper is attributed to the significance of the Koran.
• What other elements are included in the extended metaphor besides tissue paper?

  Maps and buildings are included in the extended metaphor.
• What does Dharker claim about architects in relation to tissue paper?

  Dharker claims that an architect could use tissue to build with and never need to use brick again.
• How is tissue paper finally likened in the poem?

  Tissue is likened to skin.
• When was Imtiaz Dharker born?

  Imtiaz Dharker was born in 1954.
• What does Dharker describe herself as?

  Dharker describes herself as “Scottish, Pakistani, Muslim, Calvinist”.
• What themes does Dharker's poetry primarily focus on?

  Her poetry concentrates on identity and home.
• What is the title of the collection from which the poem "Tissue" comes?

  The poem comes from the collection “The terrorist at my table”.
• What major issues does the collection "The terrorist at my table" address?

  The collection addresses global politics, terrorism, extremism, religion, and fundamentalism.
• What critical view does Dharker present about human attitudes towards life?

  She presents the idea that humans see life as permanent and an opportunity to gain power.
• How might Dharker's personal experiences influence her view on the temporary nature of life?

  Her experience of seeing her husband suffer with cancer for 11 years may have influenced her view.

  
• What does the line "Paper that lets the light shine through" imply in the poem?

  It implies that despite being fragile, paper can exert great influence.
• What form does the poem "Tissue" take?

  The poem takes the form of an allegory.
• What does the poem encourage readers to focus on instead of materialism?

  The poem encourages readers to focus on the people around them and God.
• How does the structure of the poem reflect human power and control?

  The whole poem is written in quatrains, showing how restrictive human power can be.
• What does the final line of the poem emphasize?

  The final line emphasizes and isolates its meaning, suggesting a need to break free from control.
• What literary devices are used to show freedom within a restrictive institution?

  Free verse and enjambment are used to show freedom within a restrictive institution.
• What does Dharker's use of enjambment signify in the poem?

  It signifies that humanity is not in control as much as it would like to imagine.
• How does the extended metaphor of tissue paper relate to human life?

  Tissue paper is used to liken surrounding objects to human life, showing fragility and influence.
• What does the symbol of light represent in the poem?

  The symbol of light represents truth and enlightenment.
• How does Dharker view the ideal society in the poem?

  She believes society should become more transparent and adaptable.
• What does Dharker question about human interests in the poem?

  She questions whether humans are investing interest in the right things.
• What similarities exist between "Tissue" and Blake's poem "London"?

  Both present human power as a source of oppression and suffering.
• How do the poets differ in their views on corruption?

  Dharker offers a solution to the problem of power, while Blake accepts the cyclical nature of corruption.
• What are the key themes and concepts explored in the poem "Tissue"?

  • Fragility of life
  • Power of paper and its influence
  • Transience of human existence
  • Critique of materialism
  • Importance of identity and home
  • Need for transparency in society

  
• What literary devices are prominent in "Tissue" and what do they signify?

  • Extended metaphor: likens tissue paper to human life
  • Asyndetic listing: emphasizes significance of the Koran
  • Alliteration: highlights disdain for man-made structures
  • Enjambment: shows unity and lack of control
  • Symbolism: represents various aspects of human power

  
• How does the structure of "Tissue" reflect its themes?

  • Quatrains: show restrictive human power
  • Final line: emphasizes breaking free from control
  • Free verse and enjambment: suggest freedom within restrictions