Exploring Symbolism and Connections in "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker
This analysis delves into the symbolism present in Imtiaz Dharker's poem "Tissue," drawing connections between paper, human skin, and architecture. The poem reflects on the fragility of human power through the metaphor of tissue and explores the intricate layers that make up an individual's identity. The discussion also extends to the broader themes of culture, heritage, and individuality portrayed through the use of tissue paper.
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Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker What does tissue make you think of?
How many uses do we have for paper? TASK: With a partner, make a list of all the thing we use paper for. Note: there will be a wide variety.
L.O. To analyse symbolism STARTER: Today we are going to look at the poem Tissue . Complete the following sentence starters about the title and its connotations: This evokes the image of This raises the question The use of the sibilant sound ss creates an atmosphere of Think about what the tissue on the desk represents.
Listen to a reading of the poem http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zwg6nbk/revision
Make a list of all the things the poem describes paper or tissue are used for Next to each explain what the poet is trying to say.
Tuesday Quick revision question What is the poet trying to say about paper and tissue?
SYMBOLISM The poem uses tissue as a multi-layered symbol AND AN EXTENDED METAPHOR. The poet makes a connection between the various uses of paper and architecture, and the living tissue of human skin. The ideas are communicated through an extended metaphor of human skin and life itself. In other words, human power is fragile like tissue paper. Links to Ozymandias?
How many connections can you make between skin, buildings and architecture, and paper? Think literally, but also think wider and deeper.
Context This poem is from an anthology of poems written by Imtiaz Darker called The Terrorist at my Table poems written about a world stricken by fundamentalism. Dharker is a poet and an artist. In this poem she draws detailed pictures of life as a work of art. This poem is an example of impressionistic poetry like impressionist art. Dharker uses the image of tissue paper to represent the layers that form an individual s life culture, heritage, religion, history, geography, genetic make-up and ultimately identity. Links to Checking out my History?
Context in more detail Imtiaz Dharker is a poet and film maker, she has Pakistani origins and was raised in Glasgow. A great number of her poems look at issues such as religion, terrorism and global politics/identity. As a result her work can be difficult to grasp. The poem is written from the point of view of someone today looking out at the conflict and troubles of the modern world: destruction, war and politics, money and wealth as well as issues like terrorism and identity. The poem remarks how nothing is meant to last, that it would be better not to hold too tightly to that and instead we should be willing to let go and pass things on in their time to be remade. In short, the world would be better if it shared more qualities with tissue .
Content The connections and comparisons that use paper are explored differently in each verse. TASK: In prose, write a summary of each verse. How does the poet build up her message? Next to each explain what the poet is trying to say.
Paper that lets the light shine through, this is what could alter things. What type of paper lets the light shine through? What meanings could you assign to the light ? Where might you find paper that lets the light shine through? How might this source alter things ? High quality Bible paper is opaque: Opacity: transparency of the page: measured by how much light shines through a sheet (measured by a numerical rating of 800 1,600) Show-through: the degree to which print shows through on the opposite side of a page (often referred to as ghosting )
Paper that lets the light shine through The first two lines clearly make a connection between light and paper. Elsewhere, the connection is more subtle, with links between light and the lightness of paper. Make two lists: References to light References/connotations of lightness/weight. When you have completed the lists, explain what point the poet may be making. Could it be that the poet is making a link between the fragility of paper and the fragility, the transcience, of life?
Meaning The poem looks at conflict in terms of destruction and politics. It hints that we make our own conflict by holding on too tight to power and control. We create division and conflict between ourselves by insisting on following the instructions handed down to us. The poem remarks how nothing is meant to last, and calls in to question things (structures, rules, borders) that the human race attribute meaning to.
Form and structure: think about the sounds of the words; what atmosphere do they create? How does the poet use enjambment to create meaning? The final line in stanza 1 is the beginning of a new topic or idea that is explored in stanza 2. Why add a forced break at an odd time? The use of enjambment defies control and restriction and the lack of control reflects the lack of power or control that man has. Alliteration, sibilance and assonance add meaning, including a smooth, fluid movement to the poem. TASK: Find two examples for each of the four techniques; for each quotation, explain how they add to the meaning. You should have eight mini paragraphs in total.
Form and structure The poem is written as an on-going monologue. There is some internal rhyme through the poem (though with no real pattern to it). It uses enjambment to create a very human and calm tone. The poem begins by questioning the fragility of paper: using this to symbolise the fragile structures we create. Unrhymed, irregular quatrains possibly represent the irregularity of life and the flimsy nature of the tissue paper.
Paper that lets the light shine through, this is what could alter things. Paper thinned by age or touching,
Form, structure: What does the final line suggest? The final, one line stanza addresses the reader; it directly emphasises the bonds between the paper we use, with all its various uses, and our skin which represents the significance of human life. The final line turned into your skin is a reminder of our own fragility, like the structures we leave behind. It is a reminder of our own mortality.
Language The use of extended metaphor of the paper is used to symbolise the fragility of human beings. The reference to relatable objects like the Koran, building maps and grocery slips are used to symbolise wider issues of the world such as : religion, structures of power, major cities and landmarks of various nations, borders of countries and the divides in politics and culture. Grocery slips could represent the influence of money and wealth on society. Natural imagery of light and sun shown to overpower, outlast the things we create.
Analysis and interpretation Mr Bruff 20 mins
Compare how power is presented in Tissue, and one other poem from Power and Conflict (The Emigr e)
One sentence. 1. Green = Go Answer the question. Use keywords from the question. Write a PETA(L) paragraph in your book explaining what two of the quotes show about the poet s aim. 2. Purple = Provide Support your answer to the question with quotes and/or specific facts/ appropriate detail. One or two sentences. 3. Red = Remember Refer to the technique that was used in the example and then the effect. Try to explain more than one effect and/or technique in the quote. Think about alternative interpretations. Use phrases such as: This suggests that The use of alliteration creates the impression of.. 4. Gold = Gold-Plated One or two sentences. In this case, link your points to context-what has influenced the poet/what his or her views and values are.
What can you do? The poet explores the characteristics of tissue and applies it to a world at conflict with the people who have made it. The poet addresses some of the larger issues; greed, pride etc. and how we have built our world around them, at odds with our own existence. The poem is a parable in nature as it suggests there is a spiritual fulfilment in passing on ownership and letting things pass when they have filled their purpose. I can use a variety of relevant quotes use relevant subject terminology analyse the poet s use of language, form and structure make more than one interpretation of a quote I understand that
