Tissue Flashcards
What’s the phrase “paper” show
-paper begins the first two sentences in the poem, drawing the readers attention
What’s the phrases “light shine through”, “”could alter things” show
-light allows things to be seen rather than hidden
-this may hint at what needs to change
What does the phrase “pages smoothed and stroked and turned” show
-gentle verbs and repetition of “and” shows that the pages are treated with respect and affection
What’s the phrase “if buildings were paper” show
-there’s a shift in tone here
-the speaker suggests that if buildings were made out of paper, people would notice that they are only temporary
What does the phrase “The sun shines through their borderlines” show
-The sun is a powerful, permanent force, whereas borders are just temporary marks on paper
What’s the phrase “Maps too” show
-a short blunt sentence which reflects the fixed nature of maps and borders
-they create division rather than freedom
What does the phrase “fine slips” show
-receipts record our day to day lives
-they can tell a story about our whole existence
What’s the phrase “might fly our lives like paper kites” show
-the simile hints at how our lives can be controlled by money
What’s the phrase “the shapes that pride can make” show
-criticism of human pride
-we create big, imposing buildings that are ultimately unimportant
What’s the phrase “with living tissue” show
-There’s a shift from talking about paper to talking about humans
-a construction more complex and more grand than any building
What’s the phrases “ a structure never meant to last”, “paper smoothed and stroked” show
-human life is only temporary
- but the repetition of line 11 reminds us that we are all part of a complex, lasting family history
What’s the language about light in the poem
-light is presented as a positive force
-it enables people to see and understand
What’s the different types of tissue in the poem
-the homonyms of tissue creates a link between paper and humans
-both tissue paper and human tissue are fragile, but powerful
What are the feelings and attitudes in the poem
-Control
-freedom
