Tissue

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

Asyndetic listing emphasises the significance of the Koran on humanity(“the height and weight, who died where and how, on which sepia date, pages smoothed”)- shows a symbol of human power also causing divisions between people
Extended metaphor - tissue paper likens surrounding objects to human life, “maps too” shows a person can be like a map with many different countries and cultures contained and no borders
Religion - “Paper that lets the light shine through”: Light is a symbol of truth and enlightenment to show how the world should be viewed, gives enlightenment to the listener of a new way of living in which God can permeate through life and materialism.
Ideal society: metaphor of buildings being able to “fall away on a sigh” implies buildings should be able to change and adapt easily, but buildings are a symbol of permanence that should he abolished.

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

Poem written in quatrains - restrictions of human power
Final line - single line, breaks free from controlling structure(“turned into your skin”)
Free verse and enjambment show freedom can be found even in a restrictive institution(like fixed stanza lengths), enjambment unifies lines showing her view humans should become united and they aren’t in control as much as they’d like(“Paper that lets the lights shine through”)

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

Allegory, hidden meaning of revealing the transience of life, causing the reader to let go of a materialistic life and instead focus on the people around them and Fod, ends with direct address “your skin”