Tissue Flashcards
Who wrote tissue
Imtiaz Dharker in 2006
Summary of poem tissue
Tissue paper is used as an extended metaphor for life to show that although fragile, humans have a large amount of power to change things
Key quotes from the poem tissue
-“paper that lets the light shine through this is what could alter things “
-“maps too. The sun shines through their borderlines, the marks that river make, roads, rail tracks, mountainfolds”
-“let the daylight break through capitals and monoliths”
-“ paper computed and stroked and thinned to be transparent turned into your skin”
Analyse quote “paper that lets the light shine through this is what could alter things “
-Paper is often seen as something that holds information, but here, it is the medium through which light can pass. This suggests that, like paper, the things in life that seem delicate and fragile have the potential to illuminate and reveal something greater. This metaphor also implies that understanding and insight can emerge through vulnerability and openness, as light is a symbol of knowledge, truth, and revelation.
-The light shining through the paper suggests that by allowing oneself to be open or transparent (like paper), deeper truths can be revealed. The light represents the potential to change things, to alter situations, and to bring clarity to what was once obscured or hidden.
-The metaphor of paper can extend to everything we create—our lives, our histories, our identities—which may seem fragile but are capable of shining through with truth and meaning if given the right context or perspective.
-The line encourages the reader to reflect on the ways in which small, seemingly insignificant things—like an act of kindness, a shift in perspective, or an understanding of one’s own fragility—can alter their view of the world or catalyze change.
Analyse quote “maps too. The sun shines through their borderlines, the marks that rivers make, roads, rail tracks, mountain folds”
-The maps represent human attempts to impose order and definition onto the natural world, yet they are described in a manner that suggests impermanence. The word “borderlines” hints at the artificial constructs that separate nations and peoples, and the suggestion that the “sun shines through” these constructs implies a challenge to their permanence. The sun—not only a literal source of light but also a symbol of vitality and transcendence—demonstrates that nature exists independently of human delineations
-Rivers carve pathways through the earth effortlessly, suggesting a fluidity that human borders cannot replicate; roads and rail tracks symbolize man’s desire to connect and explore, yet they also represent the imposition of order upon the chaotic beauty of nature.
-the map reflects the complexity of the world in which we inhabit, indicating how these maps can either connect us through shared experiences or isolate us through divisions
-The lines suggest a critique of geopolitical borders, alluding to historical tensions arising from colonialism and globalization that have shaped contemporary landscapes. This context resonates with readers who have witnessed the fracturing effects of such divisions on personal and communal identities.
Analyse quote “let the daylight break through capitals and monoliths””
-Capitals” may refer to the prominent cities or the very essence of civilization, often representing power and governance. In this context, capitals symbolize the hierarchical structures of society, where bureaucracies and decision-making power reside. Conversely, “monoliths” suggest a monumental, unyielding presence, harkening to ancient structures that have withstood the test of time. These monoliths could symbolize not just physical edifices but also the rigid ideologies, traditions, and historical legacies that shape societal consciousness.
-By inviting daylight to “break through,” Dharker evokes an image of illumination piercing through the oppressive weight of human constructs. This breaking conveys a sense of liberation; it suggests that truth and awareness can penetrate even the most entrenched barriers.
-In a contemporary world rife with geopolitical tensions, where constructs of governance and identity often lead to division and conflict, Dharker’s call for daylight to break through these structures resonates deeply. It promotes contemplation of how societal constructs can be challenged, inviting readers to envision a reality characterized not by rigidity but by adaptability and empathy.
Analyse quote “paper smoothed and stroked and thinned to be transparent turned into your skin”
-The imagery in this line is tactile and intimate. The verbs “smoothed,” “stroked,” and “thinned” evoke a physicality that resonates with the reader. The act of smoothing paper suggests an effort to refine and perfect, much as individuals might strive to shape their own identities or the identities of those they care for
-The metaphor of paper turning into skin operates on multiple levels. Firstly, it underscores the fragility of both human existence and the structures that underpin it. Just as paper can be easily torn or damaged, so too can human lives be affected by external forces. Furthermore, the transparency of the paper suggests a desire for openness and authenticity in identity. “Transparent” implies both clarity and vulnerability; it suggests an exploration of the idea that revealing one’s true self—like peeling back layers of skin—can lead to a deeper understanding of identity. Readers may be prompted to consider how they shape their own identities and the identities of those around them, as well as the stories that influence their understanding of self.
Structure and form of Tissue
-As readers encounter these brief stanzas, they are invited to pause after each one, fostering a reflective reading experience
-The poem’s choice of free verse further emphasizes its themes of flexibility and fluidity. Without the constraints of a formal rhyme scheme or meter, Dharker’s language flows organically, echoing the continuous and often unpredictable nature of life. This fluidity resonates with the idea that identity is not fixed but constantly evolving, shaped by external forces, relationships, and experiences.
Context of the poem tissue
-Dharker identifies as a woman of the diaspora, and her poetry often reflects the complexities faced by those caught between different cultures and identities. This personal history is instrumental in understanding “Tissue,” as the poem grapples with the very essence of what it means to belong and to navigate the intricate layers of selfhood against the backdrop of geopolitical boundaries.
-Dharker prompts readers to reflect on how our lives are intertwined with those around us, regardless of societal labels that may seek to categorize or define us. The poem ultimately advocates for a more nuanced understanding of identity—one that embraces flexibility, transparency, and interconnectedness.
-Dharker’s poem invites readers to consider the importance of recognizing the common humanity that transcends borders. The invocation of paper relates to documentation and the narratives that sustain and amplify our sense of self.
