The poem "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharkerexplores themes of power,... Show more
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153
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Harry
26/08/2025
English Literature
Tissue
5,210
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26 Aug 2025
•
Tissue Poem PDF: Analysis, Quotes, and Themes by Imtiaz Dharker
1 / 2
Page 2: Key Quotations and Comparisons in "Tissue"
The second page delves deeper into the analysis of "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker, focusing on key quotations and comparisons that illuminate the poem's themes and literary devices.
Several important quotations are highlighted and analyzed:
Quote: "What was paid by credit card / might fly our lives like paper kites."
This simile suggests how humans are dominated and controlled by money, implying that humans have caused conflict by assigning significance to such things.
Quote: "The marks / that rivers make, roads / rail tracks, mountain folds"
The use of listing in this quote highlights the idea that humans are determined to control, dominate, and make sense of nature.
Quote: "Shift" and "drift"
These words, related to transience, remind the reader of the fragility of paper, reinforcing the poem's central metaphor.
The poem's themes are compared to other works, including "Ozymandias," "Exposure," "The Prelude," and "Storm on the Island," suggesting a connection to broader literary explorations of nature versus human power.
Highlight: The poem repeatedly emphasizes the delicacy and importance of paper through images of touching and thinning, reinforcing its central metaphor.
Quote: "Paper smoothed and stroked and thinned to be transparent"
The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that paper, and by extension human constructs, are fragile and transient.
This page provides a deeper understanding of the themes in "Tissue", particularly the contrast between human attempts at control and the enduring power of nature, as well as the fragility of human constructs represented by paper.
Page 1: Introduction to "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker
The first page introduces Imtiaz Dharker's poem "Tissue", providing context and an overview of its themes and structure. The poem is described as impressionistic, commenting on modern world conflicts and troubles through comparisons with tissue paper.
Context: Imtiaz Dharker, born in Pakistan and raised in Glasgow, writes about issues such as terrorism, identity, freedom, and religion. "Tissue" is from her collection "The Terrorist at my Table", which explores the roots of terrorism and fundamentalism.
The poem's structure is analyzed, noting its use of free verse and enjambment. These structural choices are interpreted as reflections of human inability to control nature or their own lives, and the poet's desire for freedom.
Highlight: The free verse structure represents humans' inability to control nature or their own lives, while enjambment reflects the poet's desire for freedom or the lack of control humans have compared to nature.
Key concepts explored in the poem include:
- Causes of conflict, suggesting that humans create their own conflicts by assigning unwarranted power to certain things.
- The importance of paper in our lives, from maps to money to history books, while noting its inherent fragility.
- The nature of human power, exploring its insignificance and ephemeral quality when compared to the power of nature.
Quote: "Paper that lets the light shine through / this is what could alter things"
This quote introduces the metaphor of light, possibly representing divine or transformative power, and suggests the potential for change through fragile mediums like paper.
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Tissue Poem PDF: Analysis, Quotes, and Themes by Imtiaz Dharker
The poem "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker explores themes of power, fragility, and the transient nature of human constructs through the metaphor of paper. It reflects on the complexities of modern life, including conflicts, identity, and the human desire for control.... Show more
Page 2: Key Quotations and Comparisons in "Tissue"
The second page delves deeper into the analysis of "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker, focusing on key quotations and comparisons that illuminate the poem's themes and literary devices.
Several important quotations are highlighted and analyzed:
Quote: "What was paid by credit card / might fly our lives like paper kites."
This simile suggests how humans are dominated and controlled by money, implying that humans have caused conflict by assigning significance to such things.
Quote: "The marks / that rivers make, roads / rail tracks, mountain folds"
The use of listing in this quote highlights the idea that humans are determined to control, dominate, and make sense of nature.
Quote: "Shift" and "drift"
These words, related to transience, remind the reader of the fragility of paper, reinforcing the poem's central metaphor.
The poem's themes are compared to other works, including "Ozymandias," "Exposure," "The Prelude," and "Storm on the Island," suggesting a connection to broader literary explorations of nature versus human power.
Highlight: The poem repeatedly emphasizes the delicacy and importance of paper through images of touching and thinning, reinforcing its central metaphor.
Quote: "Paper smoothed and stroked and thinned to be transparent"
The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that paper, and by extension human constructs, are fragile and transient.
This page provides a deeper understanding of the themes in "Tissue", particularly the contrast between human attempts at control and the enduring power of nature, as well as the fragility of human constructs represented by paper.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: Introduction to "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker
The first page introduces Imtiaz Dharker's poem "Tissue", providing context and an overview of its themes and structure. The poem is described as impressionistic, commenting on modern world conflicts and troubles through comparisons with tissue paper.
Context: Imtiaz Dharker, born in Pakistan and raised in Glasgow, writes about issues such as terrorism, identity, freedom, and religion. "Tissue" is from her collection "The Terrorist at my Table", which explores the roots of terrorism and fundamentalism.
The poem's structure is analyzed, noting its use of free verse and enjambment. These structural choices are interpreted as reflections of human inability to control nature or their own lives, and the poet's desire for freedom.
Highlight: The free verse structure represents humans' inability to control nature or their own lives, while enjambment reflects the poet's desire for freedom or the lack of control humans have compared to nature.
Key concepts explored in the poem include:
- Causes of conflict, suggesting that humans create their own conflicts by assigning unwarranted power to certain things.
- The importance of paper in our lives, from maps to money to history books, while noting its inherent fragility.
- The nature of human power, exploring its insignificance and ephemeral quality when compared to the power of nature.
Quote: "Paper that lets the light shine through / this is what could alter things"
This quote introduces the metaphor of light, possibly representing divine or transformative power, and suggests the potential for change through fragile mediums like paper.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user