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10 Dec 2025

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Tissue Poem by Imtiaz Dharker - Analysis, Themes, and Summary for Kids

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Izzy @iz_oxz

The poem "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharkerexplores themes of knowledge, fragility, and the power of paper as a... Show more

TO COMPARE WITH:
MY LAST DUTCHESS
CHECKING OUT ME HISTORY

Tissue

Imtiaz
Dharker
(b. 1954)

POWER OF KNOWLEDGE
FRAGILITY OF LIFE
Key quotes

Page 1 Tissue Poem Analysis

The Tissue poem by Imtiaz Dharker begins with a powerful metaphor comparing paper to light and knowledge. The poem explores the transformative power of information and understanding, suggesting that knowledge "is what could alter things." This sets the tone for the entire piece, emphasizing the importance of learning and its potential to change the world.

The poem then draws a parallel between paper and human skin, both thinned by age or touch. This comparison highlights the fragility of life and the shared vulnerability of paper and human existence. The imagery of well-used books and religious texts like the Koran further reinforces the idea of paper as a keeper of human history and knowledge.

Quote "Paper that lets the light / shine through, this / is what could alter things."

The poet describes how paper holds personal histories, including birth, death, and other significant life events. This emphasizes the role of paper in preserving human memories and experiences.

Highlight The poem uses enjambment to create a flowing, continuous narrative, mirroring the way information and knowledge flow through time and across generations.

The Tissue poem themes expand to include the adaptability and versatility of paper. It mentions maps, grocery receipts, and architectural plans, suggesting that paper (and by extension, knowledge) can shape our understanding of geography, economics, and the built environment.

Example The poem references "Fine slips from grocery shops / that say how much was sold / and what was paid by credit card" to illustrate how even mundane paper items can hold significant information about our lives and society.

The final stanza introduces a powerful image of buildings made of paper, emphasizing the potential fragility of human constructions and societal systems. This metaphor suggests that our world, like paper, can be reshaped and reformed.

Vocabulary Monoliths - large, imposing structures that often represent power or importance.

The poem concludes with the idea of creating a "grand design / with living tissue," blurring the lines between paper, knowledge, and human existence. This powerful ending reinforces the central theme that knowledge and understanding have the power to transform both individuals and society as a whole.

Definition Grand design - an overarching plan or concept that shapes the structure of something significant.

The Tissue poem analysis PDF reveals a complex exploration of how information, preserved on paper, can influence and shape our world. It challenges readers to consider the power of knowledge and the potential for change that lies within the seemingly fragile medium of paper.

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English Literature

763

10 Dec 2025

1 page

Tissue Poem by Imtiaz Dharker - Analysis, Themes, and Summary for Kids

user profile picture

Izzy

@iz_oxz

The poem "Tissue" by Imtiaz Dharker explores themes of knowledge, fragility, and the power of paper as a metaphor for life and society. It delves into how information and understanding can shape our world and our perceptions.

Key points:

  • Paper... Show more

TO COMPARE WITH:
MY LAST DUTCHESS
CHECKING OUT ME HISTORY

Tissue

Imtiaz
Dharker
(b. 1954)

POWER OF KNOWLEDGE
FRAGILITY OF LIFE
Key quotes

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Page 1: Tissue Poem Analysis

The Tissue poem by Imtiaz Dharker begins with a powerful metaphor comparing paper to light and knowledge. The poem explores the transformative power of information and understanding, suggesting that knowledge "is what could alter things." This sets the tone for the entire piece, emphasizing the importance of learning and its potential to change the world.

The poem then draws a parallel between paper and human skin, both thinned by age or touch. This comparison highlights the fragility of life and the shared vulnerability of paper and human existence. The imagery of well-used books and religious texts like the Koran further reinforces the idea of paper as a keeper of human history and knowledge.

Quote: "Paper that lets the light / shine through, this / is what could alter things."

The poet describes how paper holds personal histories, including birth, death, and other significant life events. This emphasizes the role of paper in preserving human memories and experiences.

Highlight: The poem uses enjambment to create a flowing, continuous narrative, mirroring the way information and knowledge flow through time and across generations.

The Tissue poem themes expand to include the adaptability and versatility of paper. It mentions maps, grocery receipts, and architectural plans, suggesting that paper (and by extension, knowledge) can shape our understanding of geography, economics, and the built environment.

Example: The poem references "Fine slips from grocery shops / that say how much was sold / and what was paid by credit card" to illustrate how even mundane paper items can hold significant information about our lives and society.

The final stanza introduces a powerful image of buildings made of paper, emphasizing the potential fragility of human constructions and societal systems. This metaphor suggests that our world, like paper, can be reshaped and reformed.

Vocabulary: Monoliths - large, imposing structures that often represent power or importance.

The poem concludes with the idea of creating a "grand design / with living tissue," blurring the lines between paper, knowledge, and human existence. This powerful ending reinforces the central theme that knowledge and understanding have the power to transform both individuals and society as a whole.

Definition: Grand design - an overarching plan or concept that shapes the structure of something significant.

The Tissue poem analysis PDF reveals a complex exploration of how information, preserved on paper, can influence and shape our world. It challenges readers to consider the power of knowledge and the potential for change that lies within the seemingly fragile medium of 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.

9

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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David K

iOS user

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Xander S

iOS user

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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.

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