GCSE Poetry- Tissue
Imtiaz Dharker
Structure
Recap Points
Form
Well-known documentary film-maker
Imtiaz Dharker was born in Lahore, Pakistan but grew up in Glasgow, Scotland
Interested in global social issues such as health and education, including the impact of war and politics on everyday family life
Poetry collection: The Terrorist at my table
Lack of regular rhythm or rhyme and enjambment across lines- gives the poem freedom and openness, which the narrator believes should be evident in society
Short stanzas- poem is built up in layers, just as human life is
The speaker focuses on humanity in general, exploring what would make the world a better place
Final, single line stands out and focuses the reader on their responsibility to make choices that bring people closer together
Three main parts- history, human experience and the creation of human life
Power in commerce: money, finance, receipts
Paper has power to segregate, order, divide and control (our lives)
This is an allusion- we give paper power
Paper and human life have power but are also fragile
Focus on religious texts and family history
Metaphor of light- Islam and Christianity (poet)- light could be a reference to God/Power of religion
Poem explores how tissue has the power to change and alter things
Light symbol of nature
Human power- divide the natural world: "Maps too."
We create cities/"through capitals and monoliths"
Human power does not last and can be destroyed easily: receipts
Free verse- does not rhyme or have a regular rhythm- shows lack of power
Human attempt to control is futile- we are not permanent nature is
Key Quotes
"turned into your skin"
might fly our lives like paper kites"
"Paper that lets the light shine through"
Quick Summary
The concept of fragility of life as paper is a metaphor for skin. It shows how easily people are broken/Circle of life and how we are controlled by money. Inevitability of death.
Key Themes
Loss/absence
Memory
Power of nature
Individual experiences
Fragility of life