Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker explores ideas of our humanity, existence and the power structures of society, all through the extended metaphor of paper.
This study guide is written for students and teachers of English Literature, particularly those studying AQA’s GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict Anthology. For more study guides from this anthology, check out the Power and Conflict page, or the list of poems in the series at the bottom of this guide.
Tissue
What is 'Tissue' all about?
Summary of verse 1:
Verse 1 describes how paper could be used to bring change. The most powerful types of paper are those which have been made fragile through frequent use.
Summary of verse 2:
Verse two picks up on specific types of paper, such as that in a religious book like the Koran. In these types of books, family members through generations have recorded births, deaths and marriages to pass on to the next generation. These personal histories may not be recorded elsewhere, and serve to preserve individual human experiences
Summary of verse 3:Â
The description of the family Koran continues by describing the hand-written entries on the paper, and the condition of the pages, which are so well-used and precious to the owner. This illustrates how paper connects us to our past and to each other, through the recording of significant life events.
Summary of verse 4:Â
Verse 4 imagines buildings made of paper, emphasising their vulnerability to elements like the wind. This suggests that even the strongest human constructions are not everlasting.
Summary of verse 5:Â
The poem moves on to describe maps, indicating that even the borders and divisions we create are subject to change. Cracks in the earth which make rivers and mountains are cracks which allow light to shine through, emphasising that nature is also fragile.
Summary of verse 6:
The mention of grocery slips reflects the mundane aspects of life, yet these too can ‘fly our lives like paper kites’, showing how even small pieces of paper can carry significance. Negative uses of paper, such as bills, money and receipts, are conveyed in this verse as powerful, human-made structures.
Summary of verse 7:
In verse 7, the speaker imagines the power of an architect’s drawing paper, thin and layered up to allow for a creative design process. An architect might enjoy the paper process so much, they might not build with permanent materials like brick and stone again.
Summary of verse 8:
Verse 8 continues the image of the architect who would abandon bricks for transparent paper. The verse envisions whole cities of paper which let light take the place of pride, suggesting that using paper would allow light to penetrate even the grandest structures, revealing their true essence.
Summary of verse 9:
The poem concludes with a vision of structures made from ‘living tissue’, which are inherently fragile and temporary, much like human life itself. The final image compares this to skin, suggesting a deep connection between the physical and human experiences.
Summary of verse 10:
The poem concludes with a one-line verse which compares paper to human skin, highlighting its delicate nature, and the idea of building with something as fleeting as living tissue.
Context of 'Tissue'
Imtiaz Dharker's life, education and career
Imtiaz Dharker was born on 31st January 1954 in Lahore, Pakistan. She is a contemporary poet, artist, and documentary filmmaker known for her exploration of themes such as identity, displacement, and cultural conflict. When she was less than one year old, Dharker moved with her family to Glasgow, Scotland. This bicultural background significantly influenced her work, infusing it with rich perspectives on belonging and otherness.
Dharker studied English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Glasgow.
Over the years, Dharker has published several acclaimed poetry collections, including “Purdah,” “Postcards from God,” “I Speak for the Devil,” “The Terrorist at My Table,” “Leaving Fingerprints,” and “Over the Moon.” Her work often addresses issues of gender, religion, and the interplay between the personal and political and are often accompanied by her own illustrations.
In addition to her literary achievements, Dharker has made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking, focusing on social justice issues such as child labour and women’s rights. Her films have garnered attention for their compelling storytelling and empathetic approach.
Dharker’s contributions to literature and art have been widely recognised. She has received numerous accolades, including the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2014. She has also served as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has been a guest speaker and lecturer at various literary festivals and academic institutions worldwide.
Context of 'Tissue'
Dharker splits her time between living in London and living in Mumbai. The slums of Mumbai are part of the inspiration for this poem, which explores fragile power structures, and buildings made of paper.
According to the British Council website, “Dharker describes herself as Scottish Muslim Calvinist, and it is this combination of seemingly irreconcilable differences that characterises both her poetry and her pencil-work.” You can read more from the British Council article here.
Line-by-line analysis
Stanza 1
Paper that lets the light
- An extended metaphor comparing paper to human life, emphasises paper’s fragility and potential for change.
- Alliteration in the delicate /l/ sound in “lets” and “light” suggests the fragility of paper.
- Enjambment is used after “light” to visually represent the light shining through paper in the way that the words break through the line of poetry.
shine through, this
- Caesura (a pause in the middle of a line of poetry) is used to emphasise the epiphany of the idea that transparency can change things.
is what could alter things.
- The conversational style of these lines is created through interesting syntax. The speaker places the big idea first (Paper that lets the light shine through), then explains its significance after the comma.
- The end stop on this line, combined with the enjambment of the other lines in this opening verse, plays around with the pauses, giving the effect that the lines of the poem are fragile and breakable, just like paper.
Paper thinned by age or touching,
- The focus on paper, the subject of the poem, is made very clear through the syntax of this sentence.
Stanza 2
the kind you find in well-used books,
- Alliteration in the /k/ sound in “kind,” “Koran,” and “back” draws attention to the significance of paper in recording important personal and historical details.
- Enjambment is used here and in many other places in the poem, echoing the experience of turning pages, one into the next, with only a brief pause as the page turns.Â
- This stanza underscores the personal and historical value of paper, linking it to memory and legacy.
the back of the Koran, where a hand
- The Koran is the holy book of Islam (Muslim). The reference to the Koran as ‘well-used’ highlights its importance in families, underscoring the personal and historical value of these specific pages, where family histories have been added by hand.
- The symbol of paper here is made personal, linking paper to memories and legacies in family histories.
- Synecdoche (referring to one part as if it is the whole i.e. ‘a hand’ as if it is the whole person) is used to make the ‘hand’ a universal phenomenon, rather than a one-off example.
has written in the names and histories,
- The extended metaphor shows that paper represents the preservation of history and memory.
who was born to whom,
- Repetition of ‘who’ and ‘whom’ mimics the importance of legacies and histories, echoing the genealogies often found in religious books.
Stanza 3
the height and weight, who
- Height and weight are important in the records of births, again emphasising the detail and care taken by families to record their own histories. We see how paper facilitates these important records.
died where and how, on which sepia date,
- Again, the speaker is at pains to emphasise that the knowledge of the pages of the Koran is not only important in itself, but the tradition and culture of annotating the pages at the back is also an important part of the Islam culture. Details of ‘where’ and ‘how’ and ‘which’ highlight the care and detail recorded.
- Sepia is the reddish-brown colour which was common in old photography, and perhaps is the colour of the pages of old books. Here, the adjective is used to describe the dates on the records, emphasising their age and historical value.
pages smoothed and stroked and turned
- Sibilance (the /s/ sounds) in “smoothed,” “stroked,” and “sepia” convey a sense of gentleness and care, emphasising the intimate, tactile connection between people and paper.
- A triplet structure is used in ‘smoothes and stroked and turned’ to add fluency to the description.
transparent with attention.
- This line ends the verse with an end-stop which occurs in only some of the verses of ‘Tissue’. The end-stop here allows the next verse to take up a new image, closing off the description of the paper used in books.
- ‘Transparent with attention’ is a soft and gentle description of a book which is central to a family history, delicate because of frequent use.
Stanza 4
If buildings were paper, I might
- The conditional ‘if’ of this verse opening introduces the possibilities and the hopeful tone of the poem, which is a shift from the more factual and tangible descriptions in the previous verses.
feel their drift, see how easily
- The extended metaphor comparing buildings to paper highlights the fragility and impermanence of human structures.
- Enjambment is used to create flow between lines, mirroring the movement of paper in the wind, and reinforcing the idea of fragility.
they fall away on a sigh, a shift
- The light and airy imagery here is highlighted by the long vowel and ‘s’ sounds of ‘a sigh, a shift’. The effect is to illustrate the vulnerability of human structures, suggesting that they are foundation-less and easily blown away by a breeze.
in the direction of the wind.
- Referring to the ‘direction of the wind’ suggests that not only are human buildings and human power structures fragile, but they are also susceptible to  unpredictable changes, in this metaphor symbolised by the direction of the wind. It makes human power seem fickle.
- Again, this verse closes off the image of paper buildings with an end-stop.
Stanza 5
Maps too. The sun shines through
- Verse 5 opens with a very short sentence.
- Repetition of the imagery of light is used, reminding us that hope remains, despite the fragility of our tissue.
- The power of the sun to shine through suggests nature’s dominance over human-made divisions.
their borderlines, the marks
- Boundaries and ‘borderlines’ are controversial issues in human history, often the sources of conflict between countries. This brief mention of borders, as well as ‘roads’ and ‘railtracks’ (all man-made constructs) contrasts with the natural lines created by rivers and mountains. Regardless of whether they are manmade or natural, the sun shines through them, highlighting that they are all fragile in their own way.
that rivers make, roads,
- Commas are used to create list structures on these lines, adding pauses and interrupting the flow of the lines.
railtracks, mountainfolds,
- Alliteration is used to add structure and auditory interest in the /r/ sounds in “rivers,” “roads,” and “railtracks” as well as the repeated /m/ sounds in ‘marks’, ‘make’ and ‘maintainfolds’. The connecting sounds in these words mimic the interconnectedness of these features on maps. These lines highlight the symbolic power of maps, representing both the connections and divisions created by humanity.
Stanza 6
Fine slips from grocery shops
- Sibilance is used in the repeated /s/ sounds in “slips,” “say,” and “sold” to emphasise the everyday nature of these transactions. Sibilance also adds an airy feel, which paves the way for the kite imagery in the final line of the verse.
that say how much was sold
- Buying and selling are the focus of this line and the next. These consumer transactions, along with the reference to the ‘credit card’ contrast with the family histories recorded in the back of the family Koran, highlighting that paper can hold memories but can also be a negative symbol of man’s power.
and what was paid by credit card
- Alliteration of the /c/ sound in ‘credit card’ adds a harshness to the line, reminding the reader of the negative impact of some types of paper i.e. human structures, particularly those which focus on money.Â
might fly our lives like paper kites.
- The simile which compares receipts to ‘paper kites’ suggests that mundane transactions have the power to influence our lives significantly i.e. our lives are being flown/driven by transactions. The suggestion is that we are materialistic.
Stanza 7
An architect could use all this,
- The image of the architect is perhaps the greatest image of the use of paper to create change. While the ‘well-used books’, receipts, ‘maps’ and ‘buildings’ all represent something either fixed, past or negative, the image of the architect using paper to layer and plan to let light through is a very positive image, suggesting hope for the future.
place layer over layer, luminous
- Alliteration of the /l/ sounds in “layer,” “luminous,” and “line” convey a sense of lightness and transparency.
script over numbers over line,
- The imagery is again positive and complex, showing that paper can be a powerful tool in being transparent and allowing for change.Â
- The triplet structure of this line emphasises the multifaceted qualities of architect’s paper.
and never wish to build again with brick
- The power of paper to replace brick reflects the idealised vision of this poem.Â
- Enjambment is used to run this verse straight into the next, which works well as the same topic and idea are continued, making the verse division relatively meaningless. Dharker illustrates, through enjambment, that the boundaries can be broken and that these human constructs (buildings, or indeed, verse divisions) are fragile.
Stanza 8
or block, but let the daylight break
- Alliteration of the /b/ sound in ‘block’, ‘but’ and ‘break’ adds rhythm to the line and emphasises the sounds of the idealistic vision where human constructions embrace the fragility and beauty of paper, allowing light (symbolising truth and understanding) to penetrate.
through capitals and monoliths,
- “Capitals and monoliths” symbolise traditional, prideful human achievements (you could link this line very powerfully to the poem ‘Ozymandias‘ if considering connections within the AQA Power and Conflict anthology.
through the shapes that pride can make,
- Pride is an important theme in the AQA Power and Conflict anthology, and indeed, in considering the structures of the world. Pride can build, create and spur one on to greatness but is also responsible for blocking light (truth) out.
find a way to trace a grand design
- Alliteration in the /t/ sounds in “trace” and “tissue” emphasise delicacy.
Stanza 9
with living tissue, raise a structure
- The extended metaphor shifts here from paper to “living tissue”, suggesting that the most meaningful human creations are those that recognise and incorporate human frailty.
- The contrast between ‘living tissue’ and a manmade ‘structure’ highlights the essence of this poem.
never meant to last,
- The idea of the previous lines, that paper can be used to create structures that let light in, is ‘never meant to last’ i.e. the poem rejects the idea that humans can build eternal structures. Indeed, the paper that is aged through use, ‘smoothed and stroked’ is fragile and will eventually tear, and that is ok. Human beings, like the structures they create, are here for a time and then they ‘drift’, ‘sigh’ or ‘fly’.
of paper smoothed and stroked
- The repeated emphasis on paper’s smoothness and transparency reinforces its delicate nature.
- These lines reiterate the poem’s central theme: the inherent fragility and beauty of both paper and human life.Â
and thinned to be transparent,
- Transparency is a positive image in this poem. It suggests an openness to change and a clarity and truthfulness needed.
Stanza 10
turned into your skin.
- Comparing paper to skin underscores the intimate connection between the material and human existence, and finishes the extended metaphor that has run through the whole poem.
- The isolation of the final line draws attention to this overarching message.
Analysis of form and structure
Verse structure
‘Tissue’ uses free verse combined with mostly consistent stanza lengths. ‘Tissue’ is written as nine quatrains (four-line verses) and one final line, isolated as a verse on its own.
Enjambment is used extensively throughout the poem, with sentences and phrases flowing from one line to the next without end-stop punctuation. This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, reflecting the interconnectedness of the themes and ideas presented.
Short lines contribute to a light and delicate feel, appropriate for the subject of tissue paper and the metaphorical exploration of human life.
Lack of punctuation further enhances the sense of flow and movement. This stylistic choice aligns with the poem’s exploration of impermanence and the transient nature of existence.
The final line, “turned into your skin”, creates an abrupt shift in structure, emphasising the poem’s conclusion and reinforcing the central metaphor of tissue paper as a symbol for human skin and, by extension, human life.
Rhyme
“Tissue” does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme. Instead, it is written in free verse, which means it does not have a regular pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines.Â
This lack of a fixed rhyme scheme helps to reinforce the themes of fragility and the irregularity of life, as the poem flows more naturally and mimics the unpredictability of human experiences and interactions. The use of free verse allows Dharker to convey the delicate and ephemeral nature of both paper and human existence without the constraints of a traditional poetic form.
Rhythm
The rhythm of the poem “Tissue” by Imtiaz Dharker is characterised by its free verse structure, which means it does not adhere to a regular meter or consistent rhythmic pattern. Instead, the poem has a natural, conversational flow, reflecting the themes of fragility and the unpredictability of life. Here are some key aspects of the rhythm in “Tissue”:
- Variable Line Lengths: The poem features lines of varying lengths, contributing to a flexible and irregular rhythm. This mirrors the delicate and unpredictable nature of both tissue paper and human life.
- Enjambment: Dharker frequently uses enjambment, where sentences or phrases run over from one line to the next without punctuation. This technique creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, allowing the ideas to flow seamlessly and emphasising the interconnectedness of thoughts.
- Pacing: The rhythm is also influenced by the pacing of the poem, which varies to reflect different moods and themes. For example, shorter lines create a sense of urgency or fragility, while longer lines can convey a more reflective or descriptive tone.
- Natural Speech Patterns: The poem’s rhythm is often conversation, making it more accessible and relatable, helping readers to think about the main themes and ideas.
Themes in 'Tissue'
Fragility of all things, both manmade and natural
The poem consistently highlights the delicate nature of both paper and human life. Tissue paper, which can “fall away on a sigh, a shift in the direction of the wind,” serves as a metaphor for the fragile and mortal nature of human existence (‘never meant to last’). This theme is reinforced through descriptions of paper thinning with age and becoming transparent.
There is a recurring juxtaposition between human-made structures and the natural world. The poem suggests that while humans build with brick and block, true beauty and resilience lie in the more ephemeral and organic. The imagery of light shining through paper and the desire for buildings that let the daylight break through emphasise a harmonious relationship with nature.
Relationships
Dharker examines how human experiences, histories, and connections are recorded and preserved on paper. The poem references the names and histories written in the back of the Koran, symbolising the importance of these connections and relationships in shaping identity. Paper, despite its fragility, holds the weight of human history and relationships.
Power and the power of human constructs
The poem explores the tension between the power of human creations and their inherent limitations. While paper plays a crucial role in various aspects of life (maps, receipts, holy books), it is also depicted as delicate and easily destroyed. This duality reflects the broader human condition—capable of great achievements yet fundamentally vulnerable.
Knowledge and enlightenment
Paper is portrayed as a vessel for knowledge, enlightenment, and cultural preservation. References to books, maps, and holy texts highlight the role of paper in disseminating information and wisdom. The imagery of light shining through paper symbolises the illuminating power of knowledge.
Quiz
‘Tissue’ by Imtiaz Dharker
Test your knowledge of the poem 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker
Comprehension Questions
- What is the significance of the title “Tissue” in the context of the poem?
- Identify and explain the extended metaphor used throughout the poem. How does it relate to the theme of human life?
- In lines 5-8, the poem references “well-used books” and “the back of the Koran.” What is the significance of these references?
- Analyse the use of enjambment in the poem. How does it contribute to the poem’s meaning and flow?
- What does the metaphor of “buildings made of paper” suggest about human constructs and achievements?
- Explain the symbolism of light in the poem. How does it interact with the image of paper?
- In lines 21-24, the poet compares receipts to “paper kites.” What does this simile suggest about daily life and transactions?
- What role does alliteration play in the poem? Provide examples and explain their effect on the poem’s tone and meaning.
- How does the final line of the poem, “turned into your skin,” encapsulate the overall message of the poem?
- Which poem from the anthology would you use to compare and contrast with ‘Tissue’ when considering the theme of mankind’s power? Create a mind map or essay plan to show the ways in which you would approach this question, making it clear your points, evidence and notes to compare and contrast the two poems.Â
“Tissue” and “London” both examine human life and societal structures. “Tissue” concludes with a vision of structures made from ‘living tissue’, inherently fragile and temporary, much like human life itself, while “London” depicts a more rigid and oppressive view of society, characterised by suffering and control. While Dharker uses the metaphor of paper to suggest hope and the possibility of change, Blake presents a grim picture of urban life, marked by despair and corruption. Both poems use quatrains, so there are similarities in their structure, despite contrasting outlooks on the structures of power.
Both ‘Tissue’ and ‘Ozymandias’ explore the impermanence of human achievements and the ultimate powerlessness of mankind in the face of time and nature. ‘Tissue’ uses paper as a symbol for human life and achievements, highlighting their delicacy and temporary nature. ‘Ozymandias’ uses the statue as a symbol of human pride and ambition, now crumbled and forgotten in the desert. The poems come from very different time periods and contexts, and they also have very different forms, with ‘Ozymandias’ written in the form of a sonnet while ‘Tissue’ is largely in quatrains.
