Question 1: Briefly describe the cultural and historical background in which 'Tissue' was written. How might this context influence the themes of the poem?

Answer: The poem was written in a time of social change, exploring themes of fragility in society, the power of human creations, and the transient nature of life, influenced by global debates on identity, religion, and modernity.

Question 2: What significance does Dharker’s background as a poet from Pakistan living in the UK have on the themes of 'Tissue'?

Answer: Her background brings a perspective on cultural identity, migration, and the fluidity of borders, which is reflected in the poem’s exploration of how human constructs like paper and buildings are fragile and temporary.

Question 1: Identify and explain two themes in 'Tissue' that relate to the idea of human power and its impermanence.

Answer: Themes of human power's fragility and impermanence are shown through imagery of crumbling buildings and delicate paper, suggesting that societal structures are fragile and temporary.

Question 2: How does Dharker use the concept of memory in the poem? Provide an example from the text.

Answer: Dharker references memory through images of old, worn paper, implying that human history and memories are fragile and can easily fade or be erased.

Question 1: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'Paper thins and thins' - what does the repetition and choice of words suggest about the poem’s message?

Answer: The repetition emphasizes fragility, suggesting that paper (and by extension, human creations) is delicate and can easily be torn or destroyed. The word 'thins' highlights the vulnerability and transient nature of these structures.

Question 2: Identify a metaphor used to describe the human body or societal structures in the poem and explain its effect.

Answer: The poem uses the metaphor of 'maps and history' being written on paper that can be easily folded and torn, illustrating the fragility of cultural identity and societal power.

Question 3: How does Dharker personify the paper or buildings in the poem? What effect does this have?

Answer: Dharker personifies paper as 'being able to bend and break,' which emphasizes its vulnerability and the idea that human-made structures are alive with the potential to collapse, underscoring their fragility.

Question 1: Outline key points for comparing how 'Tissue' and 'Ozymandias' explore the theme of the transient nature of power.

Answer: Both poems depict the fleeting nature of human power—'Ozymandias' shows a ruined statue symbolizing the fall of a once-great king, while 'Tissue' uses fragile paper and structures to illustrate the delicate, temporary aspects of societal power. The comparison can explore how both poets use imagery of decay and destruction to highlight impermanence.

Question 1: Create an outline for an essay discussing how the poet's background influences the themes and language in 'Tissue'. Include key points about cultural identity, migration, and societal change.

Answer: Introduction: Brief overview of Dharker’s background. Paragraph 1: Cultural identity and migration influence her focus on fragility. Paragraph 2: Use of delicate imagery reflects her personal experiences with change and adaptation. Paragraph 3: How her background informs her critique of societal structures and the transient nature of power. Conclusion: Her background provides a lens that emphasizes vulnerability and impermanence in the poem.