Writing a response

When writing an essay about your interpretation of, or response to, a poem, you should consider the points below.

A good approach to begin with is to highlight any key words which stand out for you. Make sure you use these key words in your essay.

What makes the poem Tissue engaging and appealing to the reader?

Introduction: extended metaphor of paper – examine how the poet refers to the lasting significance of human life but also to its fragility.
Paper used for pages of religious texts: explore the suggestion that religion itself is fragile.
Imagined uses of paper: imagined paper buildings – examine how the speaker says buildings would be fragile if made from tissue paper.
Concrete examples: look at how paper is used by grocers and architects – the fragile nature of these and how money and buildings are also transient.
Conclusion: tissue paper is like skin and both are fragile.

Some other essay questions to think about:

How does Imtiaz Dharker present the theme of power in this poem?
How does Dharker explore the fragility of human life in this poem? Compare her approach to that of another poet, such as Percy Bysshe Shelley.

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