Compare how poets present the power of humans in Tissue and one other poem from the
anthology.
Both Dharker and Shelley critique the power of humans: they attack the ‘pride’ that is displayed
in our species by subverting this to the futile and hollow course of human life. However, in
Tissue, Dharker questions the value of human power and constructs whereas Shelley in
Ozymandias criticises the pointlessly brutal regime of the corrupt in power.
Throughout Tissue, Dharker describes man’s hubristic attempt to ‘map’ out nature: ‘the sun
shines through their borderlines’. This hopeful metaphor not only criticises human ignorance at
attempting to separate and break apart omnipotent nature in order for material gain, but also
diminishes the importance of borders and segregation as the ‘sun’ permeates their divisions-
this reflects Dharker’s wish to express her multicultural heritage freely, in a society where land
and nature is not segregated and split apart. In addition, the natural imagery inherent in ‘sun’ not
only implies how Dharker wishes civilization to be returned to its natural form with a lack of
human constructs and rules once again, but also symbolises her hope for humanity as the ‘sun’
carries connotations of spiritual joy and fulfilment: therefore, Dharker conveys her hope that as a
species we can rid ourselves of excessive hubris and overbearing rules.
…
[CONT NEXT PAGE]
anthology.
Both Dharker and Shelley critique the power of humans: they attack the ‘pride’ that is displayed
in our species by subverting this to the futile and hollow course of human life. However, in
Tissue, Dharker questions the value of human power and constructs whereas Shelley in
Ozymandias criticises the pointlessly brutal regime of the corrupt in power.
Throughout Tissue, Dharker describes man’s hubristic attempt to ‘map’ out nature: ‘the sun
shines through their borderlines’. This hopeful metaphor not only criticises human ignorance at
attempting to separate and break apart omnipotent nature in order for material gain, but also
diminishes the importance of borders and segregation as the ‘sun’ permeates their divisions-
this reflects Dharker’s wish to express her multicultural heritage freely, in a society where land
and nature is not segregated and split apart. In addition, the natural imagery inherent in ‘sun’ not
only implies how Dharker wishes civilization to be returned to its natural form with a lack of
human constructs and rules once again, but also symbolises her hope for humanity as the ‘sun’
carries connotations of spiritual joy and fulfilment: therefore, Dharker conveys her hope that as a
species we can rid ourselves of excessive hubris and overbearing rules.
…
[CONT NEXT PAGE]
