Tissue vs The Émigrée: AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Comparison (Grade 9 Guide)
Introduction
Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker and The Émigrée by Carol Rumens are two key poems in the AQA Power and Conflict anthology that explore identity, power, and belonging. Both poets question systems that try to control people—whether through borders, documents, or political regimes—and suggest that human identity and memory are more powerful than artificial structures. However, Dharker presents these ideas through abstract symbolism and imagery, while Rumens focuses on a personal voice shaped by memory and exile.
This Grade 9 comparison guide will help you compare both poems confidently in exams.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Theme | Tissue | The Émigrée |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Fragile human systems | Oppressive political control |
| Identity | Fluid and universal | Personal and memory-based |
| Memory | Implied through human traces | Central to identity |
| Nature/Light | Light as truth | Sunlight as hope |
| Tone | Reflective, philosophical | Nostalgic, defiant |
Similarity 1: Both poems challenge systems of control
In Tissue, Dharker suggests that human systems are weak, shown through “Maps too. The sun shines through their borderlines”. Borders are presented as fragile and artificial.
In The Émigrée, the speaker resists political oppression, referring to “They accuse me of being dark in their free city”. The authorities attempt to control identity.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets criticise systems that attempt to control people’s lives and identities.
Similarity 2: Both poems present identity as powerful
Dharker ends with the image of paper “turned into your skin”, suggesting human identity is more meaningful than documents.
Rumens presents identity as rooted in memory, shown through the repeated image of “sunlight”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems suggest identity cannot be fully controlled by external forces.
Similarity 3: Both poems use light imagery
In Tissue, “Paper that lets the light shine through” suggests truth and understanding.
In The Émigrée, “my city hides behind me. They mutter death… but my memory of it is sunlight-clear”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Light represents truth, hope, and resistance in both poems.
Difference 1: Perspective
Tissue
Abstract, philosophical voice.
The Émigrée
Personal first-person narrative.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Dharker explores universal ideas, while Rumens focuses on individual experience.
Difference 2: Memory’s role
In Tissue, memory is implied through human marks and traces.
In The Émigrée, memory is central and shapes identity directly.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Rumens places memory at the heart of identity, while Dharker treats it more indirectly.
Difference 3: Structure
Tissue
- Free verse
- Irregular stanzas
- Flowing enjambment
The Émigrée
- Three stanzas
- Repetition of “sunlight”
- Clear progression of thought
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Dharker’s structure reflects fluidity, while Rumens uses repetition to reinforce memory.
Key Quotes Comparison Table
| Tissue | The Émigrée |
| “Paper that lets the light shine through” | “sunlight-clear” |
| “Maps too. The sun shines through” | “They accuse me” |
| “their borderlines” | “my city hides behind me” |
| “turned into your skin” | “I am branded by an impression of sunlight” |
Context Comparison
Tissue
- Dharker explores identity, migration, and global systems.
- Focus on modern bureaucracy and borders.
The Émigrée
- Rumens explores exile and memory of a homeland.
- Reflects political oppression and displacement.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems reflect modern concerns about identity and control.
How to Write a Grade 9 Comparison Paragraph
Both Dharker and Rumens present identity as something that cannot be fully controlled. In Tissue, the idea that “the sun shines through their borderlines” suggests that political boundaries are weak. Similarly, in The Émigrée, the speaker resists authority through her memory of “sunlight-clear” identity. However, Dharker explores these ideas abstractly, while Rumens presents a personal emotional experience.
Exam Question 1
Compare how poets present identity in Tissue and The Émigrée.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poets present identity as something that resists control. In Tissue, Dharker suggests identity is more powerful than systems through the image of paper becoming “your skin”. This implies human identity is natural and cannot be restricted by documents.
Similarly, in The Émigrée, identity is shaped by memory rather than political reality. The repeated image of “sunlight” suggests a positive, enduring sense of self.
However, the approaches differ. Dharker uses abstract symbolism, while Rumens focuses on personal narrative. Therefore, both poems show identity as resilient, but in different ways.
Exam Question 2
Compare how poets present power in Tissue and The Émigrée.
Grade 9 Model Response
Power is presented as fragile in both poems. In Tissue, human systems such as maps and borders are weakened by the image of light shining through them. This suggests political power is temporary.
In The Émigrée, political authorities attempt to control identity, but the speaker’s memories remain strong. The contrast between “they accuse me” and her confident voice shows resistance.
Therefore, both poets present power as limited, especially when challenged by human experience.
Exam Question 3
Compare how poets use imagery to present hope in Tissue and The Émigrée.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poets use light imagery to suggest hope. In Tissue, light shining through paper symbolises truth and openness. It suggests a world beyond rigid systems.
In The Émigrée, sunlight represents warmth, memory, and identity. Even when the city is politically dark, the speaker’s memory remains bright.
Structurally, both poems return to these images, reinforcing their importance. Therefore, imagery becomes central to expressing hope and resistance.
Further Revision Links
To strengthen your comparison skills, read the full anthology hub and detailed poem guides:
- AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (All 15 Poems): https://englishmadesimple.org/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-anthology-revision-guide/
- Tissue by Imtiaz Dharker – How to Get a Grade 9: https://englishmadesimple.org/tissue-by-imtiaz-dharker-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature/
- The Émigrée by Carol Rumens – GCSE Poetry Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/the-emigree-by-carol-rumens-gcse-poetry/
Use these pages to revise quotes, context, themes, and Grade 9 essay ideas before attempting comparison questions.
Final Grade 9 Tip
When comparing these poems, remember: Dharker shows systems of power as fragile, while Rumens shows identity and memory as powerful forms of resistance.
