Which three words or phrases in…

English Questions

Which three words or phrases in this excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop’s “The Fish” compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier? The excerpt mentions a “green line, frayed at the end,” “like medals with their ribbons frayed and wavering,” and “a five-haired beard of wisdom trailing from his aching jaw.”

Answer

In the excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop’s “The Fish,” phrases that liken the fish to an aged, seasoned soldier include: “Like medals with their ribbons frayed and wavering”: indicating the fish’s survival and its experience much like a soldier who bears his awards. “A five-haired beard of wisdom trailing from his aching jaw”: suggesting an injured old soldier, moving with difficulty. Lastly, “victory”: representing a soldier’s achievement following battle, here symbolizing the fish filling the borrowed boat after being caught.

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