Which words or phrases in this excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish" compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier?
A green line, frayed at the end
(A) where he broke it, two heavier lines,
and a fine black thread
still crimped from the strain and snap
(b)when it broke and he got away.
(C)Like medals with their ribbons
(D)frayed and wavering,
(E)a five-haired beard of wisdom
(F)trailing from his aching jaw.
I stared and stared
(G)and victory filled up
the little rented boat,
from the pool of bilge
where oil had spread a rainbow
I think it is D and E but this is a guess
C, D and E
To identify words or phrases in the excerpt that compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier, we need to look for imagery and descriptions that evoke characteristics associated with veterans or soldiers. Let's analyze each option mentioned:
(A) "where he broke it, two heavier lines" - This phrase describes the fish's broken line, suggesting strength and resilience, which could be likened to a soldier with battle scars. However, it does not directly compare the fish to a soldier.
(B) "when it broke and he got away" - This phrase describes the fish escaping after the line broke. While it highlights the fish's elusiveness, it does not inherently draw a parallel to a soldier.
(C) "Like medals with their ribbons" - This phrase directly compares something about the fish (presumably its scales) to medals adorned with ribbons. This simile emphasizes the fish's accomplishments or experiences, akin to the medals earned by soldiers.
(D) "frayed and wavering" - This phrase describes the state of something, likely the fish's fins or tail, which are frayed and wavering. This imagery could evoke notions of weathered or worn-out attributes, reminiscent of an aged soldier.
(E) "a five-haired beard of wisdom" - This phrase speaks to the fish having a beard-like feature, composed of five individual hairs, which is associated with wisdom. This imagery draws a comparison to the sagacity often attributed to older, experienced individuals like soldiers.
(F) "trailing from his aching jaw" - This phrase describes the beard mentioned earlier as trailing from the fish's aching jaw. Since the jaw pain implies the fish has endured hardships, it can parallel the physical toll that war can take on a soldier.
(G) "victory filled up the little rented boat" - This phrase expresses the narrator's sense of triumph after catching the fish. Though it signifies success, it does not inherently compare the fish to a soldier.
Considering this analysis, the correct choices that compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier are (C) "Like medals with their ribbons," (D) "frayed and wavering," (E) "a five-haired beard of wisdom," and (F) "trailing from his aching jaw."
Yes, but if you can choose more than 2, be sure to include E.
"to an old experienced soldier"
Please re-think. There are better answers.