The literary analysis of "The Fish" by Elizabeth Bishop

The poem on focus for the instant journal is "The Fish" by Elizabeth Bishop. 

Meaning of the Poem 

A careful analysis o f the poem reflects that it is a narrative by a fisherman who has managed to make an astounding catch. This is based on the first line in the poem, “I caught a tremendous fish”. First, the fish caught is both massive and rare, a fact that many a fisherman seek for. This conclusion has been arrived at based on the description given by the narrator about the fish, including using the phrase “grunting weight” to describe the fish. Secondly, the fish has clearly survived very many attempts to catch it based on the fact that there were several old broken hooks still lodged in its mouth. 

Five Powerful Words or Figures of Speech 

Tremendous. 

In formal usage, tremendous simply means large but the word also has the secondary informal meaning of unique or peculiar. This is a powerful word in the poem due to its dynamic nature with all the elements describing the fish caught all falling under the ambit of ‘tremendous”. 

Wallpaper 

The word wallpaper is used as a euphemism twice in two lines that follow one another but which have very different meanings. This word is powerful as it brings in a larger metaphorical meaning, perhaps reflecting that how the fish looks is not natural but rather as a result of what it has gone through in its life. 

Speckled with Barnacles 

This singular phrase has a very powerful implication that perhaps tones down the seeming success of the catch. The massive fish had grown so docile that sea plants had started growing on it, meaning catching it may not be as grand as it seems. 

Shallower, and Yellowed 

This is a description of the eyes of the fish and is powerful based on the fact that eyes are euphemistically used as a reflection of the soul. If the eyes of the fish are shallower and yellowed, it means that the fish is already dying if not half dead . The narrator has actually interfered with the natural process of the fish’s demise. 

Hung five old pieces of fish-line 

This is the phrase that turns the entire poem around. After the narrator thinking that this was no victory at all as the fish was already dying , the realization that several great fishermen had attempted to catch this fish and failed miserably makes the seeming mistake be turned into a victory. 

Poetic Elements 

Diction 

The poet makes powerful use of diction, mixing words and phrases and sometimes including dashes. This creates the impression that the narrator is not addressing the reader but rather musing aloud. 

Alliteration 

There is limited use of alliteration within the poem, a good example being the use of the word lip in two sentences that closely follow one another. 

Simile 

This is perhaps the most abundant poetic element used in the narrative. Indeed, the word ‘like’ is used to create over eight similes in the poem, most of the describing the fish. 

Metaphor 

The poem in its entirety seems like a metaphor with the narrator as a fisherman and the fish itself is reflective of another encounter such as combat between two humans or a relationship. Minute details are given such major emphasis that they can only be metaphorical representations of something different. 

Imagery 

Imagery is used very well in the poem so that by the end of the poem, any reader can imagine that they have seen the fish as well as the old rusty boat. 

Reflection 

The poem was extremely enjoyable and it was literally impossible to read it only once. It is written to create a build up from the mystery of the tremendous catch that does not fight the fisherman . The narrator seems eager and reluctant at the same time which spars curiosity. The reader develops pity for the fish, then feels the pride of the fisherman after realizing the many successes of the fish. It is the use of the words, rather than the plot itself that makes the poem very interesting and enjoyable.