"The Fish"

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer discusses the symbolism of the fish in Elizabeth Bishop's free-verse poem "The Fish". The paper examines Bishop's use of similes throughout the poem. In addition, the writer looks at her use of alliteration and assonance as a means to enhance the impact of the poem. The paper suggests that the fish primarily serves as a symbol of resiliency and survival and that it is a common symbol of Christianity and Christ.

From the Paper:

"A common symbol of Christianity and Christ, the fish serves as a multi-layered symbol in Bishop's poem. Because the fish has been hooked and is bloody and also because the fish emerges from the water a "venerable" creature, it readily symbolizes Christ. Moreover, the fish's attitude toward its captors is passive: "He didn't fight. / He hadn't fought at all." He "hung a grunting weight, / battered" just like the dying Jesus on the cross. Further Christian symbols include a simile referring to the "ancient wall-paper" of the fish's scales. The fish is also a foreign creature, who cannot survive on land just as human beings could not survive under water. His "frightening gills" labor at inhaling the "terrible oxygen" that provides sustenance to mammals but not to fish. Thus, the fish is exotic in its denotation of Christ and in its otherworldly appearance."

Sample of Sources Used:

• The Fish, Elizabeth Bishop

More papers on "The Fish":

• Poem Review # 133312 : "Metaphor in Elizabeth Bishop's poem "The Fish"
• Analytical Essay # 53192 : "Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish"
• Analytical Essay # 27923 : "The Fish"

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