Question

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 where he broke it, two heavier lines, and a fine black thread still crimped from the strain and snap when it broke and he got away. Like medals with their ribbons frayed and wavering, a five-haired beard of wisdom trailing from his aching jaw. I stared and stared and victory filled up the little rented boat, from the pool of bilge where oil had spread a rainbow

Answer 1

The phrase in the excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish" which compares the fish to an old, experienced soldier, is the following one:

"Like medals with their ribbons frayed and wavering, a five-haired beard of wisdom trailing from his aching jaw."

The author mentions the medals, which are a reference to soldiers and their deeds of glory. Plus, the ribbons of the medals are worn out, surely a sign of time and experience. There is also the metaphor "beard of wisdom", which is a way to compare the fish to an old and wise individual. Not to mention the "aching jaw", certainly a reference to soldiers who suffer from permanent damage as a result of the battles they have fought.

Answer 2

“Like medals with their ribbons frayed an wavering, a five haired beard of wisdom trailing from his aching jaw”