Question

Which words or phrases in this excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish" compare the fish to an old, experienced soldi                                                                                                                                     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 rainbower? 

Answer 1

I. "Like medals to their ribbons" : a decorated solider is one who is experienced in battles and has won many of them , hence why has the medals.

II. "Frayed and wavering" : He is old and worn out by the many battles.


III. A five-haired beard of wisdom : Beard + Wisdom are typically associated with old age and experience. Notice the 5. It's more wisdom and a bigger beard than normal.