In "The Fish," Elizabeth Bishop uses sensory language to vividly describe the fish and its surroundings. For example, she writes, "He was speckled with barnacles, fine rosettes of lime, / and infested / with tiny white sea-lice" (lines 5-7). This description appeals to the reader's sense of sight by providing a clear visual image of the fish's appearance. By mentioning the barnacles and sea-lice, Bishop also engages the reader's sense of touch and possibly even disgust, as these are not pleasant or visually appealing aspects of the fish. Additionally, Bishop appeals to the sense of touch when she describes the fish's skin as "like ancient wallpaper" (line 19). This comparison helps readers imagine the texture of the fish's skin and adds to the overall sensory experience of the poem.
In terms of figurative language, Bishop utilizes metaphor to express the idea of the fish's resilience and strength. She writes, "like medals with their ribbons / frayed and wavering / a five-haired beard of wisdom / trailing from his aching jaw" (lines 8-11). By comparing the fish's barnacles to medals and its beard to a sign of wisdom, Bishop elevates the fish from a mere creature to a symbol of endurance and knowledge. This metaphor helps readers understand the poem by emphasizing the fish's significance and the respect it commands.
Personally, I find that the sensory language in "The Fish" helps me better picture the events described in the poem. The detailed and vivid descriptions of the fish's appearance and the environment it inhabits allow me to create a clear mental image of the fish and its surroundings. For example, when Bishop describes the fish's skin as "like ancient wallpaper," I can imagine the rough and weathered texture that comes with age. This sensory language not only helps me understand the poem, but it also enhances my overall reading experience by making the imagery more vivid and engaging.
The poem "The Fish" by Elizabeth bishop then answer the question below using specific examples from the story as support:
Where in the poem does the author use sensory language (language that appeals to a reader's senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste)? Provide an example from the poem and explain how this example helps readers understand the poem and/or picture the events in their minds.
Where in the poem does the author use figurative language (language that is not literally true but expresses an idea through devices such as a simile, metaphor, personification, or hyperbole)? identify the type of figurative language you see and provide at least one example from the poem. explain how this example helps readers understand the poem and/or picture the events in their minds.
Which type of language best helps YOU picture what the author is saying in your mind- sensory language or figurative language? explain why and provide an example from the poem that helped you understand the poem and/ or picture the events in your mind as you read.
Your answer should be TWO paragraphs long. Be sure to answer ALL of the prompt questions and use SPECIFIC examples from the story as support for your answers. read through your work BEFORE you submit it to make sure you have used correct spelling punctuation, and capitalization, and grammar.
2 answers
Can you give me another example?