Question

How does the speaker personify the fish? Why does Bishop have the speaker revise her initial statement about the fish?

Answer 1

In the poem/story, the speaker personifies the fish and the revision of her initial statement reflects a change in her perception.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem/story, the speaker personifies the fish by attributing human-like qualities and characteristics to it. For example, the speaker describes the fish's skin as 'brown skin hung in strips' and 'damasked with brown.' This personification helps to create a vivid image of the fish in the reader's mind and emphasizes its importance in the poem.

Bishop has the speaker revise her initial statement about the fish because she realizes that her initial judgment of the fish was inaccurate and superficial. At first, the speaker sees the fish as 'battered and venerable,' but as she continues to observe it, she begins to appreciate its beauty and resilience. By revising her initial statement, the speaker acknowledges her mistake and embraces a deeper understanding of the fish.

Answer 2

First of all, the speaker personifies the fish by giving him gender. She refers to him using the pronoun "his". Even though we know fishes can not convey emotions, she uses adjectives to describe his expression such as "battered and venerable", or "his sullen face".

As she observes closer, she begins to empathise with the fish and finally sets him free.