Question

Which three 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

"a five-haired beard of wisdom", "frayed", "wavering"

Step-by-step explanation:

These 3 phrases/words compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier because many peope associate a beard with growing old, and "a five-haired beard of wisdom" is assumably referring to the knowledge a soldier could retain from their years of duty. Secondly, when something is frayed, like a sweater, it's running out of material from constantly pulling at it; this analogy could compare a fraying sweater due to constantly pulling at it to an old, exprienced soldier running out of steam or energy due to just being a soldier. Lastly, many old people can develop tremors in their hands and whatnot, which can cause them to shake and waver; the word "wavering" in this excerpt alludes to the claim that it compares the fish to an old, experienced soldier.

Answer 2

"Like medals with their ribbons"

"a five-haired beard of wisdom"

Do not select frayed and wavering, & do not select trailing from his aching jaw, they are incorrect.

Step-by-step explanation:

correct answer on the test