An Analysis of Visual Imagery in Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish"

Elizabeth Bishop, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1911, faced a tumultuous childhood marked by the untimely loss of her parents. Orphaned at an early age, Bishop found herself navigating a transient existence, moving from one location to another and eventually residing with her grandparents. Despite these adversities, Bishop's poetic works seldom provide explicit glimpses into her personal life. Instead, she directs her literary gaze toward the intricate tapestry of the physical world, employing vivid descriptions of objects to weave a rich narrative that leaves a lasting imprint on her readers.

A notable exemplar of this approach is found in her celebrated poem "The Fish," penned in 1946. This essay undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the effective use of visual imagery in "The Fish," dissecting its multifaceted layers to unravel the profound messages embedded within the poem, and examining how it serves as a conduit for connecting the emotional currents that run through its entirety.

The Poem's Historical Context and Personal Significance

"The Fish" spans an expansive 76 lines, and Bishop herself categorizes it as a memory poem, recounting a specific incident from her life – the catching and subsequent release of a fish in Key West during 1938.

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The poem's central narrative revolves around a fisherman, the speaker, who ensnares a fish. What sets "The Fish" apart is Bishop's adept utilization of visual imagery to breathe life into the poem. Each line is a meticulous brushstroke that paints a vivid picture, offering readers a front-row seat to the speaker's experience and emotions.

The visual imagery employed by Bishop serves as a powerful tool to engage readers effectively.

The speaker's perspective undergoes a transformative journey throughout the poem. Commencing as a detached observer, the speaker gradually becomes immersed in the appearance and essence of the fish. By the poem's denouement, a profound connection has been forged between the speaker and the marine environment, leading to a pivotal decision – the respectful release of the fish. This metamorphosis is mirrored in the evolving colors throughout the poem, from the initial 'brown' (line 10) to the culmination of a vibrant 'rainbow.' Each color is a brushstroke that builds upon the emotions and respect the speaker develops for the fish.

Exploring Ambiguity: The Unidentified Fish

One aspect of "The Fish" that has sparked considerable debate is the deliberate ambiguity surrounding the fish's species. While Bishop acknowledged making minor alterations for artistic effect, critics contend that the description provided is insufficient for accurate identification. The poem's vivid metaphors, similes, and detailed descriptions, characteristic of Bishop's meticulous craftsmanship, add layers of complexity to the fish's portrayal.

It is posited that the fish caught could be a grouper or a black drum, based on the poem's description (Frost, 2004). Critics argue that Bishop intentionally refrained from specifying the fish's species, prompting readers to delve into the intricacies of piscine taxonomy and fostering a sense of curiosity. This deliberate ambiguity allows for the creation of an enigmatic image – a creature that is simultaneously beautiful and ugly. The similes used to describe the fish are particularly noteworthy, as objects such as 'stained wallpaper' (lines 13-15), 'tarnished tinfoil' (line 38), and 'scratched isinglass' (line 40) all carry imperfections. These imperfections serve as metaphors for the flaws inherent in life, emphasizing the fish's symbolic representation of the struggles and experiences that define existence.

Bishop's choice of similes is intriguing, as the flawed objects used to describe the fish symbolize the imperfections inherent in life. The stained wallpaper, tarnished tinfoil, and scratched isinglass all signify wear and tear, implying the fish's age and experience. The poet masterfully weaves a narrative that presents the fish as a survivor, one that has weathered the storms of life. The speaker's respect for the fish deepens as the poem progresses, culminating in the compassionate decision to release the fish back into its aquatic domain.

The Duality of Beauty and Death

Throughout "The Fish," Bishop employs a recurring motif where the fish's appearance is likened to that of flowers – 'full blown roses' (line 14) and 'a big peony' (line 33). This deliberate ambiguity creates a juxtaposition of beauty and death, as the fish, initially at the brink of demise when hung beside the boat, experiences a contrasting fate through the speaker's observation. The transformation from a seemingly lifeless state to the decision to release the fish underscores the irony of beauty emerging from unexpected places. This ironic beauty encapsulates the broader human experience, rife with imperfections and inevitably subject to the passage of time.

The fish, described as having 'a five-haired beard of wisdom,' embodies the theme of survival and growth through experiences. The aged and weathered characteristics of the fish's skin, likened to 'ancient wall-paper,' further reinforce the resilience and wisdom gained through the passage of time. In Bishop's deft hands, the imperfect and flawed nature of the fish becomes a metaphor for the human condition, where life's challenges contribute to the growth of wisdom and the accumulation of experiences.

Discovering Beauty in the Unseen

In the latter part of "The Fish" (lines 65 to the end), Bishop invites readers to witness the beauty inherent in typically disregarded elements. The speaker, having observed oil spillage by boats – traditionally considered polluting and repulsive – witnesses a rainbow forming on the oil spill. This unexpected transformation challenges conventional perceptions and serves as a metaphor for discovering beauty in the overlooked facets of everyday life. Bishop employs vivid descriptions and figurative language to create a cohesive narrative, guiding readers through the emotional journey of the speaker.

Moreover, Bishop strategically introduces doubts into the narrative, such as the fish's lack of resistance when held beside the boat. This peculiarity adds an element of mystery, prompting readers to question and contemplate the significance of the fish's subdued reaction. The initial portrayal of the fish as seemingly hopeless and defeated in the poem's opening lines contrasts sharply with its eventual release, creating a poignant narrative arc that encapsulates the complexities of life.

Beyond the detailed descriptions of the fish, Bishop employs factual imagery to breathe life into the boat itself – 'rusted engine' (line 70), 'sun-cracked thwarts' (line 72), and 'oarlocks on their strings' (line 73). This meticulous attention to detail reinforces Bishop's keen observational skills and adds layers of authenticity to the poem. Personification is subtly woven into the narrative, with the fish being described as 'venerable,' a term typically reserved for noble and revered figures. This personification adds a layer of depth, elevating the fish to a status beyond a mere aquatic creature.

The concluding lines of the poem (lines 66-67), where 'victory filled up/little rented boat,' present victory as a tangible entity capable of occupying physical space. This unconventional portrayal sparks contemplation, encouraging readers to delve into the abstract nature of victory and its ability to fill the tangible world. Bishop's thought-provoking descriptions and unusual imagery contribute to the multifaceted tapestry of "The Fish," celebrating the resilience and triumph inherent in the struggle for survival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish" stands as a testament to her mastery in utilizing visual imagery to convey profound messages and evoke a spectrum of emotions. The poem's historical context, deliberate ambiguity, exploration of imperfection, and discovery of beauty in the unseen collectively contribute to its enduring appeal. "The Fish" transcends the boundaries of a mere descriptive narrative, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on the intricate nuances of life, resilience, and the inexorable passage of time. In a world where imperfections abound, Bishop's poetic prowess lies in her ability to illuminate the beauty hidden within the tapestry of existence, encouraging readers to delve beyond the surface and discover the profound narratives embedded in the seemingly mundane.

Reference: Frost, C. “A Poet’s Inner Eye”. Humanities. 30.2 (2009): 28 – 31. Print.