Question

select the correct text in the passage.

which three words or phrases in this excerpt from elizabeth bishops \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

Explanation:

Identify the target comparison

The question asks to identify three words or phrases in the excerpt from Elizabeth Bishop's poem "The Fish" that compare the fish to an old, experienced soldier.

Analyze the excerpt for military and veteran imagery

We examine the lines of the poem to find imagery associated with soldiers, battle honors, and age/experience:

1. "Like medals with their ribbons" directly compares the broken fishing lines hanging from the fish's jaw to military decorations (medals and ribbons) awarded for surviving battles.
2. "frayed and wavering" describes these ribbons/medals, emphasizing their worn, battle-tested, and aged condition.
3. "a five-haired beard of wisdom" compares the trailing lines to a beard, which is a traditional symbol of age, experience, and wisdom (often associated with an old veteran or survivor).

Verify the selected phrases

The three selected phrases that work together to create this comparison of the fish to an old, decorated, and wise soldier are:

• "Like medals with their ribbons"
• "frayed and wavering"
• "a five-haired beard of wisdom"

Answer:

Select the correct text in the passage.

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.
<blank>Like medals with their ribbons</blank>
<blank>frayed and wavering</blank>,
<blank>a five-haired beard of wisdom</blank>
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