bishop quites

“I caught a tremendous fish” (The Fish)

Adjective, symbolism — “Tremendous” immediately suggests the fish is significant beyond its physical size. The fish becomes a symbol of endurance and survival, reflecting Bishop’s admiration for those who persevere through life’s hardships.

“He hadn’t fought at all.” (The Fish)

Contrast, tone — The fish’s lack of resistance creates a subdued and almost tragic tone. Rather than presenting the fish as weak, Bishop portrays it as an exhausted survivor whose many struggles have already been fought.

“like ancient wallpaper” (The Fish)

Simile, visual imagery — The comparison suggests age, endurance and history. The fish appears weathered by time, reinforcing the idea that it has survived many challenges and carries the marks of experience.

“And I let the fish go.” (The Fish)

Simple sentence, resolution — The simple ending reflects Bishop’s moment of understanding and respect. After recognising the fish’s resilience and dignity, she releases it, showing a deep connection between human and nature.

“The brown enormous odor he lived by” (The Prodigal)

Sensory imagery — Emphasises the claustrophobic and overwhelming environment, showing how degraded and isolated the prodigal’s life has become.

“the sunrise glazed the barnyard mud with red” (The Prodigal)

Visual imagery — A moment of unexpected beauty in unpleasant surroundings, suggesting hope and redemption remain possible.

“his shuddering insights, beyond his control” (The Prodigal)

Internal conflict — Reveals growing self-awareness and the painful realisation that change is necessary.

“it took him a long time finally to make up his mind to go home.” (The Prodigal)

Tone, resolution — Highlights the difficulty of recovery and shows that redemption is a gradual process.

“Oh, but it is dirty!” (Filling Station)

Exclamatory tone — Establishes a playful yet critical tone while drawing attention to the station’s disorder and grime.

“greasy sons” (Filling Station)

Alliteration — Reinforces the masculine atmosphere and the pervasive dirtiness of the station.

“Why, oh why, the doily?” (Filling Station)

Rhetorical question — Highlights the surprising presence of care and femininity in an otherwise rough environment.

“Somebody loves us all.” (Filling Station)

Declarative tone — The poem’s central message. Suggests quiet acts of love and care exist even in ordinary places.

“In the cold, cold parlor” (First Death in Nova Scotia)

Repetition — Emphasises coldness and creates an atmosphere associated with death and emotional distance.

“Arthur’s coffin was a little frosted cake” (First Death in Nova Scotia)

Metaphor — Childlike imagery softens the reality of death and reflects the speaker’s innocence.

“Jack Frost had started to paint him” (First Death in Nova Scotia)

Personification — The child uses imagination to make sense of death, blending fantasy with reality.

“They invited Arthur to be the smallest page at court.” (First Death in Nova Scotia)

Fantasy imagery — Illustrates the child’s attempt to understand death through stories and imagination, revealing both innocence and confusion