Andrienne Rich once said, "I am an instrument in the shape of a woman trying to translate pulsations into images." Elizabeth Bishop applies Rich"s quote in the poem "The Fish." The poem tells about a situation where Bishop catches an unattractive fish. As she studies the fish closer, Bishop notices that the fish has special characteristics. These features slowly carry the fish from an unworthy catch to a great accomplishment. Bishop"s use of imagery allows the reader to see a fish that becomes more than just an ordinary catch. By gaining respect from Bishop, the fish becomes a triumph.

             With a grunting weight, Bishop reels in a lethargic, old, unpleasant fish. At first glance, Bishop sees no qualities that make the catch worthwhile. With imagery, Bishop is able to assert the idea that the fish is not wanted. The " .brown skin [hanging] in strips like ancient wall-paper, and its pattern of darker brown like wall-paper." give the fish an unappealing quality (13). The dull colors and reference to age suggest to the reader that the fish is not special. .

             Bishop begins to study the fish closely. She pays greater attention to detail. The colors begin to shift from dull to bright. This change is seen when Bishop depicts the fish"s wound: .

             [The] frightening gills, .

             fresh and crisp with blood. .

             the big bones and the little bones,.

             the dramatic red and blacks .

             of his shiny entrails,.

             and the pink swim-bladder .

             like a big peony. (33).

             Bishop begins to appreciate the fish. The dramatic change in colors adds to the idea. The reader interprets Bishop"s mood change through the flattery of the fish.

             Bishop looks at the fish"s eyes and ".[admires] his sullen face" (45). The admiration for the fish is ironic since he was detested when first caught. The relationship between the fish and Bishop becomes even closer when she notices his lip. Hanging there are "five old pieces of fish-line/.