Analysis of the Metaphor in the “Fisherman” Poem by Kurt...

13 November, 2011 Analysis of the Metaphor in the â€Å"Fisherman† poem by Kurt Brown Life is a fishing ocean. This reveals the activities of man on a daily basis, where man has to go in search of his daily bread and the obstacles that he encounters. Brown’s poem, â€Å"Fisherman,† illustrates the sad condition of man and life’s struggles through the metaphor of a fisherman. Reading the poem makes me observe how life is in this period of recession, where man’s ego is far seen but his contentment is appreciated. Life is known not to be easy, and man still existing, hoping that he wakes someday and life is better. Brown uses the fishing and ocean metaphors to convey these key meanings and emotions: broken ego, envy, hope with perseverance and†¦show more content†¦This demonstrates how envy originates in the life of a man. Life struggles can be frustrating if no profit is seen and will definitely make a man envious of others. Man could see his peer’s prosperity as a challenge of patient and encouragement. In the case of the fisherman, he is a man without fear to strive on, though with a broken ego, he is not letting go and is ready to do whatever it takes to change his condition. Brown illustrates these concepts in this verse: â€Å"each day he grabs his gear and makes his way to the ocean, at least he is sure of that† (15-17). This suggests hope and perseverance. A man that is hopeful has a better opportunity for tomorrow; this is shown in the life of the fisherman as he goes out everyday not minding his circumstances but hopeful that tomorrow will be better. Hope gives birth to perseverance because he accepts his condition no matter how overwhelming it is. Brown uses the metaphor â€Å"soon he’s drifting under clouds, wind whispering blandishment is his ears. It could be today: the water heaves and settles like a chest he’s not far out† (25-30). Man’s life s truggles is frustrating, irksome but he is still thankful and appreciative that he has a means of livelihood and can still afford comfort no matter how small. The poet uses the metaphor to convey contentment: â€Å"Soon hes drifting under clouds, wind whispering blandishments / in his ears. It could