Pike- Ted Hughes

STANZA 1:

'Three inches long' - focuses on appearance first of all

'Pike in all parts' - description suggests admiration from its tone --> respect

'gold' - connotations of wealth and fortune. Royal imagery

'killers from the egg' - menacing 

'malevolent aged grin' - arrogance. near personification

'dance on the surface- majestic, graceful

STANZA 2:

'stunned by their own grandeur'- suggests that even the pikes themselves are aware of their power and strenght

'emerald' - precious jewel. similar to Gold in S1 suggests wealth

'Silhouette' - light and dark imagery

'Delicacy and horror- contrast one another amazing and powerful yet frightening

STANZA 3:

'Watching upwards'- predatory behaviour as they wait for an attack 

STANZA 4:

'Hooked clamp and fangs' - appear menacing and violent

'Gills kneading quietly' - physical description creates a visual image so is more vivid

STANZA 5:

'Three inches, four' - fast pace growth 

'Suddenly there were…