Meaning: Norman MacCaig, a renowned Scottish poet, captures a complex human attitude towards fishing in this quote. The quote reflects the contradiction in the speaker's attitude towards killing different creatures. The speaker claims to love fishing, yet expresses a reluctance to kill a fly while showing no hesitation in killing a fish. This contrast raises questions about the ethical considerations and selective empathy that individuals may hold.

The quote also alludes to the commonality of this attitude among men, suggesting that this duality in empathy and ethical considerations may not be unique to the speaker. The nonchalant attitude of "No bother. Out you come. Thump." highlights the matter-of-fact approach that some individuals have towards the act of killing fish while engaging in the activity of fishing. This casual attitude towards taking a life, particularly that of a fish, raises broader questions about the moral implications of human interactions with the natural world.

MacCaig's quote opens up a discussion about the ethical dimensions of fishing and the varying degrees of empathy and consideration that individuals extend towards different forms of life. The contrast between the speaker's love for fishing and reluctance to kill a fly versus their readiness to kill a fish prompts reflection on the selective nature of empathy and compassion.

The quote also invites contemplation on the cultural and societal norms that may shape these attitudes. Fishing has been a traditional and often deeply ingrained activity in many cultures, with its own set of rituals, values, and practices. The quote suggests that these cultural norms may influence individuals’ perceptions of which lives are worthy of compassion and which can be disregarded.

Furthermore, the quote raises questions about the intrinsic value of different forms of life. It prompts consideration of why the speaker, and by extension, many men, may perceive the life of a fish as less significant or worthy of compassion compared to that of a fly. This leads to broader philosophical inquiries about the hierarchical categorization of life and the ethical implications of such distinctions.

As a poet, MacCaig's choice of words and phrasing in the quote also elicits an emotional response. The juxtaposition of the speaker's love for fishing with the matter-of-fact description of killing a fish creates a sense of dissonance. The abruptness of the statement "Out you come. Thump." conveys a sense of finality and detachment, emphasizing the swift and seemingly unemotional act of ending a fish's life.

In conclusion, Norman MacCaig's quote encapsulates a multi-layered exploration of human attitudes towards fishing, empathy, and ethical considerations. It prompts reflection on the selective nature of compassion, the influence of cultural norms, and the intrinsic value of different forms of life. Through its nuanced portrayal of the speaker's contrasting attitudes, the quote invites contemplation on the complex and often contradictory ways in which humans interact with the natural world.