The Symbolism of Water - 1381 Words

The Symbolism of Water Many works of literature use symbols to represent abstract ideas. One symbol that is commonly used is water. Water is a viable symbol because it is versatile. It can be used to represent many different ideals because water in itself is ever changing. Water is used in many works to represent such ideals as death, life, love, betrayal, purity, holiness, and so on. Giglamesh, the Old Testament, Egyptian Poetry, and The Odyssey all have symbolized water to represent an idea portrayed in the work. Giglamesh symbolizes water in two different meanings, as life and death. Giglamesh uses water to represent life is Gilgamesh s dreams. When Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel are on their quest to kill Humbaba, Gilgamesh†¦show more content†¦In this symbolism water is death, killing Odysseus crew and nearly killing himself. In the journey itself, water symbolizes death. Many of the men who surrounded Odysseus drown, by the seas they are forced to travel. To many reading this work, deat h would be the only interpretation of water in The Odyssey. However, water could be interpreted as symbolizing salvation. In his journey Odysseus, learns a more meager existence.Show MoreRelatedThe Symbolism of Water in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway603 Words   |  3 PagesThe Symbolism of Water in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, is a story about love and war. Frederic Henry, a young American, works as an ambulance driver for the Italian army in World War I. He falls tragically in love with a beautiful English nurse, Miss Catherine Barkley. This tragedy is reflected by water. Throughout the novel Ernest Hemingway uses water as metaphors. 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