Volume III Special Issue I January 2023

Name of Author : Pavana Merin Jose

Title of the paper : Water and Life: Sarah Josephs Gift in Green

Abstract: Water is one of the most precious natural resources. A developing human population, and the expansion of economic activities that comes with it, will escalate the pressure on water resources. The study of this paper is related to the symbolism of water used plentifully in Sarah Joseph’s Gift in Green. The novel has its background story of water-covenant between the inhabitants of Aathi, a village of pristine beauty and the water. It is evident in the story that, under the Earth was buried the clear water body that had sustained Aathi, and its people, for centuries. The fish, the frogs, the crabs, the oysters, the birds, the butterflies, the reptiles, the grass, the bushes and the mangrove forest are the signatories of magna carta.The people of Aathi found the divine presence in the numerous waterbeds with which the village is adorned. Faced with degradation and pollution of this miracle of life, they encounter the absence of God and therefore the fury of nature. This divine fury is highlighted so as to conscientize the people of the unsafe consequences of burying the water beds in order to make cities. It also explores the healing effects of water in psychological medicine. This paper points out that the self purifying nature of water is symbolized as a reflection of the inner purification of one’s own soul. The negative energy that emerges out to the universe by the way of human anger, hate, vengeance, jealousy and greed is pointed in the study. This paper concludes stating a great truth that the water-human connectedness transcends the level of symbolism and consists in being carried by this miracle of life from the umbilical cord of our existence to our last breath.This study inspires us to be responsible users of natural resources in order to preserve life in our planet.

Keywords : Water Symbolism, Water Covenant, Water Beds, Capitalism, Environmental Degradation

DOI :

Page Number : 151-153