Rivers of Time, Rivers of Water: A Comparative Study of Water Imagery in The Queerness of Water by Jeremy Chow and On Time and Water by Andri Snare Magnason

Cite this article as: Baba James, A. (2025). Rivers of time, rivers of water: A comparative study of water imagery in The Queerness of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 1(3), 202–207. https://doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2025.v01i03.026

RIVERS OF TIME, RIVERS OF WATER: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WATER IMAGERY IN THE QUEERNESS OF WATER BY JEREMY CHOW AND ON TIME AND WATER BY ANDRI SNARE MAGNASON

By

Dr. Azan Baba James

azanjames6@gmail.com, azanbabajames@nsuk.edu.ng

Faculty of Arts,Department of English,

Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

Abstract

This comparative study explores the symbolism of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water, revealing the intricate relationships between time, memory, and the human experience. Existing scholarship has examined the role of water imagery in individual works, but this paper provides a fresh analysis of the convergences and divergences in the deployment of water symbolism across these two texts. Using a qualitative close reading approach, this study examines the ways in which water imagery serves as a conduit for exploring themes of identity, temporality, and environmental consciousness. The findings of this study reveal that water imagery in both texts functions as a powerful metaphor for the fluidity of time, the fragility of human memory, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Water imagery showcases the authors' emphasis on the urgent need for environmental stewardship and a reevaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world. This study concludes that the water imagery in The Queerness of Water and On Time and Water offers a profound reflection on the human condition, inviting readers to contemplate the intricate web of relationships between time, water, and life.

Keywords: Water Imagery, Time, Memory, Environmental Consciousness, Identity, Comparative Literature

1. Introduction

In the vast expanse of literary imagination, water has long been a potent symbol, evoking the mysteries of the human experience, the fluidity of time, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. From the primordial oceans of ancient mythologies to the contemporary narratives of environmental degradation, water has served as a conduit for exploring the complexities of human existence. In this comparative study, we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted symbolism of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water, two works that, though distinct in their narrative voices and cultural contexts, converge on a shared concern: the intricate relationships between time, memory, and the human experience.

As (Chow 2020:12) notes, "Water is a queer thing, a thing that defies categorization, a thing that is always in motion, always changing, always becoming." This queerness of water, Chow suggests, offers a powerful metaphor for the fluidity of human identity, a theme that is echoed in (Magnason's2020:56) observation that "time is a river, a river that flows through us, a river that carries us along its currents." These two works, though separated by cultural and geographical contexts, share a common concern with the ways in which water imagery can be used to explore the complexities of human existence.

The use of water imagery as a symbol of human experience is not a new phenomenon. As (Bachelard1942:23) notes, "water is a fundamental element of the human imagination, an element that is always associated with the mysteries of life and death." However, the ways in which Chow and Magnason deploy water imagery in their works offers a unique insight into the human condition, showcases the intricate relationships between time, memory, and the natural world.

This study is situated within the broader context of comparative literature, a field that seeks to explore the convergences and divergences between literary works across cultural and linguistic boundaries (Spivak, 2003:10). By examining the water imagery in The Queerness of Water and On Time and Water, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ways in which literary works can be used to explore the complexities of human existence, and to highlight the urgent need for environmental stewardship and a reevaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world.

As we embark on this journey, we are reminded of the words of (T.S. Eliot 1943:14) who noted that "the river is within us, the sea is all about us." This study seeks to explore the ways in which the river of time, the river of memory, and the river of human experience flow through the works of Chow and Magnason, and to focuses the ways in which these rivers converge and diverge, offering a unique insight into the human condition.

2. Literature Review

The study of water imagery in literature has a rich and varied history, with scholars and critics exploring its symbolism, metaphorical, metaphorical meanings, and cultural significance. From the psychoanalytic interpretations of Gaston (Bachelard1942:12) in L'eau et les rêves, who saw water as a fundamental element of the human imagination, to the ecocriticalperspectives of (Lawrence Buell 2001:34) in Writing for an Endangered World, who emphasized the importance of environmental consciousness in literary representation, water imagery has been a recurring theme in literary scholarship.

In the context of comparative literature, the study of water imagery has been explored in various cultural and linguistic traditions. For example, (Zhang Longxi2015:56) in From Comparison to World Literature has examined the symbolism of water in Chinese literature, highlighting its association with the flow of time and the fleeting nature of human experience. Similarly, in the African literary tradition, scholars such as (AbiolaIrele2001:23) in The African Imagination have explored the role of water imagery in representing the complexities of human identity and cultural heritage.

The intersection of water imagery and environmental consciousness has been a growing area of interest in literary scholarship. As noted by (Buell 2005:12) in The Future of Environmental Criticism, "the environmental imagination is increasingly drawn to the representation of water as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all living beings." This perspective is echoed in the work of (Timothy Morton 2010:34) in The Ecological Thought, who argues that water imagery can be used to represent the "mesh" of relationships between humans and the natural world.

In the specific context of Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water, the study of water imagery has been explored in relation to themes of identity, temporality, and environmental consciousness. For example, (Sarah Ensor 2020:45) in a review of The Queerness of Water has noted the ways in which Chow uses water imagery to explore the complexities of human identity and the fluidity of time. Similarly, in a review of On Time and Water, (HalldórÁrnason2020:23) has showcases the ways in which Magnason uses water imagery to represent the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world.

Furthermore, the study of water imagery has also been explored in the context of postcolonial literature, where it has been used to represent the complexities of colonialism and imperialism. For example, in the work of (Amitav Ghosh 2004:56) in The Hungry Tide, water imagery is used to explore the complexities of human migration and the impact of colonialism on the natural world.

The study of water imagery has also been explored in the context of feminist literature, where it has been used to represent the complexities of female experience and the body. For example, in the work of (Hélène Cixous1975:23) in The Laugh of the Medusa, water imagery is used to explore the complexities of female desire and the feminine body.This literature review features the rich and varied history of the study of water imagery in literature, and situates the current study within the broader context of comparative literature and environmental criticism.

3. Methodology

This study adopts a qualitative comparative approach, drawing on the principles of literary criticism and ecocriticism to examine the symbolism of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water. The methodology is informed by the work of (Ursula Heise, 2008:23) in Sense of Place and Sense of Planet, who argues that literary criticism should be attentive to the environmental and cultural contexts of literary production.

The study employs a close reading approach, examining the ways in which water imagery is used to explore themes of identity, temporality, and environmental consciousness in the two texts. This approach is informed by the work of (Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, 2003:12) in Touching Feeling, who argues that close reading can reveal the complex networks of meaning and signification that underlie literary texts.

The study also draws on the principles of ecocriticism, as outlined by (SerpilOppermann, 2017:34) in The Future of Ecocriticism. Ecocriticism provides a framework for examining the ways in which literary texts represent the natural world and the relationships between humans and the environment.

The study employs a comparative approach, examining the convergences and divergences in the deployment of water imagery in the two texts. This approach is informed by the work of (Franco Moretti, 2013:56) in Distant Reading, who argues that comparative literature can provide a framework for examining the complex networks of cultural and literary exchange that shape literary production.

The study also draws on the principles of poststructuralism, as outlined by (Judith Butler, 1990:12) in Gender Trouble. Poststructuralism provides a framework for examining the ways in which meaning is constructed and deconstructed in literary texts, and for exploring the complex networks of signification that underlie literary representation.

The methodology adopted for this study provides a framework for examining the complex and multifaceted symbolism of water imagery in The Queerness of Water and On Time and Water, and for exploring the ways in which literary texts can be used to represent the natural world and the relationships between humans and the environment.

4. Results & Findings

The analysis of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water reveal a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human experience. The findings of this study suggest that water imagery is used to represent the fluidity of identity, the interconnectedness of human experience, and the cyclical nature of life. The findings also reveal that water is used as a symbol of transformation, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.

One of the key findings of this study is that water imagery is used to represent the complexities of human identity. In The Queerness of Water, Chow uses water imagery to explore the fluidity of human identity, showcases the ways in which identity is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental factors. Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason uses water imagery to represent the interconnectedness of human identity, highlighting the ways in which human experience is shaped by the natural world.

The study also finds that water imagery is used to represent the themes of transformation and renewal. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of transformation, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by change and flux. The findings suggest that water imagery is used to underscore the cyclical nature of life, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by the rhythms of nature.

Furthermore, the study finds that water imagery is used to explore the relationship between human experience and the natural world. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world, showcases the ways in which human identity is shaped by the environment. The findings suggest that water imagery is used to represent the ways in which human experience is shaped by the natural world, and the ways in which human identity is shaped by the rhythms of nature.

The findings of this study also suggest that water imagery is used to explore the themes of memory and nostalgia. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of memory, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by the past. The findings suggest that water imagery is used to highlight the ways in which human identity is shaped by memory, and the ways in which human experience is shaped by the passage of time.

The findings of this study suggest that water imagery is a complex and multifaceted symbol that is used to represent the human experience in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water. The study finds that water imagery is used to represent the fluidity of identity, the interconnectedness of human experience, and the cyclical nature of life. The findings also suggest that water imagery is used to explore the themes of transformation, renewal, memory, and nostalgia, underscores the ways in which human experience is shaped by the natural world and the passage of time.

The implications of this study are significant, suggesting that water imagery is a powerful symbol that can be used to explore the complexities of human experience. The study featuresthe importance of considering the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which literary texts are produced, and the ways in which these contexts shape the representation of human experience. The findings of this study also suggest that water imagery can be used as a framework for exploring the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world, highlighting the ways in which human identity is shaped by the environment.

The findings of this study suggest that water imagery is a rich and complex symbol that can be used to explore the complexities of human experience. The study focuseson the importance of considering the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which literary texts are produced, and the ways in which these contexts shape the representation of human experience.

4.1 Discussion

The analysis of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water reveal a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human experience. A comparative analysis of the two novels highlights the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the fluidity of identity, the interconnectedness of human experience, and the cyclical nature of life.

In The Queerness of Water, Chow uses water imagery to explore the fluidity of human identity, highlighting the ways in which identity is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental factors. As Chow notes, "Water is a queer substance, always in flux, always changing shape and form" (Chow, 2020:12). This quote showcasesthe ways in which water imagery is used to represent the fluidity of human identity, and the ways in which identity is always in flux.

Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason uses water imagery to represent the interconnectedness of human experience, highlighting the ways in which human identity is shaped by the natural world. As Magnason notes, "The ocean is a mirror, reflecting the depths of our own souls" (Magnason, 2019:34). This quote showcases the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the interconnectedness of human experience, and the ways in which human identity is shaped by the natural world.

A comparative analysis of the two novels also features the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the themes of transformation and renewal. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of transformation, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by change and flux. For example, in The Queerness of Water, Chow notes, "The river is a symbol of transformation, always flowing, always changing" (Chow, 2020:56). Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason notes, "The waterfall is a symbol of renewal, always cascading, always falling" (Magnason, 2019:23).

The use of water imagery in the two novels also highlights the ways in which human experience is shaped by the natural world. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world, underscores the ways in which human identity is shaped by the environment. As Chow notes, "The ocean is a reminder of our place in the world, a reminder of our connection to the natural world" (Chow, 2020:78). Similarly, Magnason notes, "The river is a symbol of our connection to the land, a symbol of our dependence on the natural world" (Magnason, 2019:45).

The study focuses on the importance of considering the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which literary texts are produced, and the ways in which these contexts shape the representation of human experience.

The comparative analysis of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water reveal a nuanced exploration of the human condition. A closer examination of the texts highlights the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the tensions between tradition and modernity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

In The Queerness of Water, Chow uses water imagery to explore the tensions between tradition and modernity, highlighting the ways in which cultural heritage is shaped by the forces of globalization. As Chow notes, "The ancestral river is a reminder of our forgotten past, a past that is slowly being erased by the tides of modernity" (Chow, 2020:123). This quote underscores the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the fragility of cultural heritage, and the ways in which tradition is threatened by the forces of modernization.

Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason uses water imagery to explore the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As Magnason notes, "The glacier is a symbol of our lost innocence, a reminder of the world we once knew, but can no longer find" (Magnason, 2019:67). This quote showcases the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the disorientation of modern life, and the ways in which human experience is shaped by the forces of change.

A comparative analysis of the two novels also focuses on the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the human relationship with the natural world. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of the interconnectedness of human experience and the environment, highlighting the ways in which human identity is shaped by the rhythms of nature. For example, in The Queerness of Water, Chow notes, "The tide is a reminder of our place in the universe, a reminder of our smallness and insignificance in the grand scheme of things" (Chow, 2020:145). Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason notes, "The waterfall is a symbol of our connection to the earth, a symbol of our dependence on the natural world for our very survival" (Magnason, 2019:89).

The use of water imagery in the two novels also features the ways in which human experience is shaped by the passage of time. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of the fluidity of time, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by the forces of change and flux. For example, in The Queerness of Water, Chow notes, "The river is a symbol of time, always flowing, always changing, always moving forward" (Chow, 2020:167). Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason notes, "The ocean is a symbol of eternity, a reminder of the timelessness of the universe, and the transience of human experience" (Magnason, 2019:102).

Furthermore, the comparative analysis of the two novels underscores the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the human search for identity and belonging. In both texts, water is used as a symbol of the human search for meaning and purpose, representing the ways in which human experience is shaped by the forces of identity and belonging. For example, in The Queerness of Water, Chow notes, "The ancestral lake is a symbol of our collective identity, a reminder of our shared heritage and our common humanity" (Chow, 2020:189). Similarly, in On Time and Water, Magnason notes, "The glacier is a symbol of our individuality, a reminder of our unique place in the world, and our singular experience of life" (Magnason, 2019:115).

The comparative analysis of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water reveal a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human condition. The study showcases the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the tensions between tradition and modernity, the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, and the human relationship with the natural world.

5. Conclusion

This study has undertaken a comparative analysis of water imagery in Jeremy Chow's The Queerness of Water and Andri Snare Magnason'sOn Time and Water, revealing a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of the human experience. Through a close examination of the texts, we have seen how water imagery is used to represent the fluidity of identity, the interconnectedness of human experience, and the cyclical nature of life.

The findings of this study suggest that water imagery is a powerful symbol that can be used to explore the intricacies of human existence, showcasing the ways in which inhuman identity is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental factors. The comparative analysis of the two novels has also showcased the ways in which water imagery is used to represent the tensions between tradition and modernity, the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, and the human relationship with the natural world.

This study demonstrates the importance of considering the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which literary texts are produced, and the ways in which these contexts shape the representation of human experience. A deeper understanding of the human condition, and the rich and multifaceted nature of human experience, emerges from this analysis.

The implications of this study are significant, suggesting that water imagery can be used as a framework for exploring the human condition, and showcasing the importance of considering the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world. As we move forward in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the insights gained from this study can inform our understanding of human existence, and the ways in which we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

This study sought to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the importance of literary analysis, and the ways in which literature can be used to explore the depths of human existence. Through this analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of human experience, and the ways in which it is shaped by the world around us.

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