Secret motifs on the Screen: Part1
Hidden Symbols: Water
There’s a hidden symbolism that storytellers use to add to the subliminal power of the story. Most of us have noticed them, but whether we acknowledge them or not, they work, And enrich our experience. L:et’s look at water first.
Water, in mythology, has usually symbolized purification. In religion, it’s ablution or baptism. Hindus take a dip in sacred rivers to cleanse themselves of their sins.
Water stands for cleansing and the resultant change.
Violent changes are depicted by gushing water from fire hydrants, geysers, fountains and similar props. In many Indian movies, the hero, who minded his own business until he was provoked beyond breaking point, fights and defeats the villain. In the background, we usually see a burst hydrant shooting forth. Freud will have something to say about hydrants and the macho man, surely, eh, Dr Freud?
Rain is romantic change or changing times. Depends upon whether we see a couple in the rain, or the entire landscape washed by rain. When it’s just the hero, it means he is changing, transforming from underdog to superhero. Remember the rain in the Matrix after Neo decides to take the plunge? That rain also, obviously, resembled the green lines of the matrix.
Falling into water, also denotes a time of transformation. Maria and the kids do that, in ‘The Sound of Music,’ don’t they? And, in an earlier scene, it rains and pours, causing the scared kids to surrender to the heroine. “Raindrops on roses…”
Water bodies, like rivers, streams and the sea, denote travel that leads to transformation, usually. Harry Potter and the new scholars cross the lake in boats. And just as in the Sound of Music, there is rain when Harry realizes that he is a wizard and not an ordinary boy.
Next time you see water used in a story, note how the storyteller has made it stand for something. And tell us.
Comments
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Thanks, you are a Sweetie Pie!
Such a beautiful hub.
- Author
That is a good thing! I am honoured!
Thank you, Wayne!
Very inspiring hub here, your words inspired some new art from me today!!
Which is a good thing!!
- Author
Thanks for that wow, Michelle! A waterfall would have meant something else in my teens, but now it means, for me, peace, blessings and passage of time.
Thank you, Shyam, for the comment, and that link. Shall go there now.
Congratulations for writing 100 hubs.
Water flowing through a river has often been a symbol of life
....in the imageries used by Indian poets and story tellers.
River has the power to give mankind prosperity as well as destruction . Civilisation grew on the banks of rivers , yet, a river like Hoang-ho or Brahmaputra causes immense misery to people.
Pl read :http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Wood-NuttallEncyclopae...
Wow, congratulations for your 100th hub Kenny! Symbols are everywhere. It is a very interesting topic. Speaking of water...I remember being asked before (which I would like to ask you too), "What words come into your mind when I say "Waterfall?"
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And yours truly replied to the reply thanks! :)
I replied to your email, Kenny. ;)
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I guess I better add some more examples then.
Thank you heaps, Elisabeth.
Fascinating observations and spot-on. So often water is overlooked as a metaphor -- or used badly and it's a shame because it's such a powerful image. I like the examples that you've provided.
Enjoyed this. Thank you.
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Thank you, Sweetie Pie!
Very informative hub! Thanks for sharing!
- Author
Let me reread your excerpts and see.
Thank you, Isabella, for your comments.
My stories usually have a clear beginning and then a loose plot that changes slightly over time. I really don't know if I use symbolism, I would be fascinated if I did. I think this is such a cool hub, Kenny, thanks for posting it!
- Author
Maybe you're right. Maybe it's there in our subconscious. I remember that when I returned to a ms to see if I could add some symbolism and motifs to the story, I had already dispensed them with a liberal hand! Sometimes the chicken makes the first appearance, sometimes the egg!
Most writers consciously plot their stories; some play it by ear; some have a loose plot and then follow the flow of their instincts. Each method is capable of producing a good story. Like that, I guess symbolism can be used deliberately or not for it to work.
Thank you, Isabella, kind lady, for this insight, too.
I'm also wondering if people write this way as a product of unconsciously picking it up via the writers/filmakers who influenced them. I'm not sure if I do this or not, Id have to think my books over -- but if I do it, its definitely not conscious. But I am mostly influenced by film, not writers, so maybe I do. I dunno.. but it's interesting that you can see it!
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After reading many articles on writing screenplays and novels, I see that they do it consciously. It's like second nature to a pro.
Thanks, Isabella, for asking about something I missed out in the hub. :)
Fascinating. Do you think it's always conscious, when people put these things in their stories?
Grand start from a new ALL STAR.
Really Kenny,your way of presentation is laudable.Water is supposed to purify everything in Hindu religion.Looking forward to the sequels.Are you working on the FIVE ELEMENTS of nature?
Thank you for constantly pointing out things we take for granted.Thumbs up!
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Was almost as busy as you Zsuzsy Bee! Thanks for the welcome and comment. :)
Kenny! Welcome back. Missed you. Wow hub numero 100.
I loved this hub. Symbolism explanation at it's best.
Kindest regards Zsuzsy
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Thank you, Dear Friends.
Dindin, I already have done a series of hubs on colour, which includes symbolism. Start here:
Kenny here is yet another thought...A little Love is like a drop of water giving enough strength to a wilted flower to Right itself...G-Ma :o) hugs
Kenny, Another excellent hub! like most of them they alwasy leave me with many thoughts and things to think about long afterwards!!
;)
I've always been fascinated with this kind of symbolism. Do you think you will do one on colors?
Great stuff as always, Kenny.
Very good Kenny!
What an interesting hub! I love symbolism and learning the different possibilities it holds.
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Thank you, Solar! :)
Kenny, congratulations for your 100Th Hub! I especially like the last fight in Matrix Revolution in wonderful rain down-pouring as a main scene surrounding.
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Thank you, Violet. I was never the same after I bought a digital camera! Wisj you the same, lol!
You're absolutely right as usual, G-ma! Water can be a tsunami and kill; it can also mean life in hot climes. Many hugs. :)
oh yes I will....Water is a soothing, yet wicked thing. It can cut us canyons yet clean a baby. It can change our feelings and make our hearts delighted...it keeps us alive "with the sounds of music" that it can make..and can cleanse the soul from it's sins..and also keep the body going...Oh yes water is a much needed element in our lives..It lights us up ! ! wonderful hub Kenny...thanks..Lovingly yours G-Ma :o) hugs
Nice eyes
I enjoyed reading this, and learning something new. Have not paid attention to how water is used to add to the subliminal power of a story, I find this very interesting! Will be on the lookout when I come across a story with water in it.
BTW, I like the way you change photos, representing different expressions, very creative. I am stuck with my photo for now, as my camera is not working well, which gives me an excuse to purchase a new one. :)
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I am delighted and honored to contribute to that, Desert!
Your field of interest is a rewarding one, what fun! :)
Loved this! I enjoy and have studied archetypal icons and stereotypical imagery...but never thought to think of the Rain scene in Sound Of Music as the symbolic, historical, ritualistic moment when "things change" and yet, that is exactly the moment of change in this movie...KUDOS!
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