The Drowner
Language in literary texts often plays an integral role in shaping meaning. The Drowner (1996) is a contemporary Australian novel. Set in the lath 19th century and early 20th century the romance and historical epic follows the life of protagonist, William Dance, his relationship with Angelica Lloyd, and his journey from England through, Africa, to Western Australia. Poetic Language, in particular symbolism, imagery and metaphors, are extensively used to construct and juxtapose settings, characters and their relationships.
The title of the novel can be interpreted both on a literal and metaphorical level, which clearly establishes water as a motif and metaphor throughout the novel. ‘Drowning’ refers to the act of controlling the flow of water, and is done by a ‘Drowner’ who is a rural water engineer who is responsible for keeping the fields fertile. In the first section of the novel, ‘The Art of Floating Land’, readers are introduced to the character of ‘Alphabetical’ Dance and his occupation as a drowner, sustaining life through the act of drowning, and hence water is established as a life-giving force. On a more metaphorical level, the word “drowning” has connotations of death. Thus, the title juxtaposes the idea of water as a life-giving force, and introduces it as a life-taking force, constructing the duality of water which is a central theme throughout the novel.
Language, particularly imagery, plays an integral role in the construction of Will and Angelica’s relationship throughout the novel. At their first encounter in the section ‘Spa Water,’ the atmosphere is portrayed, through the use of vivid sensual imagery, appealing to the reader’s sense of aesthetic judgement. Olfactory imagery is used describing “lavender…trapped in the activated stream.” This pleasant odour is complimented with auditory imagery, “Handel trickles” into the baths. This imagery evokes synaesthesia for readers and clearly constructs Will and Angelica’s relationship as blossoming
The title of the novel can be interpreted both on a literal and metaphorical level, which clearly establishes water as a motif and metaphor throughout the novel. ‘Drowning’ refers to the act of controlling the flow of water, and is done by a ‘Drowner’ who is a rural water engineer who is responsible for keeping the fields fertile. In the first section of the novel, ‘The Art of Floating Land’, readers are introduced to the character of ‘Alphabetical’ Dance and his occupation as a drowner, sustaining life through the act of drowning, and hence water is established as a life-giving force. On a more metaphorical level, the word “drowning” has connotations of death. Thus, the title juxtaposes the idea of water as a life-giving force, and introduces it as a life-taking force, constructing the duality of water which is a central theme throughout the novel.
Language, particularly imagery, plays an integral role in the construction of Will and Angelica’s relationship throughout the novel. At their first encounter in the section ‘Spa Water,’ the atmosphere is portrayed, through the use of vivid sensual imagery, appealing to the reader’s sense of aesthetic judgement. Olfactory imagery is used describing “lavender…trapped in the activated stream.” This pleasant odour is complimented with auditory imagery, “Handel trickles” into the baths. This imagery evokes synaesthesia for readers and clearly constructs Will and Angelica’s relationship as blossoming