#8217;t breathe.” (Findley, 58)“It tumbled over the edge and began to spread out over their heads—drifting on a layer of cold, dank air rising from the pool below them. Jesus. Gas.” (Findley, 137)Fire Fire is the element of change, passion, authority and leadership. Household (domestic) fire represents comfort, friendliness and human strength. Fire is used to stimulate growth and to tie family and friends together in unity. It is also a sign of hope and positiveness. And fire represents warmth, heat, energy and light.“Men, it was said, carrying tanks of fire on their backs came in advance of the troops and spread the fire with hoses. Water burned and snow went up in smoke. Nothing remained”.(Findley, 147)Water Water is a liquid that falls as rain, snow and hail, which forms the earth’s oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds. Water comes in many shapes and sizes, as a solid, liquid or gas. Its transparent and has no colour, smell, or taste when it is in its pure form. Water is an element of sensation which represents purification, affection, knowledge, compassion and family (unity). “He could hear himself breathing. Whimpering. He closed his eyes. I don’t want to drown, he thought. Please don’t drown.” (Findley, 87)“ Out of the air and inot the water. Out of my world into theirs. And I’d stay there hours. Or so it seemed. I’d think: I never have to breathe again.” (Findley, 104)“ Everyone who’s born has come from the sea. Your mother’s womb is just the sea in small. And birds come of sea eggs.” “We are the ocean—walking on land.” (Findley, 117)The symbolic meanings of the elements change throughout the novel, as they are associated with either family or military life. The symbols do not remain still throughout the novel. Meanings change according to whether they are associated...
