It is complex and contradictory throughout the novel. Water is violent throughout the novel, the antithesis of water as a life giving element to the Native Americans. The dysfunction of this community is seen in the first chapter with the near drowning of Lynette (in the kitchen sink), with the drowning of Gordie (not literally) in the last sentence of "Crown of Thorns," with the Red Convertible and Henry's death ("My boots are filling"), and June's "walk[ing] over it like water and came home" on the 6th page. Here water is perverted and distructive--unlike the archetypal water symbol. At the same time, hope is restored in the last chapter (on the last page), as June's son has "nothing to do but cross the water, and bring her home." Such hope for the community on the last page, hope beyond Lyman's future casino and beyond turmoil and alcoholism of the novel. Lyman has found his father, found himself, and is ready to re-establish his place in a culture marginalized by religion and "white" society. Continue studying water--bridges, plunges, water rolling over "the beads," etc. It is a complex and worthy motif to explore in her work.
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