French Literature Reviews - 2026
The Theme of Water in Literature
Other Literary Studies
Added on 14/03/07: book received, awaiting reviewer for an Acta Fabula review
IN AQUA SCRIBIS
The Theme of Water in Literature
Studies compiled and prefaced by Michal Piotr Mrozowicki
University of Gdansk, 2005, 487 pages
ISBN: 83-7326-280-6
The expression in aqua scribis means "You are creating nothing lasting, nothing solid. What you create is ephemeral and destined to vanish immediately." However, the title of this book should not be taken too literally; in this context, it serves to draw attention. Indeed, numerous works have been created that did not quickly disappear, and several articles gathered here provide examples that support this thesis. The title In aqua scribis also invites reflection on the relationship between water, the liquid element, and writing itself.
This volume explores the symbolism of seas, lakes, rivers, streams, springs, ponds, mud, wells, fountains, rain, and even tears… It discusses simple and compound waters, waters that purify or quench thirst and waters that defile or poison, lethal and lustral waters, sacred and profane waters, beneficial and harmful waters, comforting and threatening waters, frightening waters, those in which one bathes and those in which one drowns…
The collection In aqua scribis: The Theme of Water in Literature Studies, compiled by Michal Piotr Mrozowicki, explores the symbolism of various forms of water, including seas, rivers, springs, and rain. The volume discusses water as a multifaceted element, categorizing it into types such as purifying or defiling, sacred or profane, and beneficial or harmful. It examines how these aquatic images are used to represent contrasting experiences, ranging from comfort to the danger of drowning.
The title In aqua scribis references a Latin phrase meaning that one is creating nothing lasting, though the volume uses this to invite reflection on the relationship between water and writing. The study reflects the broader tradition of thematic criticism, which seeks to identify and analyze persistent symbols across different texts. Readers interested in the intersection of environmental elements and literary imagery may find it relevant.