Final answer:
The water-hyacinth symbolizes an adventurer through its nature of spreading and drifting freely, reflecting traits such as resilience, a thirst for exploration, and a desire for freedom. This symbolism is akin to the river in Twain's Huckleberry Finn, which represents freedom and adventure. Literary water motifs commonly embody deeper meanings, mirroring transitions and journeys analogous to the experiences of adventurers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water-hyacinth in the literary context may be symbolic of an adventurer due to its nature of thriving in various environments and its ability to spread and drift freely.
Just like adventurers, water-hyacinths embark on journeys, spreading from one place to another, exploring new territories, and adapting to different conditions. This symbolism can connect to traits of resilience, expansiveness, and a desire for freedom.
For example, in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, the river symbolizes freedom and is a critical setting where the protagonist seeks new experiences and adventures. Similarly, the water-hyacinth's growth across water surfaces exemplifies an unwavering spirit of exploration and the natural desire to break from conventional paths.
In the literary excerpts provided, the water motifs often represent more profound meanings, reflecting the characters' worldviews, the supernatural, or cultural significance.
For instance, the reference to African indigenous religious culture suggests that water represents a boundary between life and death, symbolizing transition and transformation, much like an adventurer's continual journey into the unknown.