The Universal Symbolism of River Narratives in Modern Literature

Abstract

This article analyzes the use of river narratives as a symbol in literature from various regions of the world. Through the examination of works by authors such as Manuel María Madiedo (Colombia), George Eliot (United Kingdom), and Zhang Chengzhi (China), this paper demonstrates the universal nature of river symbolism and how it reflects human experiences and social realities. The authors employ literary techniques such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and metaphor to convey multifaceted images of the region and its people, exploring larger societal issues such as the struggle for individual agency, national identity, and cultural ideals. Ultimately, this paper argues that river narratives have the potential to resonate with the collective consciousness, contributing to a broader dialogue between Colombian and world literature.