Reservoirs are often overlooked elements in popular novels in literature, yet their presence serves a deeper purpose beyond mere scenery. They act as a reflection of the characters and their journey, providing a metaphor for their emotional or psychological state. In this article, we will explore the significance of reservoir settings in popular novels and how authors use them to enrich their narratives.
One of the most famous examples of a reservoir setting in literature is the titular town in Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot”. The town is surrounded by a large body of water, creating a sense of isolation and confinement for its inhabitants. This setting serves as a symbol for the characters’ entrapment in their own fears and secrets, as well as the supernatural forces at play. The reservoir also acts as a source of conflict, as the town’s folk must constantly contend with the threat of evil lurking within its depths. This serves to heighten the tension and add depth to the story.
Similarly, in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the Finch family’s hometown of Maycomb is situated near a water reservoir. The reservoir, known as “the creek”, is where Boo Radley, a reclusive and misunderstood character, hides away. Here, the reservoir represents a barrier that separates Boo from the rest of the town, highlighting his isolation and the mysteries surrounding him. This setting also serves to foreshadow the pivotal scene where Jem and Scout must cross the creek to escape their attackers, symbolizing their journey from innocence to experience.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, the reservoir setting of West Egg and East Egg plays a crucial role in conveying the divide between the old and new money of the wealthy characters. West Egg, where the protagonist Gatsby resides, is situated on the less fashionable side of the reservoir, while East Egg, where his love interest Daisy lives, is on the more exclusive side. The reservoir, therefore, serves as a physical representation of the social barrier between the two classes, further emphasizing the theme of the corrupting nature of wealth.
Furthermore, reservoir settings can also be used to reflect the internal struggles of the characters. In Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”, the moors and the nearby reservoir mirror the turbulent nature of the protagonists’ relationship. The moors, open and wild, represent their passionate and destructive love, while the reservoir, hidden and tranquil, represents the calm facade they present to the outside world. This contrast highlights the characters’ conflicting desires and the power struggles between them.
Reservoir settings also have a practical purpose in popular novels, providing a backdrop for pivotal events that shape the characters and their journeys. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”, the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring is heavily influenced by the presence of the Anduin River. It serves as a barrier for the characters, forcing them to face challenges and make difficult decisions. The river also serves as a strategic element in the battles between the forces of good and evil, further reinforcing its importance in the story.
In conclusion, reservoir settings in popular novels play a significant role in enriching the narrative and providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. They serve as metaphors for the characters’ emotional state, symbolic representations of themes, and practical elements in the plot. Therefore, it is important for readers to pay attention to these often overlooked settings and their impact on the story as a whole. As the saying goes, “still waters run deep”, and in literature, this holds true for reservoir settings as well.