But I was the daughter of a Naiad. Behave like water, I told myself. Don't try to oppose them. When they try to grasp you, slip through their fingers. Flow around them.
In "The Penelopiad," the author Margaret Atwood presents a poignant reflection through the lens of a Naiad's daughter. The narrator advises herself to adopt the fluidity and adaptability of water in the face of oppression. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to navigate difficult situations without direct confrontation. By choosing to flow around obstacles, she highlights the power of evasion and subtlety over brute strength.
This idea speaks to the broader themes of survival and agency within the narrative. The character's internal dialogue serves as a reminder that, like water, one can find strength in yielding rather than resisting. This approach allows for survival in challenging circumstances, suggesting that sometimes the best response to conflict is to adapt and find a way to endure while remaining true to oneself.
