The Patron Saint of Liars

Many of the novel’s most important moments happen around water. Water symbolizes change in the novel, though the exact nature of the change is different for different characters. Saint Elizabeth’s only exists because the hot spring broke through the ground, creating a source of magical water; in this way, water changed the town of Habit. Additionally, for many of the pregnant women at Saint Elizabeth’s, having their water break begins their labor process and indicates that they will have their babies and soon after leave Saint Elizabeth’s to return home. In this case, water symbolizes a period of change in their lives.

Swimming also plays a big role in the novel, and for many of the characters, it represents freedom—or, in other words, a change from their old, set ways. At the beginning of Rose’s section, she reflects on swimming in the ocean, which gives her an almost meditative peace. For her, swimming means freedom from people always watching her and expecting things from her. While Sissy, too, experiences a sense of freedom while swimming, it manifests as freedom of thought. When she swims at the river, Sissy realizes that she will always be different than the girls at Saint Elizabeth’s; she begins to take ownership of her life and actions, demonstrating this by going swimming alone.

Lastly, water symbolizes rebirth, which is a change in attitude or perspective in a character’s life. During Son’s first night at Saint Elizabeth’s, he washes dishes, and Sister Evangeline holds his hands underwater as she talks to him about his past—especially about his lack of control over and responsibility for the trauma he has endured. From that day forward, Son can release Cecilia’s hold on him, becoming a new person in a new place.