Importance of Water

In the novel, water symbolizes chaos in general, especially as it relates to the flood. Prior to the flood, everything is fairly organized and rule of law, albeit in a twisted sans habeas corpus way, still prevails. However, with the flood and the vast amounts of water that permeate every bit of land until it almost looks like one giant ocean, chaos is unleashed. People break into stores, refugees are forced to flee, and madmen like Gerard Bonneville are free to chase after children like Malcolm and Lyra.