Based on the details and evidence in the story, the boat in the story "The Third Bank of the River" most likely symbolizes...

Answer 1

Based on the details and evidence in the story "The Third Bank of the River," the boat most likely symbolizes the protagonist's detachment from the world and his journey towards self-discovery.

Throughout the story, the protagonist's decision to live on the boat and isolate himself from society represents his withdrawal from the physical and emotional connections of his family and community. The boat becomes his refuge, a place where he can be alone with his thoughts and desires. This withdrawal from society is further emphasized by the fact that the family initially disapproves of his choice but eventually comes to accept it.

The boat's journey along the river symbolizes the protagonist's personal journey towards self-understanding and self-realization. As the boat continually drifts aimlessly with the current, the protagonist experiments with various roles and identities: he takes on the role of a hunter, a poet, and eventually, even a madman. These experiments represent his search for meaning and purpose in life, his attempt to find his true self.

Additionally, the river itself can be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Just as the boat is carried by the river, the protagonist is carried through life by the passage of time. The river also reflects the unpredictability and uncertainty of life, as the protagonist loses control over his own destiny and becomes subject to the whims of the current.

Overall, the boat in "The Third Bank of the River" symbolizes the protagonist's detachment from society, his journey towards self-discovery, and the passage of time and the uncertainty of life.