A Long Walk to Water – Water Symbolism Tracking & Quote Analysis Activity

Help students explore one of the most important symbols in A Long Walk to Water with this focused symbolism analysis activity. Students will track how the meaning of water evolves throughout the novel—representing survival, hardship, hope, and renewal—and analyze how Linda Sue Park uses this recurring symbol to convey the central themes. 

This is included in a unit plan:
>>> A Long Walk to Water Unit Plan

Included in the A Long Walk to Water Symbolism Tracking & Quote Analysis Activity:

➡️ A Long Walk to Water Symbolism Tracking Chart: Students select key quotes from the novel to examine how the symbolism of water shifts across different moments, connecting each interpretation to broader themes of conflict, transformation, and hardship.

➡️ Teacher Answer Key: Use the completed sample answer key with suggested interpretations to support discussion, guide analysis, and simplify grading.

This activity works well to use throughout the novel study as students trace the changing meaning of water and revisit the symbol as new events unfold.

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