The River

Biblical Symbolism: Rivers:

Rivers, and especially the River Jordan, figure prominently in the stories of the Bible, where they often represent deliverance and salvation, freedom, or cleansing. Jacob crossed the Jordan to meet his brother Esau after many years of exile. The Israelites crossed the Jordan to enter into their Promised Land. John the Baptist baptized the repentant in the Jordan.
The phrase "crossing the Jordan" is often used euphemistically of death. However, in the Bible, the typology of crossing a river (or passing through water) almost always means a transition from death to life, from slavery to freedom, or from sin to righteousness.

While this symbolism is fine and nice, I'd like to take an unfounded and opposing stance and go ahead and say that this is NOT what Bevel's river symbolizes. I mean, in some respects, the river does symbolize this, but I think it's because of the religious stigmatization placed upon the river within the novel. Again, referring to Butler, I think that the river, much like the mind, if established through cultural inscription. Although we perceive that our minds are something separate, something that cannot be inscribed upon by culture, quite the reverse is true. As our body is inscribed upon by cultural laws etc, it shapes and defines our soul. Good News: if we recognize that our minds are just as much inscribed upon as our bodies, we can change out outlook. Unfortunately, it becomes too late for Bevel...or does it?