How does the transience of water influence Ruth? Water is an extremely transient substance in the book, both metaphorically and literally. Throughout the book Ruth experience water in multiple different phases and associate each phase with different emotions. Lake water, ice, snow and rain all exhibit different characteristics and imprint these themes onto Ruth. The lake is the main source of water and the main feature of fingerbone. Ruth loves to spend time at the shore, where she spent many a school day relaxing and waiting to get caught. she observe the vastness of the lake and is intrigued by all the possibilities it offers and all the adventures to be had. The lake fascinates her and adds to their sense of transience by constantly