In THE SOUND AND THE FURY (William Faulkner, 1929), water symbolizes cleansing and purity, especially for Caddy. As a child, her muddy underwear represents her future promiscuous behavior. Later, she washes off the perfume that upsets Benjy, and rinses her mouth after Benjy sees her on a swing with Charlie. These acts of cleansing allow Caddy to return to a state of purity -- at least until she loses her virginity.