The Devil and the Dark Water

Sara’s clothing in the novel is a symbol that represents her change and her newfound freedom in the novel. The first time she seeks out Arent to talk about the case, she attempts to sit with him but realizes “her petticoat was made of red brocade and inlaid with pearls, and her bodice was covered in a waterfall of lace. The entire outfit was only slightly lighter than a suit of armor” (118). This clothing makes it difficult to sit, and difficult to travel the ship and help with the investigation, but she initially sees it as a vital part of her identity as a noblewoman. However, as the novel progresses, she slowly begins to cast the trappings of her status aside in exchange for practicality and freedom. She asks Dorothea to “find time today to make [her] some practical clothes,” gesturing to “Isabel’s loose cotton shirt and hemp skirt,” even telling Dorothea to “tear up whatever” she needs to make the new clothing (274). This comparison to Isabel – who is a lowborn servant – exemplifies her desire to be freed from her status. By the end of the novel, she is regularly referred to as wearing “peasant” clothes, yet cares little as she is finally able to navigate the ship, help with the investigation, and openly practice her healing to help others.