/ˈpiːsfl/: Tranquility

"Going and coming, beckoning, signalling, so the light and shadow which now made the wall grey, now the bananas bright yellow, seemed to Septimus Warren Smith lying on the sofa in the sitting room; watching the watery gold glow and fade with the astonishing sensibility of some live creature wallpaper. Outside the trees dragged leaves like nets through the depths of the air; the sound of water was in the room and through the waves came the voices of birds singing...his hand lay there on the back of the sofa, as he had his hand lie when he was bathing, floating, on the top of the waves, while far away on shore he heard dogs barking and barking far away. Fear no more, says the heart in the body;fear no more." (139)
Septimus has reached a moment of peace in his tortured life. He is able to appreciate and admire his surroundings without the violent images that have once clouded his perspective. The hues in colors
 seem to become more distinct and nature itself has become composed. The emphasis especially on the "gold glow" and "bright yellow", reflects the rays of the sun, bringing out a warming effect. Yellow, studies have shown, stimulates mental activity and cheerfulness. Septimus was not able to accentuate these colors until this breakthrough, which causes him to realize that items around him actually consist of life and happiness instead of death.
Also, there is a constant reference to the water and waves. As discussed in class, waves indicate a repetition or a cycle, like actual waves. This metaphor was usually used in reflections upon time in the novel. However in this passage, the waves are a symbol of tranquility washing over his mind continuously. It marks a period of change. For Septimus, with "water in the room" mentioned several times,it portrays how his thirst for an ordinary viewpoint is quenched.
Despite all these positive vibes, rereading this passage almost made his death ironic. His suicide, acted out of panic and distress, contrasts with the serene environment that Septimus had created.

WAOW WATER AND YELLOW. MUCH PEACEFUL.