Painting
Painting is a symbol of tranquility. When she is painting, Greta feels at peace. It is the only time that she can let her mind rest from her concern over her husband and her changing life. Painting helps her to relax and live in the moment.
Blood
Blood is a symbol of change. As Einar embraces his identity as Lili, he begins to bleed. These changes within his mind are also making changes in his body. He biologically is a male and female and as his mind frees Lili to emerge her female anatomy begins also to emerge. The bleeding shows the change that Einar is going through mentally and physically.
Paris
Paris is a symbol of freedom. Paris gives Einar and Lili a chance to give one another more freedom. The city is not as closed minded as Copenhagen and they are not known there. Lilli can safely roam by herself and becomes more independent and embraces her freedom.
Library
A library is a symbol of knowledge. Einar looks forward to going to the library each morning because it gives him a chance to learn about his condition and in turn about himself. He finds knowledge to be empowering and it helps him deal with his condition.
Elbe River
The Elbe River is a symbol of life. A river is ever-changing and nourishes the land surrounding it and the people. By choosing to name herself after the Elbe River, Lili sees her operation as a symbol of the beginning of a new life where she will nourish those around her.
