The Black Swan
The Black Swan is a symbol of death. It is described as having a dying laughter and the color black itself is almost synonymous with death. Perhaps this is why the black swan seems to continuously interject itself in Oblivia’s life – it is symbolizing the dying state of her soul.
The White Swan
Unlike the black swan, the white swan has always been favored as being a symbol of hope. Bella Donna witnesses the white swan for the first and last time when she is fleeing her native country – the white swan symbolized hope to her, and so she continued with her journey and eventually found Oblivia.
The Swamp
The swamp is symbolizing the dreadful conditions that marginalized groups are subject to, even in the present day. The swamp holds all the indigenous people that have been struck out of Australia. They lack basic sanitation and food and are also subject to abuse from white Australians.
Oblivia
Oblivia herself is symbolizing the insolation of the Aboriginal people. Like Aboriginals throughout history, Oblivia has endured a lot of difficulties in life and has been locked away by her own husband. She has been traumatized by her experiences and this has stunted her growth and leaves her mute.
