Symbols
There are four main symbolical elements in the story “The Swimmer” by S.J. Butler, the river (water), the swan, the blood, and the nylon fishing lines. Apart from these elements of the setting, some of the actions described in the story can also be interpreted as symbolical (having a hidden meaning).…
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The river
The river is a symbol of nature and freedom. For the swan, it is its natural habitat. For the character, the river is attractive but scary at first. As she overcomes her fears, the river becomes like her second habitat, suggesting communion with nature. The river is the place where she feels free…
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The blood
The fact that the swan bleeds when she is released from the nylon lines is symbolic of life and death. It is unclear at the end whether the bird is alive or dead; either it has been rescued from death and allowed to go free, or it acts as a symbolic sacrifice which allows the main character to feel free.
In either case, the blood can be interpreted as a…
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The nylon fishing lines
The nylon fishing lines are a symbol of manmade things which negatively affect nature. The swan gets trapped i…
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The swan
Because the swan is a symbol of the protagonist and her beauty, value, and strength (of which she is probably not aware), the nylon can also be seen as symbolic of the way so…
