Arnott’s Flames is replete with symbols that elucidate its topics and investigate the links between humanity, nature, and history. Supernatural beings and water are two of the novel’s most striking motifs, each with various meanings.
Supernatural Creatures
Throughout Flames, Arnott introduces otherworldly entities or gods who symbolize aspects of the natural world. These species represent the wonder of nature, as well as humanity’s complicated and sometimes tense connection with it. While nature already feels alive, Arnott gives it a voice and personality through these gods, bringing the Tasmanian environment to life even more.
For example, the South Esk god, a river deity, observes while European colonists destroy the soil. This deity refers to humans as “loud, pale apes,” expressing hatred for the harm they cause to the environment. It criticizes the entrance of companies that pollute and deform the countryside, calling them “foul.” This viewpoint reflects the ecological damage caused by colonialism.
Furthermore, the gods stand as immortal witnesses to Tasmania’s colonial past, particularly the maltreatment of its First Nations people. One deity, in the shape of an Aboriginal man, attempts to learn more about fire, but is confronted with racism: “They reacted poorly to his dark appearance.” This emphasizes the social and cultural implications of colonialism, in addition to the environmental destruction.
Beyond history, these gods represent the spiritual and emotional bond between humanity and environment. They stress the necessity of safeguarding the environment and honoring its strength. By combining legend and reality, Arnott creates a universe in which nature is more than simply a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative.
Water
Water is another significant symbol in Flames, taking many forms, including rivers, lakes, the ocean, and even rain. Each type of water reflects a distinct thought or feeling, demonstrating how inextricably linked nature and human existence are.
Rivers
In the narrative, rivers represent connectedness. They connect various regions of the environment, allowing characters to travel around Tasmania and enjoy its enormous beauty. The South Esk River, named after the river deity, is an example of how rivers serve as lifelines for both nature and humans.
Lakes
Lakes, especially Crater Lake, represent serenity, quiet, and retreat. For characters like Charlotte, the lake provides a safe haven away from the stress of life. It is a location where they may ponder, feel at ease, and connect with nature. Arnott characterizes the lake as “still and untouched,” which captures its peaceful spirit.
The Ocean
The ocean is the novel’s most sophisticated representation of water. Surrounding Tasmania, it serves as both a frightening and relaxing influence. Arnott often depicts the ocean as enormous and frightening, teeming with orcas and tuna the size of “mountains.” This artwork emphasizes the ocean’s uncontrolled strength and tendency to inspire dread.
However, the water provides comfort to characters such as Edith and Charlotte. Edith finds peace amid the waves, while Charlotte recalls childhood memories of the water as a safe haven. For Levi, the water signifies both wonder and danger, mirroring his inner conflicts.
By showcasing the different relationships characters have with the ocean, Arnott explores how nature can evoke a wide range of emotions—fear, awe, comfort, and even joy.
Rain
Rain appears at the novel’s end as a metaphor of renewal and new beginnings. It removes the tensions and problems that have built up during the novel, allowing the characters to start afresh. Arnott utilizes rain to symbolize cleaning and optimism, demonstrating how nature can heal and offer closure.
One very moving scene happens as rain falls following a significant turning point in the plot. Arnott puts it like way: “The rain came, gentle and unending, washing everything clean.” This statement expresses the concept of release and regeneration, reminding readers that nature’s cycles are consistent and healing.
Why These Symbols Matter
Both the otherworldly beings and the water in Flames have bigger roles throughout the narrative. They are not only ornamental or abstract symbols; they actively contribute to the story’s themes of loss, connection, and history.
Connecting to Grief
Water, for example, reflects the characters’ emotions as they cope with loss and sadness. The enormity of the ocean matches Levi’s sentiments of being overwhelmed, but the tranquility of Crater Lake provides Charlotte with a moment of peace. Rain, as a metaphor of regeneration, implies that mourning will ultimately lead to healing.
In contrast, the gods reflect the eternal nature of sadness and loss. They’ve seen countless deaths and transformations, from the South Esk god lamenting the destruction of his river to the human characters mourning their loved ones. These otherworldly beings remind us that grieving is a universal sensation that links humanity to the natural world.
Highlighting Tasmania’s History
The gods also highlight the effects of colonialism on Tasmania’s land and people. By giving nature a voice, Arnott challenges readers to confront the harm caused to the ecosystem and its original stewards. This perspective is especially significant in Australia, where the repercussions of colonialism are still felt today.
For example, the South Esk god’s rage for the “foul industries” emphasizes the environmental damage inflicted by European invaders. Meanwhile, the deity who encounters racism demonstrates how colonialism affected not just the land but also the lives of its Indigenous inhabitants. Arnott utilizes these occasions to educate readers of Tasmania’s rich history and the need of acknowledging it.
Exploring Human-Nature Relationships
Finally, these emblems highlight the significance of connection with nature. The gods demonstrate that nature is alive and worthy of respect, and water’s different forms remind us of its beauty and strength. By incorporating these symbols throughout the novel, Arnott asks readers to consider their own ties with the natural world.
Arnott’s use of symbolism in Flames expands the novel’s themes and allows readers to consider deeper questions about loss, history, and connection. He gives nature a voice by creating mystical creatures that remind us of its vibrancy and tenacity. He uses water to investigate the emotional and spiritual connections between individuals and the environment.
These symbols also serve as a call to action, encouraging readers to value and safeguard the natural environment. Nature, according to the South Esk deity, has weathered ages of change but is not invincible. Recognizing the meaning of these symbols allows us to better understand Arnott’s message: nature is both a source of awe and a reminder of our obligation to care for it.
Leave a Reply