The Swan
So is that an actual swan staring Michael out in his bedroom? Or he is just imagining it?
shareNo, it's metaphorical. The Swan represents Britain and it's fading significance to Australia;to a country so wild and untamed.
Notice the line "beautiful birds them swans, a week in the bush; they'd be dead by now".
A swan can only thrive in an environment conducive to its needs...much like the British traditions and the stiffling Victorian values of the time...they don't belong in this land...and they can't survive.
Agreed, and the swans also made me think of the girls in their pristine white dress during the picnic.
the conclusion can be the same for them: a week in the bush; they'd be dead by now.