Cyclones
Storm imagery is prominent throughout Carpentaria. When a storm hits, the narrator describes black, towering clouds, surging tides, thunder and lightning, and a wild sea. This imagery creates a sense of foreboding about the coming storm.
Gropers
The imagery of the gropers and their dwelling place is vivid, mystical, and idyllic. The gropers are enormous, majestic fish. In several instances during the novel, hundreds of gropers gather to accompany the characters on their sea missions. The author’s description of the gropers’ beautiful underground cave, as well as of their journeys between the sea and the sky, creates a sense of awe and reverence around the fish, which are associated with the spiritual realm.
Fire
The imagery of fire is important during the climactic destruction of Gurfurrit’s mine. The narrator describes the fire as explosive and unstoppable. The imagery is impressive and bombastic. Mozzie’s men are amazed that they are able to destroy the biggest mine of its kind in the world with this simple, ancient element. In this way, fire becomes a symbol of nature’s power, which greatly exceeds that of the mining company.
Feminine sea spirits
Carpentaria features frequent imagery of feminine sea spirits. The narrator depicts these women as powerful and tricky. They are generally old and desperate, and they try to lure sailors to remain with them at sea forever. The imagery of feminine sea spirits is an allusion to ancient tales of sirens that lead sailors to untimely deaths at sea.
Will's abundant garbage island
The author uses imagery of lush, natural abundance to describe the transformation that Will's floating garbage island undergoes. Her description of the many species of plants and animals that come to live on the island paint a picture of a verdant oasis. This imagery highlights the island's amazing transformation from trash to abundant life, thus emphasizing the novel's key theme of renewal and hope.
