What is an example of symbolism in the novel, Oona Out of Order?

Water is a symbol of Oona's fear of the future. As a child she watched her father fall overboard and drown in a boating accident. This established Oona's belief that water was dangerous. When she is afraid of facing her first leap in time, Madeleine takes her to a penguin plunge. The dive into icy Atlantic water, and Oona's resistance to the experience, evoke her fear of accepting the reality of her time travel. As Oona's story progress she faces her fear of water by going on a boat ride in Asia. The author uses this scene to symbolize that Oona is less afraid of the unknown in her future.