Turtles

Turtles symbolize wisdom and the patient passage of time. Luiza offers to teach Almeyda how to read the back of a turtle. In Barcala Aprigio’s narrative, “THE WOMAN WHO WANTED THE RETURN OF HER LOVER,” the turtle that belongs to the macumbeiro outsmarts and outlasts all the characters in their unrequited love. The silent girl, who is discovered to be a prodigy by Father Tollinare, but is referred to as Selvagem, collects turtle eggs. In various points in the story, the image of the turtle is a peculiar one, invoking learning, cunning, age and ultimately a type of wisdom that is almost mystical.

Oil

Oil is symbol of light, truth, and power. In various scenes oil is used to evince enlightenment. Luiza uses a special oil suspended in a glass of water to induce visions. Almeyda’s cellmate says to her, when she is released...