A Song Below Water

Identity, racism, and social justice are intertwined in both Tavia and Effie’s fights for societal changes. Early on, Tavia expresses that she must stay hidden as a siren and despises her identity—to the point of trying to “strangle” her siren voice as an 11-year-old. Because society views sirens as manipulative, untrustworthy villains, Tavia feels she cannot reveal her identity (until she feels safe and strong enough to be herself and fight for siren rights). Her identity is defined by society and her father, who insists on hiding her out of fear. Tavia doesn’t use her siren powers for any negative reasons, though people think sirens use their songs to give them an unfair advantage. By Awakening Effie and rescuing her accidental victims (the stoned children in Triton Park), Tavia shows the world that the label of siren isn’t negative or dangerous; instead, she learns to value her identity and embrace her sirenness, like YouTuber Camilla Fox and Gramma. 

Racism is a prominent theme connected to many characters’ identities, with unjust prejudices prompting them to act, react, or fail to act. Tavia’s family, Effie, Mama Theo, Naema, Priam, Wallace, Camilla, and Rhoda Taylor among others are Black characters.