Final answer:
The invisible net in the poem likely symbolizes societal expectations or traditions, with the fish representing those who are trapped or restricted by these factors. The metaphor suggests a nuanced understanding of beauty and constraint within tradition and societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the poem The Older Generation, the invisible net likely symbolizes societal expectations or traditions that one generation passes to the next. If the fish in the net represents the younger generation, it would suggest that they are trapped by these expectations or traditions. Without the full text of the poem, it is difficult to accurately determine which metaphorical meaning is correct.
The mention of fish traps crafted by Indigenous people, which are loosely woven and marked with lines, could also be related to the traditions and wisdom that are passed down through generations. In broader symbolic terms, the river often represents life's journey, and the idea of something being caught in a trap in the river could illustrate how individuals or generations might feel caught or constrained by factors such as tradition, expectation, or the passage of time.
Metaphorically speaking, the idea of seeing beauty in the harmful, as mentioned in the provided text, could also be connected with the notion of the invisible net. If this net is construed as societal expectations, it might suggest that while traditions can be harmful or restrictive, they can also be seen as beautiful by those who are influenced by them.