Isaac’s mother’s chair

The high-back chair that remained in the den long after Isaac’s mother passed away represents the depth of Jacob’s love for his wife. He was unable to give up any of her material possessions because he still wanted to maintain her constant presence in his life. Keeping her items was the best way that he knew how to do this and it also signaled to Isaac that his father struggled to address his emotions because they did not ever speak of how much his father missed his wife.

Kitchen table

Jacob struggled to enjoy meals in the kitchen because the table reminded him of the time he spent with his wife and son. It brought him pain to remember the pleasant memories and the ultimately bitter end of his family. The loneliness he has experienced in old age alongside his...