Tom’s Former House

Throughout Such Kindness, Tom’s former home acts as a symbol of the joy and fulfillment that once filled his life. Tom often reflects on the home, which he built with his own hands for his wife and son. The home—overlooking a marsh—is light-filled and beautiful. Dubus often positions Tom’s former home in distinct contrast with Tom’s unit at the 8; Tom pines for the loveliness of his large family home. Tom even notes that, when he had a car, he would drive to the property simply to admire his handiwork. In this way, the image of his former home epitomizes Tom’s heartache for his former life.

Fire

Dubus often uses the image of fire to help represent the chronic pain with which Tom grapples. During a carpentry job prior to the main events of the novel, Tom fell...