Tinderbox

The tinderbox is one of the first items that Tom receives. His father gives it to him when he’s leaving the farm. The tinderbox is important because it has been passed down from generation to generation and it is a symbolic reminder of his family's love. Jack is initially angry that his brother Tom accepted the tinderbox because he’s jealous of how proud his family is of Tom. Tom uses the tinderbox to stay connected to his family as it acts as a direct reminder of how much both his parents care about him. When he feels lost and alone in the haunted house, he uses the tinderbox to reignite the flame. This represents Tom drawing on the strength and motivation from his family, something that he does frequently throughout the book.

Spook Books

Throughout the course of the story Gregory is constantly having...