Killings

Water is a constant symbolic presence in the story. In a broad sense, it symbolizes freedom, and, more particularly, the free exercise of the id. When the story opens, Frank’s grave overlooks the Merrimack River, but Matt cannot see it from his vantage point. This symbolizes Matt’s as-yet unrealized plan to exercise the will of his id through the murder of Richard Strout. Later, Matt’s grief over his son’s death is metaphorically compared to “a huge wave” that “struck him on the beach and swept him out to sea” (54). This symbolizes a perverse kind of freedom to feel and fear for his children that Matt had repressed for all of his children’s lives. It also foreshadows the moment in which Matt will let his id reign during his murder of Richard Strout. Frank and Mary Ann are repeatedly depicted at the beach or smelling of the ocean, symbolizing the free exercise of their passions through their sexual and romantic love affair. Later, as Matt lies in wait for Richard to emerge from the bar, he can smell the sea. This symbolizes the nearness of the moment in which he will exercise his dark and extreme desire to murder Richard.