Summary Of Elizabeth Strout's Incoming Tide

In the story “Incoming Tide” by Elizabeth Strout, one character haunted by the past, Kevin. Many readers overlook what happens in the past but it can certainly affect the future for a person. What happened in the past translates to a dark future for him. The past is a dark symbol that helps present the underlying mood of the story.

To begin, the past plays a huge role in Kevin’s life. Kevin Coulson is returning to his hometown. He lived in New York City where he studied Psychiatry but where he lives now is a mystery but now he doesn’t want to be a psychiatrist. “You know the saying, psychiatrists are nutty…” said Mrs. Kittredge. (Page 37, Strout) Why would he want to be in the city helping many people with their problems, but deep inside he’s

the one that needs the help the most? As a child he suffered a traumatic event at his house, his mother suffering from a mental illness which resulted in her taking her own life in front of the family. Kevin witnessed an event which would affect his future. He came back for reason and one reason only, do the same as his mother. I can relate to this in some way, I’ve in foster care since I was 6 years old. I’ve lived many places but I still go back to where I came from and see what it’s like today. I get chills at some of my old houses, where I know a lot of fighting and anger took place. The difference is I look past the future, I learn and grow from it. I try and make sure it won’t affect me in the future.
Kevin was sitting in his car at the marina in front of an old dinner, as Mrs. Kittredge came over and didn’t even bother asking if she could join him in his car. She was fond of his mother and enjoyed her before what happened. “Well, your mother might have not been able to help it” said Mrs. Kittredge (page 37, Strout) referring to her taking her life. Although never diagnosed he believed his mother suffered from being bipolar. I can relate to this because my biological mother suffered from bipolar and depression. She was never diagnosed till a couple years ago. I’m relieved it was discovered now rather than later, maybe today I could been in the same situation as Kevin, witnessing something that will affect my life.
In conclusion, the past impacts our future no matter what people say. It almost made Kevin do something he would regret, something that would impact other people down the future. If you have a friend or knows someone that needs help, reach out to them or talk to someone to that can help them. Make sure they don’t make a decision that creates a butterfly effect.