Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
If The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a novel about the search from home, then William Ashby’s house is one of the possible homes that the novel offers to Kit. The house that William Ashby is ever building and discussing is, first and foremost, a symbol of the luxury and comfort he can offer his future wife. He builds on the best land and even orders diamond-paned windows.
Kit, however, is not interested in William’s house in the least, though Judith finds the topic of conversation riveting. We also know that Kit is not truly in love with William. His money offers her an escape from all of the work in the Wood home, but is a home without love truly an escape?
Why is William’s house a place Kit could never call home? What does home mean for Kit? What does it mean for William?