The quote from "The Shipping News" by E. Annie Proulx conveys a sense of overwhelming nostalgia and emotional weight associated with a particular space. The description of the house as "heavy" suggests that it holds the memories and experiences of the past, which can feel suffocating to the protagonist. This metaphorical notion of the past as an odorless gas implies that its influence is pervasive yet intangible, affecting the atmosphere without being directly observable.

This imagery emphasizes how deeply our environments can be intertwined with personal history. The protagonist is confronted with the legacy of his past, impacting his present life within the confines of the house. It illustrates the theme of how the remnants of former experiences continue to linger, often shaping one’s identity and perceptions, making the weight of memory a central element in the narrative.