In what way does the Binnacle Boy evolve into a graven image?

The Binnacle Boy becomes a graven image. Families, particularly those that lost a family member on the Orion, stare at the statue for hours, as if it would give up the secret. Months later, the curiosity gives way to confession as the people begin to tell the Binnacle Boy all of their secrets, knowing he will never repeat them.