Importance of trees

The tree is located on Wolde family land, is where the lynchings of 1911 take place, and is symbolic not only of death, but peace and freedom. A mob of men, including many prominent members of the founding families of the community, head there with Mooshum, Holy Track, Opin, and Aiginak where all four are hanged. At the last moment, Eugene Wildstrand cuts down Mooshum to save his life in a moment of clarity and conscience. As Evelina later notes, everyone in the community knows where “the tree” is located. She and Mooshum visit the tree to pay their respects to the dead, and so Mooshum can leave Holy Track’s boots behind. At the tree, Mooshum has a vision of doves which alternately suggests peace and freedom for the dead, and death for the town.