Graven Images

Fleischman addresses the concept of graven images in three distinct ways. The topic often has a negative connotation, especially when referred to in a religious aspect. The graven images in these stories aren't necessarily negative or positive but they do reveal the true nature of at least one character in each story.

In the Binnacle Boy, Fleischman creates a wooden statue that is used on a ship. Like a figurehead, the Binnacle Boy serves a purpose as well as being a token of good luck for the ship. However, when the Binnacle Boy is brought ashore, it takes on a completely different role, as secret keeper for the townspeople. Despite their connection to church and the community, the people feel the need to unburden themselves to the wooden boy, knowing that their secrets will be kept.

In Saint Crispin's Follower, the graven image is a copper weather...