Master’s Mark

The Master’s Mark is literally a secret symbol of the Master Masons, or the members of the Masonic Third Degree. Only Master Masons recognize the symbol. Yet, in the story, the mark is also symbolic of divine knowledge. The people of Kafiristan believe that “‘only the gods know’” “‘the Mark cut in the stone’” (46, 45). Billy Fish admits that they did not believe Carnehan and Dravot were gods “‘till [they] showed the sign of the Master’” (46). The people of Kafiristan believe that beyond their knowledge base lies the knowledge of the gods. Since Carnehan and Dravot know slightly more about Freemasonry than the people—the Third Degree grip and symbol—they are convinced the men know everything beyond that. The Master’s Mark also symbolizes their untouchability. The moment after the mark is revealed, the distrusting priest “‘falls flat on his face at Dravot...