A Stone Cathedral
The stone cathedral erected by Father Gstir is a symbol of Christianity and Catholicism. Most catholic Cathedrals are erected with a bell that signals Christians that the mass is about to start or end. Father Gstir is stationed in Canada to serve the Catholic population there and ensure that the church's doctrines are passed from one generation to the other.
The symbolism of life misfortunes
The character, Klara, symbolizes life's misfortunes. As a young girl, Clara has ambitions of having her family and husband. Klara learns carpentry skills to enable her to be financially independent. Klara falls in love with O'Sullivan. Unfortunately, O'Sullivan dies in World War I and leaves Klara a spinster for the rest of her life. Klara lives most of her life lonely, and she wonders what she did wrong to deserve such life's misfortunes.
The symbolism of heroism
At first, Tilman is introduced as an irresponsible man who does not want to learn carpentry skills. When allowed to learn carpentry, Tilman runs away, and the family considers him a disgrace. Satirically, Tilman takes part in the battle of Vimy Ridge and emerges victorious. At last, France decides to erect a monument in honor of Tilman. Klara learns of this good news and realizes that her brother embodies heroism.
The carving of Eamon’s face
The carving's Eamon's face symbolizes Klara's love for him. Klara fell in love with Eamon sometime back, but he died in WWI before they could settle down to start a family. However, when Klara had a statue of her brother being erected in France, she decided to disguise herself as a man and use her carpentry skills to demonstrate her love to Eamon. The carving was approved and accepted, and it symbolizes the love that never materialized.
The symbolism of destiny
Destiny is symbolized in the text using the carpentry skills acquired by Klara. At first, both Clara and her grandfather thought that carpentry would help Klara be financially independent. However, Klara's competency in carpentry allowed participating in the most significant event in France during the erection of the heroism statues. Clara skillfully carved a wooden statue of Eamon's face.
