Importance of Boots

Boots modified with crosses affixed to the soles are worn by Holy Track, and symbolize the presence of God. The imprints they make in the ground earn him the nickname “Holy Track”. Holy Track’s mother believes that the tracks mean misfortune and evil will not follow him. Unfortunately, the evil of men prevails against the intent of God and Holy Track’s mother, in which time Holy Track is scapegoated and lynched. Mooshum keeps the boots, and later has Evelina throw them into the tree. It takes her three symbolic attempts to do so –one for each of the dead. The three attempts may also symbolically be seen to represent the Holy Trinity of the Catholic Church –the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit –and the fact that Holy Track and the others are now in the presence of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in Heaven.