what is the factual, literal use use of the lime kiln? how might this be symbolically or metaphorically significant as a key to the rest of the tale?
“Lime”in this context refers to the white powder from limestone. People used to make lime in kilns for all sorts of uses but principally to make mortar for house construction. The kiln's interior is bright white; Brand's heart rests inside his skeleton in the form of pure lime. This may indicate that a possible purging of sin occurred. In the end, he cries out, “O mankind, whose brotherhood I have cast off, and trampled they great heart behemoth my feet!”
