The shack—that is, the dilapidated old structure where Missy’s bloodstained dress was found, presumably the site of her murder—symbolizes the emotional trauma that episode represents in Mack’s life and thus supports the theme of making sense of suffering. It is a visual representation of “the Great Sadness” that surrounds Mack after Missy’s death. When Mack returns to the shack in answer to Papa’s invitation, the setting adds to this symbolic portrayal; the trees are desolate of leaves and the landscape around is locked in snow and ice.

The shack’s symbolism includes elements of hope. During Mack’s experience, the shack transforms into a lovely log cabin, and the area surrounding it comes alive with the beauty of flowers and leaves. Winter becomes springtime, and the shack a home in which love is constantly present. It is significant that Young portrays the shack as the place of Mack’s meeting with God, full of all the hope, beauty, and life that meeting brings. This signifies that God meets people in the middle of their pain, bringing healing not by turning away from trauma or pain but by entering into that spot in a person’s life and allowing the wholeness of divine love to mend the deepest wounds.