Vow of Thieves

Death is a multifaceted motif in Vow of Thieves representing hope and resilience, as well as the theme of The Power of Family and Community. Many Vendans have precognitive abilities, though these abilities manifest differently in each person. Kazi’s unique gift is seeing Death. Initially, people around her view her ability negatively by those around her. For instance, Synové says that “what Kazi has is more of a curse than a gift” (170). However, as the story unfolds, Kazi realizes that her ability to see Death is a gift from her mother, intended to guide and protect her.

Typically, in literature, Death is depicted as a shadowy, silent, and looming figure heralding disaster. While Kazi’s visions of Death are indeed shadowy and looming, her vision of Death is also dynamic—he communicates with her, encouraging her to keep going. At the beginning of the novel, when Kazi is wounded and locked in a cell, she sees Death. She tells him, ‘“You’re here for me. I’ve been expecting you.’ He shakes his head. Not yet. Not today. I’m sorry” (1). This interaction is the first time Kazi considers that Death might not be an adversary, previously thinking that “Death took pleasure in taunting me, pushing me” (35). However, as the narrative progresses, Kazi realizes that she has misunderstood Death’s role in her life.

Later, when Kazi is almost dying, she finally understands that Death was never her enemy. She sees that “Death paced the room, watching [her]. Impatient,” and he wills her to “Blink last. Make it one more day” (347). While Kazi previously assumed that her determination to go on was her own, she now realizes that Death was the one who had always said these words to her—they were “His challenge for [her] to stay alive” (347). Rather than stalking her to claim her life, Death has always been encouraging her to survive. Kazi’s realizes that her perception of Death and his purpose has been skewed from the very start.

Once Kazi’s perception shifts from viewing Death as an adversary to seeing him as a supporter, she understands that Death’s presence is a gift from her mother. The first time Kazi saw Death, she saw him walking arm-in-arm with her kidnapped mother. This vision convinced Kazi that her mother was dead, and that Death was waiting to claim her, too. However, as Kazi’s perspective evolves, she realizes that Death follows her at her mother’s behest. When she visits her mother’s grave, Kazi asks her: “Did you make a bargain with Death? Rage against him? […] Make him watch over me? Make him push me to stay alive?” (454). She understands that her mother’s love for her was so intense that she made Death watch over Kazi, underlining the power of family. Death becomes part of Kazi’s family legacy and even accompanies the specter of her mother at Kazi and Jase’s wedding.

Death in Vow of Thieves is not an omen of doom but a complex symbol of hope and familial love. Kazi’s evolving perception of Death highlights the misunderstood nature of protective forces in our lives. Through Kazi’s journey, Pearson illustrates that what is often perceived as a threat may actually be a source of strength and guidance.