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).