In Markus Zusak’s novel, The Book Thief, the dominoes symbolize the interconnectedness of fate and choice in the lives of the characters. Just as dominoes fall one after the other, the decisions made by the characters lead to a chain reaction of events that shape their destinies.
The imagery of dominoes serves to highlight how one person’s actions can influence others, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. For instance, Liesel Meminger’s love for words and her decision to steal books set off a series of events that not only affect her life but also those of her foster family, friends, and even the Jewish man they hide, Max Vandenburg. Each character’s choice is like a domino; when one falls, it impacts the others, sometimes with devastating consequences.
Moreover, the dominoes reflect the fragility of life during World War II. A single wrong move can lead to disaster, much like a misplaced domino can disrupt the entire setup. This symbolizes the precariousness of existence in a volatile period, underscoring how quickly things can change and how the characters navigate their struggles within these confines.