Symbols in the Night Circus- Herr Friedrick Thiessen's death

          Herr Friedrick Thiessen is a curious character throughout the novel.  I found that one of the biggest symbols associated with him was his death.

          The novel says," And so the knife brushes by his sleeve, and comes to rest instead in the chest of the man he is speaking with.  The blade sliding through his unbuttoned black coat easily, hitting his heart as through it had always been its intended target, the silver handle jutting out just beneath his crimson scarf.

          Mr. A-H-- catches Herr Friedrick Thiessen as he slumps forward."

          After contemplating the death of his character, I think that his death symbolizes the end of time. Or more simply- when time is up for certain characters.  Herr Friedrick Thiessen is the mysterious clock master throughout the story that builds a close connection with the circus and its mysteries.  His death symbolizes when time is up for Celia and Marco to stop playing games.  From that point on in the novel, the competition becomes more fierce and personal then ever. So much emotion is involved in his death that from that point on, the story only becomes more emotional and intense as Celia and Marco strive to keep their relationship alive while surviving the brutalities of the competition. Herr Friedrick Thiessen's death was a turning point for the characters and the story line.