Contents
Chapter 57 - Dominoes and Darkness
Overview
Nazi officials attempt to recruit Rudy Steiner for an elite Nazi school, but Alex and Barbara Steiner resist. Rudy, distracted by dominoes and missing key moments, later believes he could have altered the outcome. The chapter foreshadows dire consequences while confirming Rudy will not be sent away.
Summary
Rudy Steiner and his younger sisters play dominoes while Nazi officials meet with Alex and Barbara Steiner in the kitchen. Rudy, fearing recent trouble at school, listens at the door and hears his father arguing against the so-called “privilege” being offered.
As Rudy lights a candle and sets the dominoes falling, Alex challenges the officials’ promises, citing harsh rumors about the elite training. Barbara pleads, "Not my boy." The officials insist it is an honor and opportunity.
Rudy stops listening, returns to the game, and misses the crucial conclusion. The children watch the domino tower collapse, which Kurt grimly likens to dead bodies. Bettina calls the visitors “monsters,” sensing their threat.
When the officials leave, Rudy and Kurt face their parents. Without revealing details, Alex and Barbara’s expressions confirm a hard decision. Rudy believes that, had he entered earlier, he might have agreed to go and changed their fate. The narrator posits three possibilities, including that Rudy might have lived, but fate prevents intervention, and Rudy is not taken.
Who Appears
- Rudy SteinerTargeted for recruitment to an elite Nazi school; plays dominoes, overhears arguments, unknowingly misses a pivotal moment.
- Alex SteinerRudy’s father; firmly challenges officials’ claims, opposes sending Rudy, embodies moral resistance.
- Barbara SteinerRudy’s mother; pleads, “Not my boy,” supports refusing the recruitment, shields her children.
- Kurt SteinerRudy’s older brother; notices the tension, likens fallen dominoes to dead bodies, asks if they are taking Rudy.
- Bettina SteinerRudy’s youngest sister; calls the visitors “monsters,” sensing the threat behind polite words.
- Nazi officialsRecruiters pressuring the Steiners to send Rudy to an elite school, promising privilege and opportunity.