The book all the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr is set in mainland Europe, principally France and Germany in the period preceding and during the Second World War. The books two main characters are Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig. They are among a number of many other characters in the book including Werner’s younger sister Jutta. Marie is French while Werner is German. During the war, they find themselves in opposing sides with Germany having invaded Europe. Many themes and symbols can be derived from the book. There is the symbolism of blindness. Marie is physically blind. Although she cannot use her eyes, she is very observant. She is able to recognize that things are changing and even before the war begins, she can tell that something big is happening (Doerr, 42).
Werner on the other hand is able to see, but is figuratively blind. Although a brilliant young man, he is not able to tell that the changes that Hitler is bringing are a preparation for Germany to get into war. There is also the use of numbers. Because Marie cannot see, she uses numbers as a way to get around. For example, she counts steps, doors and stairs to help her in getting around (Doerr, 45). Werner on the other hand is a mathematician and his good understanding of numbers allows him to be accurate in his work. However, the most significant theme in the book is radio. Having been invented at the turn of the century, it proves to be very important during this war. It allows for communication between people and most importantly between troops without the need of sending a messenger team. Essentially, radio is also the means in which the two main characters in the book meet. Therefore, the appropriate thesis for this study is how the radio acts as a salvation for Marie and Werner at various times.
