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All the Light We Cannot See Common Module essay
English standard
Castle Hill High School
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To what extent does the exploration of human experiences in All the Light We Cannot See invite you to reconsider your understanding of courage?
"With courage, you will dare to take risks and have the strength to be compassionate." – Keshavan Nair.
The postmodern historical polyvocal novel 'All the Light We Cannot See' (ATLWCS) (2014) by Anthony Doerr seeks to reflect the complexity of courage through the myriad of influences that Keshavan Nair aptly describes. Doerr challenges binary constructions of humans as either good or evil within the context of WWII through the novel's exploration of the opposing Allied and Axis powers. In turn, this allows a nuanced perspective of self- empowerment within individuals such as Werner. Doerr reimagines the female narrative, undermining traditional authoritative perceptions of gender in WWII to reveal "more that unites us than divides us" through Marie-Laure. Clearly, through examining notions of courage, the responder gains insight into two seemingly ordinary individuals in an extraordinary collective experience of WWII. Ultimately, Doerr presents individuals as not one-dimensional characters but rather multi-faceted beings who are strongly shaped by their emotions and morality.
Challenging grand narratives of both 'good' and 'evil,' particularly regarding the German collective guilt in WWII, Doerr reflects the courage present in individuals who abandon unthinking conformity in place of their morality. Doerr complicates the perspective that 'all Nazis were evil' through the characterisation of Werner, a German youth and innocent boy "white as snow," yet an active Nazi soldier. He is told the nationalistic monologue of eating "country and breath[ing] nation" to persuade children to conform to their prejudiced attitudes. Despite the nationalistic propaganda that dominated this context, Doerr highlights the ultimate price of conformity where he "waits for the child to blink.. blink blink." The palilogia of "blink" signifies the loss of morality and innocence when a young child symbolically wearing a maroon cloak is murdered, signifying the victims of the Nazi regime. The repetition in Doerr's language conveys the distress, price and courage in facing the brutal realities of conforming to orders and succumbing to self-interest and fear. This lack of certainty within his language illustrates how difficult it can be to differentiate between moral and immoral actions within a state such as war. Ultimately, Doerr presents insight into the courageous nature of individuals, disputing categorical and binary notions of 'good' and 'evil' and empowering individuals to rise beyond their environmental conditions.
Furthermore, Doerr's storytelling challenges the binary understanding of both love and sacrifice through the notion of parental guidance, presenting an insight into the crucial role parenting has in shaping human qualities and emotions through meaningful interactions. Through the parental figure of Daniel LeBlanc, Marie-Laure can find her strength and courage within the most trying of times. The motif of the sea in the "seashell she holds in her hands" and the Whelk symbolises the strength of LeBlanc's continual encouragement. In contrast, the crucial importance of parenting is reflected through Werner's moral degradation. Without the warmth of Frau Elena, who strongly presented her belief in him: "I believe in you," Werner is left to submit to the oppressive violence of Bastien, showing how he lacks the courage to make informed decisions without the moral guidance of
unconditional love. Doerr presents the vital importance of meaningful, loving interactions between parents and youth to inspire courage and positive human qualities.
Finally, Doerr revises our preconceived notions of the effects of war upon courage by using an achronological dual narrative structure, which simultaneously exposes us to his characters' inner workings. Marie-Laure is established as being a weak, helpless individual, "sightless" and hopelessly "alone sniffing a pamphlet she cannot read." However, despite this characterisation of traditional weakness, Doerr paradoxically portrays Marie-Laure as a powerful individual capable of extraordinary feats. Strengthened by her novel '20, Leagues under the Sea,' Marie-Laure challenges Von Rumpel to "come get me," presenting an insight into how an individual who, even in the face of immense danger, has the moral integrity to remain steadfast. Though he is established as independent, Werner struggles with his humanity and is the antithesis of Marie-Laure. While Werner attends an institute at Schulpforta, Jutta immediately challenges his assumptions indicating that he is aware that his decision to attend will conflict with his morals, as evidenced in the simile "Doubts: slipping in like eels." Nevertheless, he still makes the conscious decision to attend. However, towards the end of the book, when Werner saves Marie-Laure, she asks, "I wake up and live my life. Don't you do the same?" to which Werner replies, "Not in years but.. maybe I did." This interaction indicates how Werner has changed as a character as he was aware of the danger of the situation and went through with it regardless. Ultimately, though the main characters contrast each other in many ways throughout the book, they complement each other immensely regarding their morals and inner strength, remaining steadfast and courageous when confronted with danger or hardship.
Ultimately, Doerr's novel 'ATLWCS’ presents a profoundly insightful reflection into the profoundly paradoxical nature of courage, challenging traditional notions to present a postmodern reflection of the human experience.
824 words
All the Light We Cannot See Common Module essay
Subject: English standard
