All The Light We Cannot See Literary Analysis Essay Example

Adversity plays a significant role in an individual's life as it has the potential to shape one's identity. Adverse situations teach individuals new insights into themselves and expose people to new experiences. When they overcome them, they acquire confidence, morals, values, and self-worth. This development can be seen throughout Anthony Doerr's historical fiction All The Light We Cannot See, which illustrates a narrative about the many perspectives of World War II. Doerr conveys how hardships shape individuals' identities through the character Marie-Laure. In this novel, the author explores the idea that although she goes through a series of global, physical, and emotional adversity, it teaches Marie-Laure how to cope with her circumstances. Allowing the protagonist to form new connections and ties that helped her survive the war, overcome trauma, and live her life moving forward.

Losing a vital sense may not come easy for everybody, but despite turning blind at an early age, Marie-Laure refuses to accept a confined and secluded life. Instead, she acquires new skills such as learning braille and finding ways of navigating the world by studying tiny size replicas of locations. Her efforts in becoming self-sufficient and resourceful stem from her passion of wishing to study and "see" as much of the world as possible. Exploring the seaside, touching natural specimens, and reading adventure novels provide Marie-Laure pleasure. Between 1940 and 1942, Marie-Laure became increasingly engaged and empowered. While she is distraught and agonized by her father's departure, Madame Manec is astute enough to figure out what would help her heal.       

Now that Daniel is no longer in the picture, there is no one to prevent Marie-Laure from leaving the house. Madame Manec acknowledges that Marie-Laure must learn to be self-sufficient in order to survive her current situation. After hiding away, Marie-Laure finds fresh hope and is revitalized when she came into contact with nature. The new atmosphere of the seaside encouraged her to develop resilience and confidence in herself as she tries to cope with the loss of her sight and loved ones. She is certain that she can carry on with her life as she sees the potential within her. Marie-Laure's curiosity and drive to learn everything keep her from succumbing to sadness and demonstrates how nature may be a healing factor. Her other senses connect her to the water, despite her inability to sight. The illustration of the water indicates that Marie-Laure is experiencing a type of rebirth, a journey from child to adult. She is effectively reincarnated as a more powerful figure in the seas.

During this time of awakening, Marie-Laure was able to appreciate her senses and develop an understanding of herself. She was introduced to unfamiliar surroundings, yet decided to learn to embrace everything around her. Typically when individuals are exposed to new experiences out of their comfort zone. They might shut down or become overwhelmed. But as soon as they adapt to the situation, it can guide them to self-grow, and find purpose and meaning in their life. This is depicted through Marie- Laure, going outside was more than her entering a foreign environment, it was her second chance at life. Once she stepped out those doors, the life she knew of being protected by others and living by others' rules was no longer her reality as she now affirmed the role she plays in her own life. Marie-Laure's growing world participation includes the realization that she can take action to defend what she believes in, providing her with a sense of meaning and purpose. “To shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness.” (ch. 27) The quote illustrates the concept of vision and sight, with the irony that Marie-Laure has the ability to "see" more than other sighted people. This is supported by a sequence of imagery of things Marie-Laure can hear and feel both up close and far away. She notices the beauty, tranquility, and humanity that others overlook. Furthermore, her self-assurance has enabled her to enjoy more aspects of life such as becoming a single mother although it was not a norm or common at the time. And becoming a well-known scientist who performs field research and develops new discoveries.

All things considered, Marie-Laure did not develop strength by being happy but by surviving difficult times that led her to find happiness and peace within her journey. Without tribulation, there is no progress. Rather than avoiding difficulties, it is important to embrace them. Human experience encompasses hardship and there is no way to completely avoid it. So, it is better to surrender to the situation and approach it as a valuable life lesson.  This growth is portrayed in Marie-Laure as she enjoys life from her own unique viewpoint. Despite Marie-Laure's physical weakness, she knows that there is more to life than hiding. She could have thought that being blind was a dead end but instead she found ways in which she can cope with her disability and ultimately turn her “curse” into a blessing. She manages to use her other senses to enhance her surroundings and live without allowing her loss of sight to limit her. Which is a sense most people take for granted. Ultimately, It makes one wonder how much more advantage Marie-Laure truly has over us.