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  • Essay / The Role of Radio in “All the Light We Cannot See”

    History shows a consistent divide between what humans should and should not do, as evidenced by mass genocides, racism, chaotic violence and suppression of human rights of World War II. . Items such as radios have played a huge role in this, as humanity has used them as a means of propaganda. The device helped advance the development of the war and accelerate the battle at the same time, helping German culture desensitize itself to public information and news so that no protests were made; intensify pro-Hitler and anti-Semitic culture. Germany was able to glorify Hitler figures such as Dr. Joseph Goebbels who controlled and portrayed a positive image of German culture through "radio, press, cinema and theater." All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr explores how this device can be used positively in difficult times. The importance of radio demonstrates how, through this form of communication and meaningful connection, the characters, Marie-Laure, Werner and the citizens at war, are able to help others by risking their own well-being, demonstrating their quest for love. The radio highlights the role of memories for the characters. This advances the plot because their origins are tied to radio; linked by Marie-Laure's grandfather's broadcast and radio stations. They are able to exhibit this quest because they are willing to go to extreme lengths to connect with the people who matter to them. Through radio and its ability to bring people together, Anthony Doerr highlights its saving nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay For Werner, radio played a prominent role in his life and is most often linked to his memories and beliefs. Werner demonstrates an instant connection with his first reconfiguration of a radio as he "chops back tears" (Doerr 33) when it works. His social status and mental state prove that even the poorest can have access to this universal communication tool. Werner proves that even though he lives in this state, he is intelligent and capable. His connection with the radio extends to his sister as “he looks at his sister's face, motionless except for her eyelids” (Doerr 34) when he shows her the device. Werner shows his sister that their abilities and beliefs are not limited to their own minds, but can extend to others. His love for science and radio is instantaneous and offers him an escape to contact things beyond the walls of the orphanage, "the little radio... between them like a miracle." Dorrer implies that Werner has a greater goal and, in turn, the radio leads him to the army. Although associated with good memories, radio can simultaneously evoke bad aspects of violence in one's mind. He and other children are presented with the necessity of genocide and the justification for the means of violence: “only through the hottest fires can one achieve purification. It is only through the severest trials that God’s elect can rise” (Doerr 63). This brainwashing propaganda makes Werner believe that the Germans are good guys and in doing so he is corrupted by incorrect beliefs. Jutta tries to convince him of their evil actions but only leads to the siblings drifting apart. However, his ideal of war changes as he alludes to his early memories with Jutta and the radio broadcast: "He hears the voice ofJutta: open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever” (Doerr 409). His change in behavior leads him to “walk quickly to the hotel” (Doerr 409) and change his motivations for what is morally right and wrong. Werner realizes that there is a greater purpose than what he is told, driving him to save and protect Marie-Laure. In moments of doubt and reflection or when using the radio, he sees Jutta as a positive influence and sees that war leads to corruption and lack of compassion or empathy. He rejects his imposed beliefs because the thought of Jutta makes him feel guilty and resentful. Marie-Laure's relationship with radio is representative of salvation and hope. Initially, his link with radio seems distant because it “begins to disappear”. The loss of communication in his town arouses concern and fear of mass genocide and violence that will prevail later. The radio connects her to her great-uncle and her grandfather, establishing a more personal and meaningful connection with the radio, "Etienne puts headphones on Marie-Laure's ears... 'whispers these scripts, the ones that your great -father and I recorded” (Doerr 159). She finds a certain security there because it involves “weaving a sort of protective screen around them”. She manages to make a connection with Etienne in his vulnerable state, and in turn, he discovers that he has someone who understands him. This creates the possibility of connection of other people and shows that they will use it again to communicate with other people abroad. She then uses the radio to help her uncle risk his life as Von Rumpel attempts to kill her, offering her some sort of safety and allowing Etienne to "hear a glimmer of hope." She wants to comfort Etienne and the only way to do this is to “lift the microphone to her lips” (Doerr 391). In times of fear, she turns to the radio as her salvation and once again, the radio connects the protagonists again as Werner hears the broadcast. Radio is able to unite people in times of need and moves the plot forward. As the propaganda circulated, Werner and Jutta were told from a young age that they needed to be careful and examine everything before it was taken from them: “Open your eyes,” the man concluded, “and see what you can.” with them before. they close forever” (Doerr 48). The radio promotes connection with other places as "a piano turns on, plays Werner a song" (Doerr 48), alluding to Clair de Lune, as he listens to tapes from Marie's grandfather- Laura. Werner is optimistic about what will happen in the future as the “air streaming with possibilities” (Dorrer 48) uniting Marie-Laure and Werner from the beginning of their childhood without physically meeting each other. These connections lead to something much more real when Werner uses Marie-Laure's radio broadcasts to find her and save her life. Additionally, this foreshadows a positive change that radio will bring later in the novel. Just as Marie-Laure's grandfather is broadcast on the radio, she and her great-uncle do the same for a purpose bigger than themselves; to bring comfort to those around the world: “When Etienne opens it, there is yet another piece of paper inside... his soft voice says numbers in the attic.” Marie is willing to help others and believes that she and her great-uncle are being good people in doing so: “But we are the good ones. Isn't that right, uncle? "I hope so. I hope we are." Etienne hesitates because he is worried about the consequences and what the act of "betrayal" will bring to them. They are the main source of information sent to the outside world , thus allowing.