Through all the light we cannot see, Anthony Doerr creates a world in which two invariably different individuals are connected to each other through fate and personal flaws. Werner's shortcomings – or his inability to visualize his hope – align with Marie-Laure's lack of vision. Werner and Marie-Laure are forced - in their reality and together, after meeting - to understand that the world is anything but good. This does not mean, however, that they can submit to evil (Nazism, for Werner; sadness, for Marie-Laure). They come to the conclusion that one must: "Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever" (Doerr, 310), adding a tragic hint of situational irony in light of Marie-Laure's lack of ability to, physically, do exactly that. All the light we cannot see, through this connection, becomes a search for light in the tunnel of life, and the presence or lack of sight in the novel provides symbols of hope and the obstacles individuals encounter during that search. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe obstacles that Marie-Laure and Werner encounter are intended to dissuade them from seeing (physically and metaphorically), but they are ultimately able to overcome them by recognizing the errors of their ways and opening their eyes to the hope, to the light, in life. Marie-Laure's abilities are obviously hindered by her physical blindness, but her obstacles run deeper; they begin as a battle against despair and evolve into a battle against the evil of the Nazi cause, a battle for his life. Marie-Laure's father instills in her a deep self-sufficiency and intelligence that allows her to grow hope - her light, her sight - as he works with her to see the city (through its models) despite her disability. Her father's diligent and careful teachings are what gives Marie-Laure the moral high ground and courage needed to help her uncle and what allows Marie-Laure's hope to thrive. Werner, in parallel, is forced to work in a Hitler Youth program on behalf of the Nazi cause. He must transform the passion for science and radio that he once used to find the music and philosophical words of a Frenchman - which he once used for good - into a tool for finding and eliminating those who are against the Nazi cause. He must facilitate the deaths of people who only want the same basic humanities he wanted as a young orphan; safety, happiness, care. His duty to the Nazi cause and his fear of potential repercussions should he hesitate destroy his morals and wound his integrity, stealing his light and darkening his hope. It is through the fulfillment of his deadly duties that Werner discovers Marie-Laure; Marie-Laure's uncle Etienne broadcast on the radio in the interests of the "rebel cause". (Uncle Etienne, in a perfectly healthy literary circle, is the same Frenchman Werner had listened to on the radio and idolized as a child.) Werner, meeting Marie-Laure – seeing her for the first time – is reminded of the Werner wants to be; the Werner that Jutta, his sister, begged him to stay; the Werner he knew he was, deep down. He decides that he will not stand by and assist in the murder of undeserving people for the sake of a supposed cause. Werner saves Marie-Laure and Etienne, crediting Marie-Laure as the catalyst that brings his light back, allowing him to open his eyes and allowing him to see his hope. Werner comes to understand the reality he could have had, instead of the misery. he resisted the Nazis, before meeting Marie-Laure,.