All The Light We Cannot See Quote Analysis
All The Light We Cannot See is a novel written by Anthony Doerr that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2015. The novel tells the story of two young people, Marie-Laure and Werner, whose paths cross during World War II in occupied France. The novel is filled with poignant and thought-provoking quotes that capture the essence of the story. In this article, we will analyze some of the most memorable quotes from the novel.
“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”
This quote is a powerful reminder to appreciate what we have while we can. It is spoken by Marie-Laure's father, who wants her to see as much of the world as possible before she loses her eyesight. This quote is a beautiful metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living fully in the present.
“We rise again in the grass. In the flowers. In songs.”
This quote is spoken by Marie-Laure's great-uncle, who is a shell-shocked veteran of World War I. He is trying to comfort her after her father is arrested by the Germans. This quote is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Life goes on, and we can find beauty and joy in unexpected places.
“Time is a slippery thing: lose hold of it once, and its string might sail out of your hands forever.”
This quote is spoken by Werner, who is reflecting on his life and the choices he has made. It is a reminder that time is precious and fleeting. We must be mindful of how we spend our time and make the most of every moment. Once time is lost, we can never get it back.
“So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?”
This quote is spoken by Marie-Laure's father, who is explaining to her how blind people can still experience the world around them. It is a reminder that our perception of reality is subjective and can be influenced by our senses. The brain is a powerful tool that can create its own reality, even in the absence of external stimuli.
“It's not what we see, but what we don't see, that matters.”
This quote is spoken by Marie-Laure's father, who is trying to teach her to use her other senses to experience the world. It is a reminder that there is more to life than what meets the eye. We must be mindful of what we cannot see and appreciate the hidden beauty in the world around us.
“Don't you want to be alive before you die?”
This quote is spoken by Werner's sister, Jutta, who is urging him to follow his dreams and not be afraid to live his life to the fullest. It is a reminder that life is short and we should not waste it on things that do not bring us joy. We must be true to ourselves and pursue our passions with all our hearts.
“To shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness.”
This quote is spoken by Werner, who is reflecting on his own experiences and the challenges of understanding the experiences of others. It is a reminder that empathy requires us to open our minds and hearts to new perspectives. We cannot truly understand others until we are willing to see the world through their eyes.
“We all come into existence as a single cell, smaller than a speck of dust. Much smaller. Divide. Multiply. Add and subtract. Matter changes hands, atoms flow in and out, molecules pivot, proteins stitch together, mitochondria send out their oxidative dictates; we begin as a microscopic electrical swarm. The lungs the brain the heart. Forty weeks later, six trillion cells get crushed in the vise of our mother's birth canal and we howl. Then the world starts in on us.”
This quote is a beautiful and poetic description of the miracle of life. It is a reminder that we are all connected and that we all have a shared history and destiny. We are all born into this world and must navigate the challenges and joys of life together.
“We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new.”
This quote is a powerful commentary on the cost of modern life and the pressure to conform to societal norms. It is a reminder that we must be true to ourselves and not sacrifice our identity in order to fit in. We must be willing to take risks and follow our own path, even if it means going against the grain.
“It was not the feeling of completeness I so needed, but the feeling of not being empty.”
This quote is spoken by Werner, who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. It is a reminder that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. We must find joy and fulfillment in the small moments of life and not rely on external factors to make us feel complete.
“In the end, all our actions are driven by love or hate. Pick one and watch your life unfold.”
This quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and hate in our lives. It is a reminder that our emotions can drive our actions and shape our destinies. We must be mindful of the choices we make and the impact they have on ourselves and those around us.
Conclusion
The quotes from All The Light We Cannot See are a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of life. They capture the essence of the novel and offer insights into the human experience. We hope that this analysis has given you a new appreciation for the novel and its themes.
