History shows a constant divide between what humans should and should not do, demonstrated by mass genocide, racism, chaotic violence, and removal of World War II human rights. Items like radios have played a huge role in this, as humanity has used them as a propaganda route. The device helped advance the development of the war and simultaneously accelerated the battle, helping German culture to desensitize itself to public information and news so that no protests were made; intensifying the 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 theatre”. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr explores how this device can be used positively in difficult times. The importance of the radio demonstrates how through this form of communication and meaningful connection, the characters, Marie-Laure, Werner and the warring citizens, are able to help others by risking their own well-being, demonstrating the search for love. Radio portrays the role of memories for the characters. It advances the plot as their origins are tied to radio; connected by Marie-Laure's grandfather's broadcasts and radios. They are able to show this pursuit because they are willing to go to great lengths to connect with the people who matter to them. Through radio and its abilities to bring people together, Anthony Doerr brings to light the life-saving quality it possesses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay For Werner, radio played a prevalent role in his life and is most commonly intertwined with his memories and beliefs. Werner demonstrates an immediate connection to his first reconfiguration of a radio as he “swallows tears” (Doerr 33) when it works. His social status and mental state demonstrate that even the poorest people can have access to this universal communication device. Werner shows that, despite living in this state, he is intelligent and capable. His connection to the radio also extends to his sister as he “looks at his sister's face, motionless except for the eyelids” (Doerr 34) when he shows her the device. Werner sets an example for his sister, saying that their abilities and beliefs are not limited to their own mind, 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... of all things like a miracle." Dorrer suggests that Werner has a greater purpose and, in turn, the radio brings him into the army. Although it is associated with good memories, the radio can at the same time evoke negative aspects of violence in your mind. The necessity of genocide and the justification of the means of violence are imposed on him and other children: “only through the hottest fires can purification be achieved. Only through the hardest trials can God's elect be resurrected” (Doerr 63). This brainwashing propaganda makes Werner believe that the Germans are good guys, and in doing so, he becomes corrupted by incorrect beliefs. Jutta attempts to convince him of their evil deeds, but only drives the brothers away. However, his ideal of the war changes when he alludes to his early memories with Jutta and the radio broadcast: “Hear Jutta's voice: open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever” (Doerr 409). His behavior changeleads to “walking quickly to the hotel” (Doerr 409) and changing his motivations for what is morally right and wrong. Werner realizes that there is a greater purpose than what he is told, which drives him to save and protect Marie-Laure. In moments of doubt and contemplation or when using the radio, he thinks of Jutta as a positive influence and sees that war brings corruption and a lack of compassion or empathy. He rejects his imposed beliefs as the thought of Jutta makes him feel guilty and resentful. Marie-Laure's relationship with the radio is representative of salvation and hope. Initially his connection with the radio seems distant as it "begins to disappear". The loss of communication in his city creates concern and fear of mass genocide and violence that will prevail later. The radio connects her with her great uncle and grandfather, establishing a more personal and meaningful bond with the radio, "Etienne puts a headset over Marie-Laure's ears... 'whispers those scripts, the ones your grandfather and I recorded " (Doerr 159). He finds some security as it “weaves a sort of protective screen around them.” She is able to connect with Etienne in his vulnerable state, and in turn, he finds he has someone who understands him. This creates the possibility for other people to connect and shows that they will use it again to communicate with others abroad. She then uses the radio to help her uncle risk his life as Von Rumpel attempts to kill her, providing her with some sort of safety and for Etienne to "feel a glimmer of hope". He wants to comfort Etienne and the only way to do so is to “bring the microphone to his lips” (Doerr 391). In moments of fear, he turns to the radio as his salvation and once again the radio connects the protagonists again while Werner listens to the broadcast. Radio is able to bring people together in times of need and moves the plot forward. As the propaganda circulated, during the broadcast Werner and Jutta were told as children to be cautious and to examine everything before it was taken away from them: "Open your eyes, concludes the man, and see what you can with them before they close forever." (Doerr 48) The radio promotes connection to other places as “a piano turns on, plays a song for Werner” (Doerr 48), alluding to Clair de Lune, while listening to Marie-Laure's grandfather's tapes optimistic about what will happen in the future as “the air full of possibilities” (Dorrer 48) that will bring Marie-Laure and Werner together since childhood without physically meeting. These connections lead to something much more real when Werner uses transmissions Marie-Laure's radios to find her and save her life Furthermore, this foreshadows a positive change that the 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 greater than themselves; to bring comfort to those around the world, “When Etienne opens it, there is yet another piece of paper inside… his meek voice says numbers in the attic.” Marie is willing to help others and believes that she and her great uncle are good people by doing so: “But we're the good guys. Isn't that true, uncle?" “I hope so. I hope so.” Etienne hesitates because he is worried about the consequences and what the act of “betrayal” will bring them. They are a primary source of information sent to the outside world, providing connection to thousands of people. The radio unites the protagonists as Werner tells Marie that his grandfather “used that transmitter he has. That they broadcast science lessons. As a boy he listened to them with his sister.” They have an instant connection that reveals their similarities in being compassionate and willing to saving lives Werner respects and adores his grandfather by inspiring him to.