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Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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Childhood in All The Light We Cannot See: a
Defining Moment
Categories: Aftermath of World War II (https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/aftermath-of-
world-war-ii/)
The chain of dependency is innate within human society. As children develop, their
attitudes and behaviors are modeled after their parents. This mutual growth has
sustained the relationship between a child and his or her parent. In
All the Light We
Cannot See
(hereinafter referred to as “the Novel”), the influence of having and
lacking parents is evident in the lives of Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig,
respectively. Despite the absence of Werner’s biological parents, the fundamental
needs for love and care are upheld by the caregiver of the orphanage, Frau Elena. As
proposed by David Suzuki in “Hidden Lessons” (hereinafter referred to as “the Essay”),
the natural bond between a child and his or her parent surpasses the integrated
relationship between society and its environment. As demonstrated in the Novel, the
role of a parent is not bounded by blood; rather, the relationship is nurtured through
time and substantive interactions. This bond is evidently present in the development
of modern adolescents. Despite the independence that children acquire through
age, the Novel and the Essay emphasize on the lasting effects that children
experience through the relationship with their parents.
In the Essay, Suzuki stresses the importance of behaving cautiously in front of
children. Unconsciously, children are constantly modeling after “the unspoken,
negative lessons [that parents] are conveying” (Suzuki 129). Similarly, Werner has
prioritized his the importance of his own career due to the disappearance of his
father. Through the fear of experiencing the same fate as his father, Werner is
desperate to avoid the coal mines. This demonstrates that parental influence can be
About this sample
11/29/23, 4:09 PM
Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/childhood-in-all-the-light-we-cannot-see-a-defining-moment/
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conveyed through direct and indirect interactions. It should be emphasized that the
influence of his father persists beyond his physical presence. Partially, the
relationship has been shaped by a reactionary progression. That is, the relationship
develops based on how each party reacts to the other. Unfortunately, this issue is
neglected in the Essay due to its emphasis on parental influence over mutual
influence. Since Suzuki is targeting specifically young children and their parents, the
Essay is not considerate of the independence that older children gain. Through the
development of independence, their thoughts become more personal. Likewise,
Werner may have grew up without his biological parents, but his limited experience
with them creates a foundation for his mindset. As he becomes more independent,
Werner adapts according to his relationship with his father rather than abandoning
his past. The adaptive characteristic of a parent-child relationship has allowed for a
mutual yet independent development for both parties.
Although Werner had lost his biological parents, the role has been fulfilled by Frau
Elena after being sent to an orphanage. Throughout Werner’s life, he has always
been inspired by the words of Frau Elena. Despite the lack of consanguinity, her
influence on Werner is substantial. While Suzuki addresses mainly parents, he starts
the Essay with the recognition of “a world [that is] conceived, shaped, and
dominated by people” (Suzuki 127). This statement implies that human societies are
driven through the interactions between individuals. Therefore, the group dynamic of
humanity has given substantive qualities to every relationship that each individual
partakes in. Due to the unique characteristics of these relationships, it is appropriate
to consider Frau Elena to be a parent to Werner, because guardians and foster
parents can adequately fulfill the fundamental role that a parent serves. As a matter
of fact, Werner recognizes that Frau Elena is “as close to a mother as he will ever
have” (Doerr 86). The emotional dependency that Werner feels is similar to the
innate dependency that a child would feel with his or her biological parent.
Ultimately, these physical and emotional dependencies create the influential effects
that parents and guardians pertain.
11/29/23, 4:09 PM
Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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Due to the immense influence that parents have, Suzuki reminds his readers to think
conscientiously and act accordingly. In the Essay, there is an overt emphasis on
being prudent and aware of the future consequences of their actions. However, the
parents from the Novel seldom reflect on their actions. Marie-Laure’s father, Daniel,
reflects on his choices only before his departure from her. In retrospect, there is
always “a fear that he is no good as a father” (Doerr 188). Since it can be difficult to
envision the errors of one’s actions, people are often deterred from acting beyond
intuition. As Suzuki explains, the generational continuation of ignorance has
threatened the environment and the potential survival of humanity. That is, the ideas
of one generation can be easily passed onto the next if parents do not reflect on the
merit of their own decisions. Due to conformity, the parent-child relationship for one
family can be influenced by mainstream society. As demonstrated in the Novel,
Daniel may be able to question his actions in retrospect, but there is still an
uncertainty from the existing circumstances. Due to the war and his duty in
protecting the Sea of Flames, Daniel is forced to abandon his duty of caring for
Marie-Laure over the duty of his job. Nevertheless, Daniel still acknowledges his
responsibility in protecting Marie-Laure by entrusting it to Etienne, her great-uncle.
Similarly, this duty of care is promoted in the Essay as a means of reminding parents
that environmental pollution “has violated their home” (Suzuki 129). By making
environmental issues more personal, Suzuki is able to convey his arguments to his
readers. One of the main concerns about climate change is the sustainability of
future generations. Although it is difficult for parents to consistently be prudent of
their actions, the underlying principle of protection has guided the decision-making
in a parent-child relationship.
However, the principle of protection has conflicted with the many aspirations of each
party. This is evident in the relationship between Werner and Frau Elena. While they
want the best for each other, they still want to fulfill their personal dreams and
commitments. The difference is that Frau Elena wishes to continue caring for Werner,
yet he wishes to continue his studies. Interestingly, Werner’s aspirations have been
strongly motivated by Frau Elena’s encouragement. In fact, Suzuki suggests that the
natural aspirations of children can be completely altered through parental
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11/29/23, 4:09 PM
Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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involvement. Although “all scientists were fascinated with nature as children,” many
of them are changed by the “hidden lessons” that parents give (Suzuki 128 - 129).
Likewise, the disappearance of Werner’s father has also influenced his aspirations.
Rather than inspiring Werner, his father indirectly warns him of what to avoid. Due to
the mutual yet independent characteristic of the parent-child relationship, each
party has his or her own interpretation of the relationship and how to contribute to it.
While Werner’s father is no longer with him, Werner still interprets his view of reality
through the memories of their past relationship. Due to a mutual influence on each
other, personal aspirations merge into common goals and vice versa. Although Frau
Elena was reluctant to let Werner leave, it is ultimately agreed that it is the most
beneficial toward Werner’s future. Again, the principle of protection gives priority to
the long-term happiness of the child. The process of compromise has shaped the
aspirations of each party while maintaining satisfaction between them. By finally
acknowledging Werner as being self-sufficient, Frau Elena accepts that she has
fulfilled her duty of care for Werner. Effectively, the adaptation of personal aspirations
helps settle the relationship to a state of mutual happiness.
However, mutual happiness is not eternal, and when there is a loss thereof, a desire
for status quo is created. Since Marie-Laure and Daniel were happy with their life in
Paris, they are shocked by the fact that they are fleeing from it. During their time in
Paris, Marie-Laure “presume[s] she would live with her father in Paris for the rest of
her life”; thus, she does not aspire for anything more (Doerr 72). It is until they fled
Paris that they aspire for a status quo in their life. This suggests that mutual
happiness allows for personal happiness, and if removed, their personal aspirations
become a demand for nostalgia. To the child, the relationship outlines an ideal
standard of life. When Werner lost his father, he tries to convinces himself that
eventually his “father might come shuffling out of the elevators” (Doerr 86). Mainly,
Werner is trying to help his sister, Jutta, accepts that the unfortunate had happened.
Both Werner and Jutta have trouble with accepting a reality without their biological
family. Likewise, Marie-Laure is in despair from the disappearance of Daniel. In both
situations, the loss of a parent has a negative effect on the child. However, an
important stage of the parent-child relationship is accepting the reality of death.
11/29/23, 4:09 PM
Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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Although death is part of the cycle, it does not signify any loss in the value of the
relationship nor the amount of influence that it has had on the child. Instead, these
obstacles evoke each party to appreciate and to long for the pleasant memories
from their relationship.
While Suzuki emphasizes on the negative influence of parental involvement, the
Novel highlights the encouraging and inspirational influence that parents provide. As
a matter of fact, Suzuki acknowledges that the “efforts to teach children to love and
respect other life forms are priceless” (Suzuki 129). That is, negative behaviors can
only be avoided and corrected through positive parental involvement. There is little
doubt about the impact that parenting can have, but there is a strong debate about
which parenting style is the most effective. Terms such as “helicopter” and “free-
range” parenting are used to classify the level of parental involvement. Helicopter
parenting is described as being over-protective; while, free-range parenting is
described as being neglectful (Sauriol). Arguably, Marie-Laure is raised by an
helicopter parent and Werner is raised by a free-range parent. According to Suzuki, it
is not about the level of parental involvement; instead, it is the implications that are
conveyed to the child. As stated by Sauriol, balance is the most important part in
parenting. While Daniel is a protective father, Marie-Laure is more confident and
independent than what is suggested by stereotypical media. Naturally, the question
of parenting style is based on compromise between the child and his or her parent.
In terms of Marie-Laure, it is natural for Daniel to be concerned due to her blindness.
Likewise, Marie-Laure accepts and appreciates the level of care that is provided to
her. In accordance to the principle of protection, all forms of parenting are in the best
interest of the child. The question lies on whether the parent has an healthy
interpretation of what is beneficial for the child.
Nevertheless, most modern families maintain a nurturing and pleasant parent-child
relationship. In fact, modern adolescents are delaying their departure from the
parental home. It implies that they have a stronger attachment and dependency
than preceding generations. According to the 2011 Census of Population, 42.3% of
those who are aged 20 to 29 remain or return to the parental home. In comparison,
the statistics from 1991 and 1981 were 32.1% and 26.9%, respectively. This trend in
11/29/23, 4:09 PM
Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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modern society provides a mutual benefit to the parent and the child. That is, the
child gains from the emotional and financial support that are provided by the
parent; while, the parent gains from the contributions that are made to the
household (Milan and Bohnert). Similar to the attitude of Marie-Laure, modern
adolescents are more willing to live with their parents. It does not necessarily mean
that modern adolescents are any less independent; rather, they are becoming more
defined by their parent-child relationship.
Since parents are the primary agent of socialization, moral principles are learned
from childhood through family interactions. During Werner’s moral dilemmas, he
imagines “his mother and father ... watching him through the rattling window to see
what he would do” (Doerr 251). The implication is that personal morals are ultimately
a manifestation of parental ideals. When Werner was attending the National Political
Institute of Education, his personal morals persist despite the teachings from the
school. This justifies the willingness to stay in the parental home, because children
are already accustomed to the family in which they grew up in. Although parents
may conform to society, children are primarily influenced by their parents instead of
the society in general.
Throughout the lives of children, experience shapes the various aspects of their
personalities. As warned by Suzuki, parental involvement may unconsciously tarnish
the natural progression of their growth. However, the parent-child relationship is an
essential part of every child’s life. Doerr effectively exhibits that the fundamental
element of love is innate within humanity as the parent-child relationship transcends
consanguinity. In modern society, the natural bond within families are ever growing
as adolescents delay their transition into full independence. While children will grow
to be discreet individuals, their personalities shall be a manifestation of the qualities
that are modeled from the substantive interactions with their parents. As the issue of
child development lies in the hands of parents, every moment is crucial to the
potential of the future generations.
Works Cited
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Childhood in All the Light We Cannot See: a Defining Moment: [Essay Example], 2263 words GradesFixer
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Doerr, Anthony.
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel.
New York: Scribner, 2014. Print.
Milan, Anne, and Nora Bohnert. "Living Arrangements of Young Adults Aged 20 to 29."
Statistics Canada.
Canada.ca, 22 Dec. 2015. Web. 02 May 2016.
<https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-312-x/98-312-
x2011003_3-eng.cfm>.
Sauriol, Kerry. "What’s Between Helicopter and Free-Range Parenting? Common
Sense."
CBC Parents.
CBC/Radio-Canada, 30 May 2013. Web. 02 May 2016.
<http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/my_free-range_parenting_ways>.
Suzuki, David. "Hidden Lessons."
The Act of Writing: Canadian Essays for Composition.
6th ed. Conrad, Ronald. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2003. Print.