Last Names

[Sara S.]

During the time of World War II, the smallest form of currency in Germany at the time was a pfennig, or the german penny. Werner's last name also happens to be Pfennig. Marie-Laure's last name, LeBlanc, literally means "the white" in her native language of French. Why do you think the author chose these last names for Werner and Marie-Laure? Do they say anything about the characters?

[ethanashbrook]

Nice observation, I didn't notice that. There is, of course, the possibility of simply using these names to use something German or French, like the characters. What I think is the most likely , was that it represented the character it was applied to. Werner grew up destitute, which might be symbolized by a penny. LeBlanc or "The White" might represent her innocence. Often times, the color white is used for this purpose.

[Annie Potter]

I agree when "LeBlanc" could be used to represent Marie's innocence, but I also think that it might be due to the fact that she is blind. Marie doesn't necessarily see colors or life the way someone else who wasn't blind does. However, it could also be and indicate of her life in France before the war. Her life could've been described as dull or black and white, but when she and her father fleed from their home and met Madame Manec and Etienne you could say that her life was in color/more interesting and lively. As for Werner Pfennig, I believe that he has that name to indicate his self worth at the beginning of the story at the orphanage. Pennys are or least value in the money system of the US and Werner could've seen himself as non important. But that all changes when he soon realizes his talent in engineering and repairing radios, and also when other people see his talent too. Therefore, at the end, Werner knows his self worth.

[Hibah]

I agree with how "LeBlanc" represents Marie's blindness because the color white is the absence of color. When you think of absence it usually means missing something, in the book, Marie is missing her eyesight. For Werner, his last name means that he is worth more then he thinks. Currency is always worth something, when you start out the currency is very low, you have to add more to bring the currency up. This explains Werner's life, in the beginning, he was really low. Since he started fixing things he started to add more worth to his life.

[roselyn]

I agree with Annie on the meaning of LeBlanc. White represents purity and innocence and it describes Marie-Laure. Marie-Laure is extremely innocent and part of that has to do with her being blind. Since she was young her father has protected her in every way he can, not letting her "see" the horrors of the world even when the war starts.

I believe the name Pfennig describes Werner's worth as well as self-discovery. A penny is a very small value but the smallest thing can make a big difference. Werner is a measly orphan but when he joins the Nazi Youth, he discovers he can make a difference there with his knowledge about technology. Then later he realizes he also has the power to protect people when he saves Marie-Laure. I think the author used these names which are hidden symbolism to add more depth to the story.

[Carolyn]

I agree with Roselyn and Annie that LeBlanc represents the innocence of Marie-Laure. Also that her innocence has a lot to do with the fact that she is blind. Pfennig on the other hand reminds me of a lucky penny. I think Werner was Marie-Laure's lucky penny, if it wasn't for him Marie-Laure might not be alive. Though he definitely wasn't Fredrick or Jutta's lucky penny he seemed to be Marie-Laure's. Not only did Werner help Marie-Laure escape from von Rumpel but he also was able to lead her in the direction of safety even if that meant he might not get away from the French army.

[Luke W]

I see the symbolism in LeBlanc and that the book is literally titled, "All the Light We Cannot See." I agree with Carolyn and that Werner is, Marie-Laure's lucky penny. Both of their last names means something to the story. It is such a small detail, so hats off to Sara for finding it.