The candle is likened to a ray of sunlight, which is a metaphor for anything that inspires great hope and optimism. Sunlight is frequently represented as a sign of freedom, happiness, and hope in literary works. It has also been called a symbol of life and longevity. Beacons of sunshine are objects or people that give off a warm glow of happiness and encouragement. They can be physical objects such as a candle or a tree, or they can be emotional signs such as a smile from a friend or family member. The term "beacon of sunshine" was first used by Charles Dickens in his novel A Christmas Carol. He compared Ebenezer Scrooge's grave face during a severe snowstorm to a coal miner wrapped in a blanket next to an underground fire who would kill the darkness with his light. Dickens' description of this scene made the miners' job easier and encouraged them to fight back the darkness with their lamps. This shows how a small act of kindness can go a long way toward giving someone hope during a difficult time. People often use candles as beacons of sunshine because they represent warmth and love. Even though candles burn out over time, they can be replaced with new flames that will inspire hope in others. Sunlight has always been a metaphor for hope in literature.