The Heart Light

The red glow in the chest, which is such a prominent feature of the aliens, is never fully explained in the film but it has come to be referred to as the Heart Light. This seems to be the source of E.T.'s power to control the environment and heal humans and plants. The film suggests that the heart light is connected with a central power source found in the aliens' spaceship. The longer one of the aliens is separated from the ship, the weaker they become. But the symbolism of the source of the little creatures' power flowing from where a human heart would be cannot be overlooked.

Each time E.T. uses his powers throughout the film it is for benevolent purposes. Whether it is healing a sick plant or a cut on Elliott's finger, the alien uses his abilities for peaceful and...