One-line summary:

Blindness is a thought-provoking novel that explores the fragility of society and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with an epidemic of blindness.

The Collapse of Society

In Blindness, Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago presents a haunting and dystopian tale that delves into the depths of human nature when faced with a sudden and unexplained epidemic of blindness. The story begins with a man who inexplicably loses his sight while waiting at a traffic light. This mysterious affliction soon spreads like wildfire, leaving an entire city blind. As panic ensues, the government responds by quarantining the affected individuals in an abandoned mental institution, creating an isolated and chaotic microcosm of society.

Inside the quarantine, the blind are left to fend for themselves, struggling to maintain order and find ways to survive. The lack of sight strips away the veneer of civilization, revealing the true nature of humanity. Saramago explores the fragility of societal structures, as the blind are forced to confront their darkest instincts. The collapse of social norms leads to the emergence of a brutal hierarchy, with the strong preying on the weak and the vulnerable.

The Power of Resilience

Amidst the chaos and despair, the novel also highlights the power of resilience and the human spirit. The protagonist, known only as the Doctor’s Wife, is the only person in the quarantine who remains unaffected by the blindness. She becomes the guiding light for the blind, taking on the role of their leader and protector. Through her unwavering determination and resourcefulness, she manages to maintain a semblance of order and hope in the face of adversity.

As the blind struggle to adapt to their new reality, they form unexpected bonds and rely on their other senses to navigate the world. Saramago emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy, as the characters find solace and strength in their relationships with one another. Despite the dire circumstances, acts of kindness and selflessness emerge, reminding us of the inherent goodness that can prevail even in the darkest of times.

A Metaphor for Society

Blindness serves as a powerful metaphor for the flaws and vulnerabilities of society. Saramago explores themes of power, corruption, and the dehumanization of individuals in the face of adversity. The government’s response to the epidemic reflects the failures of authority and the erosion of trust in institutions. The blind are reduced to mere statistics, stripped of their individuality and treated as disposable objects.

Saramago’s prose, characterized by long, flowing sentences and minimal punctuation, adds to the sense of disorientation and chaos within the story. The lack of quotation marks and traditional dialogue formatting creates a stream-of-consciousness narrative that immerses the reader in the characters’ experiences and emotions.

In conclusion, Blindness is a thought-provoking and harrowing exploration of the human condition. Saramago’s masterful storytelling forces us to confront our own vulnerabilities and question the fragility of societal structures. Through the collapse of society and the resilience of the human spirit, the novel ultimately reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the indomitable will to survive.

• The fragility of societal structures and the collapse of social norms
• The power of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity
• The metaphorical exploration of power, corruption, and dehumanization in society

“I don’t think we did go blind, I think we are blind, Blind but seeing, Blind people who can see, but do not see.”