Blindness is about a sudden and unexplained epidemic of blindness that sweeps through an unnamed city, leaving its inhabitants struggling to survive and maintain their humanity. The story explores the fragility of civilization and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with the extreme challenges of an apocalyptic world.
Table of Content
Blindness Book Summary
An unnamed city is struck by a sudden epidemic of blindness. The first victim, a man sitting in his car at a traffic light, is taken to the ophthalmologist, the only character in the story who remains able to see. His wife, the Doctor's Wife, pretends to be blind to accompany him to the hospital.
The epidemic spreads rapidly, leading to mass panic and the government's decision to quarantine the newly blind in an abandoned mental hospital. The Doctor's Wife is the only one who can see among the quarantined. Her sight becomes a closely guarded secret to protect her from the chaos.
Inside the quarantine, a group forms around the Doctor's Wife, who uses her vision to lead and care for the others. They face deplorable conditions, lack of food and sanitation, and the violence of a small group that seizes control and hoards supplies.
The situation deteriorates further as the blind are left to fend for themselves. The group's unity is tested when they must confront the brutal tactics of the self-proclaimed king of Ward 3, who demands the group's valuables in exchange for food.
With the help of the Old Man with the Black Eye Patch, the group organizes a plan to neutralize the king's power and retrieve their stolen goods. During the operation, the Doctor's Wife is captured and subjected to an attempted assault. The group rescues her, and she regains her freedom.
The Doctor's Wife's group is victorious. They eliminate the king and his few loyal followers, restoring order to Ward 3. The Doctor, still pretending to be blind, is able to act as a spy, which proves to be a crucial advantage.
Hope is rekindled as the group makes plans to leave the hospital and seek a better life. The Doctor's Wife is finally able to reveal her ability to see to her husband and the others. The cause of the blindness is never determined, and the epidemic seems to run its course.
The group sets out into the city, encountering scenes of desolation and decay. They face new challenges as they navigate the unfamiliar world that has emerged from the chaos. The Doctor begins to lose his sight, a symbolic gesture of solidarity with those who were blind.
As the group struggles to survive, they encounter a community that is intact and able to see. The sighted people offer them shelter and food, and the Doctor's Wife and the Doctor realize that they have found a place where they can rebuild their lives.
Some of the original group members choose to stay with the sighted community, while others, including the Doctor and the Doctor's Wife, leave to continue their journey. The experience has changed them profoundly, and they are determined to make the most of their second chance.
They are last seen walking away from the city, hand in hand, ready to embrace their unknown future with courage and hope. The city and the fate of the remaining survivors are left to the reader's imagination.
Blindness Quotes
- The only thing more terrifying than blindness is being the only one who can see.
- 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.
Blindness Ending Explained
At the end of Blindness, the survivors of the epidemic and their companions have found a new community made up of people who can see, offering them sanctuary and the promise of a better life.
The Doctor and his wife, along with a few others from their original group, decide to leave the new community to continue their journey. They walk away from the city and its traumatic past, ready to face the future with courage and hope.
The story concludes with a sense of uncertainty and possibility, as the characters symbolize the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to overcome the darkest of times.
Characters in book Blindness
- The Doctor's Wife: The only person in the city who remains able to see, she becomes the reluctant leader of a group of quarantined individuals.
- The Doctor: The husband of the woman who can see, he is struck blind but pretends he is not, to remain close to his wife and to help the others.
- The Old Man with the Black Eye Patch: A wise man with a dark past who becomes a key figure in the group and provides guidance and leadership.
- The Girl with Dark Glasses: A young woman who is one of the first to join the Doctor's Wife's group. She is resourceful and strong, despite her blindness.
- The Car Thief: A man who is cynical and self-interested, but he ultimately becomes part of the group and reflects on his actions.
- The Boy with the Squint: A young boy who is the first to contract the "white sickness" and is taken to the quarantine by the Doctor and his wife.
- The First Blind Man: The initial victim of the epidemic, he is a patient of the Doctor and is the first to go blind in the story.
Key Lessons
- Appreciate Your Senses: Recognize the value of your abilities, such as sight, in perceiving and interacting with the world.
- Adaptability is Key: Embrace change and develop the flexibility to adapt to new circumstances, no matter how challenging they may be.
- Empathy and Solidarity: Extend compassion and support to others, as shared struggles can bring people together and foster a sense of community.
- Resist Injustice: Stand firm against unfair treatment and the abuse of power, working towards justice and equality for all.
- Hope Endures: Maintain hope in the face of adversity, as it can be a guiding light that leads to survival and a better future.
My Personal Opinion
Is Blindness worth reading? Absolutely yes, I found it to be a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature under extreme circumstances.
I was captivated by the raw portrayal of the characters and their struggle for survival. Saramago's unique writing style, with its lack of traditional punctuation and dialogue, created an immersive reading experience. However, I found the bleakness and brutality of the story to be at times overwhelming, which could be a turn-off for some readers.
I would recommend Blindness to mature readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and are interested in stories that explore the human condition. It's a compelling tale that will leave you contemplating its deep themes and the resilience of the human spirit long after you've turned the final page.