Blindness Book Summary

by José Saramago133

TL;DR

A gripping novel by Nobel laureate José Saramago portraying the collapse of society during an epidemic of 'white blindness' and the struggle for survival amid chaos and moral decay.

Cover of Blindness Book Summary

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What is Blindness about

'Blindness' by José Saramago is a dystopian novel depicting an unnamed city afflicted by a sudden outbreak of 'white blindness,' where almost the entire population loses their sight. The blind are quarantined in an abandoned mental hospital, where societal norms quickly disintegrate, leading to chaos and reprehensible behavior. Amid this turmoil, a single sighted woman guides a group of seven strangers through the dystopian landscape, representing a glimmer of hope and humanity. The novel vividly explores themes of moral degradation, social collapse, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Blindness 6 Key Takeaways

Sudden Outbreak of Blindness

An anonymous city is struck by an epidemic of 'white blindness,' where affected individuals see nothing but a white expanse. The outbreak starts with one man and quickly spreads through the population.

Quarantine and Chaos

The blind are forcibly quarantined in an empty mental hospital. Inside, the criminal element takes control, hoarding food supplies and committing atrocities, highlighting the rapid moral decay.

The Sighted Woman

Amid the blind, one woman retains her sight. She becomes the guiding light for seven strangers, including a boy and a girl with dark glasses, as they navigate through the collapsing society.

Moral and Social Collapse

The novel portrays the complete breakdown of social order and ethics. The blind are left to fend for themselves in a lawless environment, revealing the worst aspects of human nature.

Struggle for Survival

The sighted woman leads her group through the devastated city, grappling with existential questions and the struggle to maintain their humanity.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the harrowing conditions, the protagonist's leadership and compassion offer a faint hope for the future, suggesting that human spirit can endure even the darkest times.

Top Blindness Quotes

  • 'Inside us there is something that has no name, that something is what we are.'
  • 'If I'm sincere today, what does it matter if I regret it tomorrow?'

Who should read Blindness?

'Blindness' is ideal for readers interested in dystopian literature, philosophical inquiries, and social commentary. It provides profound insights into human nature, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives.

About the Author

José Saramago (1922-2010) was a Portuguese writer and recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature. Known for his distinctive writing style and profound themes, Saramago's works often explore human existence and societal issues. His notable works include 'Blindness,' 'All the Names,' and 'The Gospel According to Jesus Christ.' His literature continues to impact readers and critics globally, solidifying his legacy as a literary giant.

Blindness Best Reviews

  • 'This is a shattering work by a literary master.'—Boston Globe
  • 'This is an important book, one that is unafraid to face all of the horror of the century.'—Washington Post

Blindness FAQs

What happens in 'Blindness' book?

An unnamed city is struck by an epidemic of 'white blindness,' causing societal collapse. The blind are quarantined, and the story follows their struggle for survival and moral integrity.

What is the message of 'Blindness'?

'Blindness' uses the metaphor of blindness to depict moral depravity, social collapse, and the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting humanity's darker side and its enduring hope.

Is 'Blindness' a dystopian novel?

Yes, 'Blindness' is a dystopian novel that portrays the catastrophic consequences of a plague of blindness, exploring themes of social breakdown and human nature.