Blindness: Summary

Blindness by Jose Saramago is a powerful allegory about the fragility of human society and the potential for human cruelty in times of crisis. The novel is set in an unnamed city where a mysterious epidemic of blindness sweeps through the population, leaving the sighted unable to do anything but witness the suffering of those around them. In addition to exploring themes of isolation, survival, and morality, Blindness also examines how people respond to chaos and desperation. The novel reveals how easily society can break down when faced with adversity and how quickly our humanity can crumble when we are not held accountable by a larger governing body. Ultimately, Blindness serves as a warning against the dangers of ignorance and apathy.

1. What was your initial reaction to the novel?
2. How did you interpret the different characters and their roles in the book?
3. How did the theme of blindness manifest itself in the novel?
4. What did you learn about human nature from this book?
5. What do you think is the author’s message regarding suffering and adversity?
6. How does the social structure of the hospital evolve throughout the story?
7. How does power play a role in the story, both for individuals and society as a whole?
8. Was there a particular character or scene that made a lasting impression on you?
9. Were there any moments when you felt sympathy for those affected by blindness in this novel?
10. What themes do you think would be explored in a sequel to Blindness?

• Blindness serves as a powerful metaphor for the limitation of human understanding.
• The way in which the protagonist navigates his blindness is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
• The story provides an interesting insight into how we, as a society, view disability.
• Blindness serves as a reminder that our perceptions are often limited and subjective.
• The novel forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions about people with disabilities.
• It is remarkable how the author has managed to convey such a complex, nuanced story without relying on visual cues.
• The novel highlights how even in extreme cases of physical disability, emotional resilience can prevail.
• Through its exploration of blindness, the book encourages us to reflect on what it means to be truly ‘sighted’.
• The characters' struggle against blindness allows us to consider how much power our perception has over our lives.
• Ultimately, this novel serves as an important reminder that everyone has something special to offer, no matter their impairment.

1. "Nothing is more contagious than courage."
2. "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
3. "When you can't see, you have to listen."
4. "The only way out is through."
5. "It's not the eyes that make us who we are, but what we do with them."

TV: 1. The Unseen (2020) 2. Blindspot (2015-present) 3. The Bold and the Beautiful (1987-present) 4. Switched at Birth (2011-2017) 5. In the Dark (2017-2019) 6. See No Evil (2006-2008) 7. ER (1994-2009) 8. Parenthood (2010-2015) 9. Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015) 10. Private Practice (2007-2013) 11. Cold Case (2003-2010) 12. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present) 13. House of Cards (2013-2018) 14. The Fosters (2013-2018) 15. Code Black (2015-2018). Film: 1. Blindness (2008) 2. Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991) 3. Finding Nemo (2003) 4. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) 5. My Left Eye Sees Ghosts (2002) 6. The Miracle Worker (1962) 7. The Miracle Maker (2000) 8. Radio Days (1987). 9. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000). 10. At First Sight(1999).                                                                                                                                                                 Radio/Podcast:                                                      1 . StoryCorps: 'Seeing in the Dark'(2017).                                                             2 . Blindsight Podcast(2017-present).                                                             3 . Seeing Beyond Sight Podcast(2016-present).                                                             4 . Blind Abilities Podcast(2012-present).                                                             5 . Countdown to Blindness Podcast(2016-present). 6 . Blind Sight Radio(2017–present). 7 . Living with Vision Loss Radio Show(2011–present).   Theatre: 1 . Out of Sight, Out of Mind(1996). 2 . Seeing Voices(1995). 3 . Blindsided!(2005). 4 . The Miracle Worker(1959, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1990, 2000, 2011 and 2018 revivals). 5 . Through a Glass Darkly(2004).

• The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
• Baltasar and Blimunda
• The Cave
• The Stone Raft
• The Eleventh Commandment
• All the Names
• Manual of Painting and Calligraphy
• Memorials
• The Gospel According to Jesus Christ
• The History of the Siege of Lisbon
• Seeing
• Ensaio sobre a Cegueira (Essay on Blindness
• Afterword to the Bible: The Old Testament & The New Testament