• An inexplicable epidemic of sudden blindness strikes a city, starting with one man at a traffic light.
• As the blindness spreads, society crumbles; the government quarantines the afflicted in an asylum, where they form new societal structures and face both external and internal threats.
• As abruptly as it began, the blindness lifts and those affected must grapple with the aftermath of their actions and the transformation of their world.
"Blindness" is a profound meditation on the human condition, making it a worthy contender for any list of the greatest books ever written.
In an unnamed city, a sudden epidemic of "white blindness" strikes, leading to societal chaos. As the affliction spreads uncontrollably, the authorities quarantine the blind in a deteriorating asylum, where lawlessness prevails. Among the confined is a sighted woman who pretends to be blind to stay with her husband. She becomes a beacon of hope and resilience for a small group navigating the asylum's terrors and, later, the apocalyptic outside world. As the narrative unfolds, the tale delves into the depths of human nature, both its barbarity and capacity for compassion. Miraculously, as abruptly as it began, the blindness ends, and survivors grapple with the consequences of their actions during the crisis.
In an unnamed city, a man suddenly goes blind while waiting at a traffic light. His blindness is not typical but is instead a milky-white blindness, which he describes as being "like swimming in a sea of milk." As he struggles to understand his new condition, a seemingly kind stranger offers to drive him home, only to steal his car afterward. Over the next few days, this "white blindness" spreads contagiously, afflicting nearly everyone it touches.
The authorities, in an attempt to contain the mysterious epidemic, quarantine the initial blind victims in an old mental asylum. The situation inside the asylum quickly deteriorates. Basic necessities become scarce, sanitation collapses, and one group begins to use force and violence to control and exploit the others. The society inside the asylum becomes a microcosm of the worst aspects of human nature, illustrating the thin line between civilization and chaos.
Among the quarantined are an ophthalmologist and his wife. Interestingly, the wife remains sighted but pretends to be blind to stay with her husband. Her perspective gives readers a clear view of the harrowing events inside the asylum. She eventually becomes a leader and protector of a small group of inmates, which includes her husband, the first blind man, a boy with a squint, a girl with dark glasses, and an old man with an eye patch.
Outside the asylum, the entire city and possibly the world are falling into chaos due to the rapid spread of blindness. Society crumbles as infrastructure fails, and the city becomes a dystopian nightmare.
After enduring many hardships, the small group of characters led by the doctor's wife escapes the asylum. They find their way through the devastated city, searching for food and shelter. During their journey, they form a makeshift family, relying on each other for survival and solace.
At its heart, "Blindness" is an exploration of human nature, society, and the fragile veneer of civilization. Saramago uses the allegory of blindness to probe deep into the human psyche, revealing both its basest instincts and its most noble capacities.
Saramago's distinct narrative style – characterized by long sentences, minimal punctuation, and an intentional blurring of dialogue and narration – serves to immerse the reader in the disorienting world of the blind. This style reflects the chaos and confusion of the novel's world, providing a visceral reading experience.
Despite its specific setting and characters, "Blindness" touches on universal themes – fear, resilience, the nature of power, and the human spirit's capacity for both cruelty and kindness. This universality ensures its enduring relevance and appeal.
When José Saramago was asked about the metaphorical implications of white blindness in his novel, he humorously responded by saying, "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." His wry observation highlights his perspective on society's wilful ignorance or 'blindness' to various issues, emphasizing the depth of philosophical exploration in his work.