One of the most pervasive themes in Western Literature is that of blindness vs sight as a spiritual or moral allegory. Characters or figures in literature are often unable to see clearly because of some moral failure (what we Christians call sin) that impedes not physical sight, but their capacity for “seeing” reality as it truly is.

In an essay of at least 750 words, discuss this theme of spiritual blindness in Augustine and Homer. Where do you see figures such as Augustine or characters in The Odyssey display a failure in “vision,” of seeing reality as it truly is?

What causes this deficiency? What are the consequences of such “blindness” to reality? How can this impediment be remedied, if at all?