Metaphorical Blindness In Fitzek's The Eye Collector

In Fitzek’s novel “The Eye Collector”, there is a classic line which Zorbach utters nearing the end of the novel that will stick with most readers: “How could I have been so blind?” This revelation is especially striking considering the numerous warnings from the Eye Collector to Zorbach to relinquish the case. The juxtaposition of Gregoriev’s physical disability to her visions of the future complicates the plot in which the theme of metaphorical blindness is prevalent. This is further strengthened by the backward chaptering of the book and third person narration in retrospect by the unnamed narrator. This essay will discuss how the theme of metaphorical blindness is brought out through the plot devices, structure and diction used. Zorbach’s blindness is illustrated by his being led involuntarily into the heart of the case by the false radio broadcast and his planted wallet at the scene. As the reader later appreciates, Zorbach’s behaviour is often in response to the killer’s actions: Zorbach has passive reactions as opposed to self-motivated actions. In the novel, his being forced to run from the police and the meeting of Gregoriev are both instrumental plot movements

This said blindness is presented on many different levels, from the pure ignorance of Zorbach of the plot development to the ride the reader is taken on with a sense of foreboding but no real clues of what will happen. The author uses repetition to great effect in the epilogue and prologue, in an effort to create the haunting effect of what could have been should Zorbach have realised the implications of his actions. The interchanging of third person and first person narration, however, is what allows all the plot devices to flow together in the making of the “perpetuum