In the narrative, Thomas recalls the tale of Odip, who, like him, was oblivious to the burdens of his actions and their impacts until it was too late. Once Odip recognized the consequences of his ignorance, he felt a profound sense of guilt and chose to blind himself, leaving behind the painful truth. This story reflects Thomas's own struggles with the reality of his existence and the painful knowledge he cannot ignore.
As Thomas listens to the Communists asserting their innocence, he feels anger and frustration. He realizes that their denial of accountability is part of why their country has suffered oppression for centuries. He challenges their claims by questioning how they can claim innocence while being oblivious to the suffering around them. This internal conflict pushes him to reflect on how often he has used this analogy in discussions, expressing his disdain for those who avoid confronting their truths.