In Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin," the narrative explores the impact of culture on individuals and society. The protagonist reflects on a time when engagement with culture was perceived as a pathway to moral improvement. People held a firm belief that culture could elevate one's character, offering a sense of personal and collective upliftment.

However, this perception began to shift dramatically with the rise of tyrants like Hitler, who marred the beauty of cultural experiences such as the opera. The juxtaposition reveals the disillusionment that followed, as the women in the story grappled with the realization that culture alone couldn’t safeguard against the dark forces in the world. The quote encapsulates a critical turning point in understanding the role of culture in moral development.