The quote "Beauty is a question of optics. All sight is illusion." from Joyce Carol Oates' book "Blonde" suggests that perceptions of beauty are subjective and deeply influenced by individual perspectives. It implies that what we see is not necessarily an objective reality but rather a distorted interpretation shaped by our experiences and beliefs. This notion challenges conventional views of beauty, emphasizing that it can vary greatly from person to person.
In essence, the quote encapsulates the idea that our understanding of beauty is often constructed through lenses of personal bias and societal standards. This adds complexity to our perceptions, highlighting that the allure of beauty may be as much about perception as it is about the object itself. Oates encourages readers to reflect on how illusions shape their understanding of beauty in their lives.