In "The Blind Assassin," Margaret Atwood explores the complexities of human emotions and the impact of unexpressed feelings. The quote highlights how unaddressed pain, like unshed tears, can become toxic over time. Memories that remain unresolved can fester, affecting one's mental state and quality of life. This suggests that there is a significant cost to suppressing grief and trauma.

The mention of sleepless nights reflects the toll that these bottled emotions take on the individual. As the narrator confronts these aspects of her life, it becomes clear that avoiding emotional expression leads to inner turmoil. Atwood vividly illustrates the struggle of facing one’s past and the consequences of silence, emphasizing the need for catharsis and the dangers of ignoring one's true feelings.