In Franz Kafka's novel "The Castle," the notion of perception and understanding is explored through the metaphor of a person obscured by cloth. This imagery suggests that even if one attempts to connect deeply or gaze into another's eyes, the barriers created by circumstance or ignorance prevent genuine insight. The act of staring alone is insufficient for true comprehension.

The quote emphasizes the importance of removing these barriers in order to allow for real visibility and insight. Without stripping away distractions or misconceptions, a person's ability to truly see and understand remains hindered. Kafka illustrates that enlightenment requires more than mere observation; it necessitates the removal of obstacles that obscure clarity.