The novel "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood delves deeply into themes of ambition, memory, and the complexities of reality versus fiction. The narrative unfolds through the lens of its protagonist, Iris Chase, who weaves her life story with that of her sister Laura. As Iris reflects on their intertwined past, Atwood explores the effects of societal expectations and personal tragedies, highlighting the struggle for power and autonomy within their constraining world.
A notable quote from the book, "Gods always come in handy, they justify almost anything," encapsulates a central idea: the human tendency to seek higher powers to rationalize actions and decisions. This highlights the complexities of morality and belief, as characters often resort to divine or mythical justifications to address their choices or circumstances. Atwood's work suggests that such justifications can both illuminate and obscure the truth of one's actions.