The quote from Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" suggests that love can cloud one's judgment and perception. When deeply enmeshed in love, it becomes challenging to see reality and one's surroundings clearly. However, once this intense experience fades, it allows for a newfound clarity and understanding of what truly exists beneath the surface. The comparison to the tide illustrates how once the love recedes, it reveals the remnants of past experiences, both good and bad.
This metaphorical representation emphasizes that introspection and emerged reality can be both revealing and unsettling. Just as the tide uncovers discarded items left behind, reflecting on past relationships can expose neglected truths and painful memories. Sitting in the darkness with open eyes symbolizes the courage to confront these truths, despite the uncertainty of what may lie ahead. Ultimately, it speaks to the complexity of love, loss, and self-discovery.