In the excerpt from Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye," love is depicted as an experience that clouds one's judgment and perception. While immersed in love, individuals might not see the reality around them. However, once love fades, clarity returns, allowing one to perceive the truths that were previously obscured. This return to clarity reveals the remnants of past relationships and experiences, akin to discarded items revealed by the ebbing tide.

The imagery of broken bottles and rusting remnants symbolizes the emotional debris left behind after love. By facing this "ruin," one comes to terms with their history and choices. The darkness represents a period of introspection, where one confronts their past and the consequences of their actions without the distortion that love may have introduced. Ultimately, this passage highlights the dual nature of love—its ability to enhance our lives while simultaneously leaving behind a complex aftermath.