In modern literature, particularly in works like "Reading Lolita in Tehran," the hidden malevolence in everyday life and relationships is highlighted. This reflects how fiction exposes the darker aspects of human interactions, revealing that even ordinary individuals can harbor harmful tendencies. The quote emphasizes the struggle with understanding and empathizing with others, suggesting that characters from different moral spectrums can exhibit a similar blindness toward those around them.

Moreover, this inability to see others clearly is not limited to the villainous figures of literature; even well-intentioned characters can be blind to others’ realities. The text asserts that anyone, regardless of their moral standing, can fall into the trap of projecting their own desires onto others. This notion serves as a reminder of the universal potential for misunderstanding and the importance of empathy in navigating human relationships.