The quote from Alice Munro's "Too Much Happiness" reflects on the unpredictable nature of fate and its often harsh consequences. It suggests that certain life-altering events can happen suddenly and without warning, like a sudden blow or calamity that disrupts an individual's life in an irreversible way. The imagery of a blow to the eyes conveys the idea of abrupt and shocking changes that can leave one incapacitated or altered forever.
This perspective on fate emphasizes its randomness and cruelty, illustrating how a seemingly minor or chance occurrence can have devastating effects. The transformation from clarity to blindness symbolizes the loss of insight or hope, portraying how quickly life can shift from happiness to suffering. Munro captures the irony of life’s unpredictability, where what seems possible or improbable can suddenly become a painful reality.