In Margaret Atwood's novel "The Blind Assassin," the quote "Time rises and rises, and when it reaches the level of your eyes you drown" reflects the overwhelming nature of time and its relentless passage. The imagery of drowning suggests that as time accumulates, it can become suffocating, making it difficult for individuals to cope with their circumstances. The inevitability of time’s flow emphasizes how it can consume one's perspective and experiences.

This quote captures a central theme of the book, exploring the complexities of memory, loss, and the burden of the past. Characters grapple with their histories and the relentless march of time that ultimately leads them to confront their deeply buried emotions. Atwood uses this metaphor to convey the weight that time carries in shaping lives and experiences, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with time.