In this passage from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin," the author highlights the tendency of individuals to believe they have noble intentions, even when their actions may cause harm to others. This self-deceptive behavior allows one to rationalize their decisions, blinding them to the true impact of their actions. Atwood draws a parallel between this deceit and the nature of blindness inherent in the symbols of love and justice.

The reference to Eros, the god of love, and Justitia, the goddess of justice, emphasizes that being blind can lead to dangerous outcomes. Justitia's sword, combined with her blindness, serves as a metaphor for the potential repercussions of misguided justice. Atwood suggests that this inability to see clearly can lead to self-inflicted harm, underscoring the complexities of human motives and the consequences that arise from them.