Turn a Blind Eye: Meaning, Origin, and Literary Significance
The phrase “turn a blind eye” encapsulates the deliberate act of ignoring something known to be wrong, illegal, or undesirable. It implies a conscious choice not to acknowledge a situation, often to avoid involvement or responsibility. It isn’t simply a lack of awareness; it’s a willful disregard. This seemingly simple idiom carries significant weight, appearing frequently in literature and everyday language, and its understanding enriches one’s appreciation of nuanced storytelling and social commentary.
Origin of “Turn a Blind Eye”
The phrase’s roots are often traced back to a specific incident involving Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. During the height of the battle, Nelson, knowing full well the risks, raised his telescope to his blind eye—he had lost sight in one eye earlier in his career—and claimed he couldn’t see the signal flags from his superior ordering him to disengage. This act of disobedience, born from his conviction that victory was within reach, effectively allowed him to continue the battle and ultimately secure a British triumph.
While this naval anecdote is widely cited, the expression itself predates the battle. Variations of the phrase appear in writings from the late 17th century. John Morris, in his 1698 work A Discourse of Walking by Faith, used a similar sentiment, highlighting the idea of intentionally overlooking faults. This suggests the concept of willful ignorance was present long before Nelson’s famous act, and the naval story simply cemented the phrase’s popular association with deliberate disregard. The phrase has since evolved into a common idiom understood across cultures.
Turn a Blind Eye in Literature: A Detailed Analysis
The power of “turn a blind eye” in literature lies in its ability to expose hypocrisy, moral compromise, and the complexities of human nature. Authors frequently employ the phrase or its implications to highlight characters grappling with difficult choices, societal injustices, or personal failings. The phrase isn’t merely descriptive; it often functions as a critical lens through which the author judges actions and motivations.
Character Motivation and Moral Ambiguity
Often, a character’s decision to “turn a blind eye” is a defining moment, revealing their priorities and moral compass. Consider a character who witnesses wrongdoing but chooses to remain silent to protect themselves, their family, or their social standing. This inaction doesn’t necessarily make them inherently evil; it highlights the pressures and compromises inherent in navigating complex situations. The author might then explore the consequences of that silence, demonstrating how turning a blind eye can perpetuate injustice or lead to further harm.
Social Commentary and Systemic Issues
The phrase can also be used to critique societal norms and systemic problems. An author might depict a community where widespread corruption is tolerated, with citizens collectively “turning a blind eye” to maintain a semblance of order or avoid retribution. This allows the author to expose the dangers of complicity and the corrosive effects of unchecked power. It can also highlight societal prejudices where certain groups are systematically ignored or marginalized.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Beyond its literal meaning, “turn a blind eye” can function as a powerful symbol of denial, self deception, and the human capacity for rationalization. A character might consciously “turn a blind eye” to their own flaws, the suffering of others, or the impending consequences of their actions. This symbolic use of the phrase adds layers of complexity to the narrative and invites readers to reflect on their own tendencies toward selective perception.
Examples from Literature
Example #1: “Turn a Blind Eye” by The Call
To the desperate young, turn a blind eye
To the old and lonely, turn a blind eye
To our inhumanity
To our death‑dealing vanity
To the methods of persuasion, turn a blind eye
To the masters of evasion, turn
To the science of control, turn a blind eye
To a world in chains, turn
To the sellers of illusion, turn a blind eye
To masters of confusion, turn a blind eye
To a hollow culture
To the circling vulture
To lovers of power, turn a blind eye
To the resurrection
To a world in chains, turn.
The song relentlessly repeats “turn a blind eye” as a lament for societal apathy. It critiques a world where individuals deliberately ignore suffering and injustice. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of this willful ignorance, suggesting that it is not merely a personal failing but a systemic problem. The song doesn’t just describe turning a blind eye; it accuses the listener of participating in it.
Example #2: “A Blind Eye” by Deborah Tornillo
Can I turn a blind eye?
Say to myself
“It is what it is” or
Turn a face of denial?I can turn it on, right or wrong.
Trying to stay strong
For however long.Torment, a reality
Eats away at the core
Continue to pray,
Pray to My Lord.Can I turn a blind eye?
Say to myself
“Yes I can”
I’m in denial.Lord, do you feel me?
My broken heart
It hurts.
Torn, torn apart.”
This poem explores the internal struggle of a speaker grappling with pain and suffering. The repeated question “Can I turn a blind eye?” reveals the speaker’s desperation to escape their reality. The poem suggests that turning a blind eye is a temporary reprieve, a form of self deception that ultimately fails to address the underlying pain. The poem emphasizes the psychological toll of willful ignorance.
Example #3: Turn a Blind Eye by Vicky Newham
This thriller uses the phrase as a central motif. The story revolves around a protagonist investigating a murder and uncovering a web of secrets that others wish to remain hidden. The act of “turning a blind eye” is not simply a passive choice but an active attempt to conceal the truth. The book demonstrates how turning a blind eye can enable criminal behavior and perpetuate injustice. The phrase functions as a plot device, driving the narrative forward.
Examples in Sentences
Example #1: “As a manager, you cannot turn a blind eye to the problems of your customers, or else you will never retain them.”
Example #2: “The leader decided to turn a blind eye to the party’s dispute, hoping that it would not bring shame to the party next time. However, it resulted in serious consequences.”
Example #3: “A group of goons was insulting an elderly couple, but instead of defending them, everybody turned a blind eye until a young woman intervened.”
Example #4: “Like the previous regimes, the present stakeholders also turn a blind eye to the poverty stricken families.”
Example #5: “As a policeman, you cannot turn a blind eye to the illegal activities going on in your city.”
Ultimately, “turn a blind eye” is a phrase that resonates because it speaks to a fundamental aspect of the human condition—our capacity for both good and evil, and our ability to rationalize even the most reprehensible actions. Understanding its origins, literary applications, and nuanced meanings enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.