The Country of the Blind by H.G. Wells

Setting

• Location: Mysterious mountain valley in Ecuador's Andes, 300 miles from Chimborazo and 100 miles from the snows of Cotopaxi.
• Isolation: Separated from the world due to a massive landslide and geological upheaval.

Historical Background

• Early settlers: Peruvian half-breeds seeking refuge from Spanish tyranny.
• Natural disaster: Mindobamba eruption caused the valley to be isolated.
• Blindness: A disease caused all children born in the valley to be blind, eventually causing the entire population to adapt to blindness.

Society of the Blind

• Adaptation: The community evolved to live without sight, developing acute hearing and touch.
• Culture: Simple, structured life with no concept of sight; urban planning adapted for the blind.
• Social Structure: Governed by elders, based on agriculture and livestock, primarily llamas.

Main Character: Nunez

• Background: A mountaineer from near Quito who joins British mountain climbers.
• Accident: Falls into the valley during an expedition and discovers the 'Country of the Blind'.

Nunez's Experience

• Initial Encounter: Realizes the inhabitants are all blind and believes he can dominate them with his sight.
• Cultural Clash: Attempts to explain sight and his advantages but faces skepticism and disbelief.
• Adaptation: Learns their ways, but struggles with their night-based lifestyle.

Love Interest

• Medina Sarote: A woman of the valley who Nunez falls in love with.
• Conflict: Nunez's desire to marry her is met with opposition due to his perceived insanity (sight).
• Proposal: Nunez considers undergoing surgery to become 'blind' to be accepted.

Climax and Resolution

• Decision: Nunez is initially willing to give up sight but ultimately chooses to leave the valley.
• Escape: He climbs the surrounding cliffs, choosing the beauty of sight over life in the blind community.

Themes

• Perception and Reality: The story explores how perception shapes reality and identity.
• Isolation vs. Community: Examines the dynamics between individuality and societal norms.
• Sacrifice and Identity: The struggle between personal identity and societal acceptance.

Reflection

• Nunez's journey highlights the value of perception and the struggle to find one's place in an unfamiliar world.