The Blind Man by Ivan Bunin. Short summary

5 seconds

A blind man sits on the promenade by the sea. The author puts some coins to him, and the old man calls him brother just like any other person. Great sorrow or death brings people together.

1 minute

From the breakwater you can see the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Alpine mountains even in bright sunshine and strong winds. When the wind dies down, the coastal town is warm in the springtime. People walk or sit under palm trees, looking out over the blue water and the monument to the King of England in uniform.

A lonely old man sits with his back to the sea. He only feels the warmth of the sun, but does not see the sun. From his tense posture you can tell: the man is blind. He speaks quietly and monotonously about mercy and kindness. The writer puts a few coins into the cartouche lying on the blind man’s lap. The old man interrupts his speech and thanks the good brother.

Indeed, all brothers are reminded of death or great sorrow. The old man is not afraid of being misunderstood: he can call a king, a president, or an ordinary passerby his brother. The blind man reminds us that life is kindness and love. One cannot be indifferent to suffering and loneliness, because it is our common suffering. Equality in everyday life does not and cannot exist.