"The Eye and the Jar"

"The Eye and the Jar" by Margaret Atwood explores themes of perception, memory, and identity through the metaphor of collecting and observing human eyes. The poem contemplates how the eye, as a symbol of vision and understanding, captures moments and perspectives, while the jar represents preservation and containment. It raises questions about how we perceive others, retain memories, and the nature of personal and collective identity. The work invites reflection on the ways human consciousness and experience are shaped by what we see, hold onto, and remember, emphasizing the complex relationship between observation and self-awareness.