The central conflict arises when Dick Heldar, a war artist, faces the gradual loss of his eyesight while attempting to complete his magnum opus. Dick Heldar struggles to reconcile his professional ambitions as a painter with the encroaching darkness of his impending blindness. He navigates the social circles of London and the memories of his past in the Sudan, often clashing with the expectations of his peers and his own stubborn pride. The narrative framework follows a third-person perspective that tracks his psychological decline and his desperate efforts to maintain his identity as an artist. He is opposed by both the physical limitations of his failing body and the complex, often strained, interpersonal relationships that define his existence.

Readers frequently highlight the stark, often somber tone that permeates the narrative as the protagonist confronts his fate. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the author's portrayal of artistic obsession and the inevitable decay of the physical self. Critics often point to the contrast between the vibrant, action-oriented scenes of war and the claustrophobic, internal struggle of the final chapters. The work is frequently cited for its unflinching look at the fragility of human achievement and the isolation that accompanies personal loss. Many readers find the pacing deliberate, allowing for a deep examination of the protagonist's shifting mental state.