Final answer:
The theme represented by the passage "My eyes were shut to the horror of my proceedings" is c. the impact of guilt and remorse, as the character appears to be reflecting on their actions with newfound understanding and the related feelings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage "My eyes were shut to the horror of my proceedings" suggests a theme related to the awareness of one's own actions and the resulting emotions that follow once the realization sets in. This scenario aligns with the impact of guilt and remorse, which is option c. The central character alludes to a newfound understanding of their actions, which is typically followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse.
Such a theme is prevalent in literature as characters often undergo personal transformation once they confront the effects of their behavior. This notion is echoed in several excerpts where protagonists come to a jarring understanding of their deeds, such as the haunting effects of past actions, the wrenching feeling of regret, or when characters acknowledge their wrongdoings and their impact on others; all examples illustrating the profound effects of guilt and remorse.