Final answer:
The narrator connects with the blind man through shared experiences and empathy, displaying a sense of solidarity and understanding of living with a disability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrator demonstrates a connection to the blind man through shared experiences and a sense of empathy. In the excerpts provided, the narrators describe their connections with others who are suffering from disabilities either physical or cognitive. Specifically, the first excerpt shows the narrator feigning a weakness (poor eyesight) as a strategy to better understand his situation and surroundings; this highlights a form of camaraderie or solidarity with those who live with such difficulties regularly. The second excerpt underscores the narrator's realization of the blind man's condition due to persistent work, leading to impaired vision. Moreover, the texts illustrate how stories can draw parallels between the experiences of the characters and broader human experiences, creating a bond through shared understanding and mutual compassion.