What is an example of paradox in the novel, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle?

Typically, swimming goggles help swimmers to see underwater. They function to clarify what one sees in the pool, to protect the eyes, to illuminate. In THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE, however, goggles are used to prevent the characters from seeing what is in front of them. This negative use of the goggles creates a paradox for the reader. What does it mean that something used to show the truth is now used to keep the light out? For example, the first time Toru goes to the Akasaka Fashion Design company, Cinnamon places swimming goggles on his eyes just before Nutmeg visits him in the "fitting room" (pg. 366). The purpose of the goggles in this instance is to keep the client off guard and off balance. At this point in the narrative, Okada says there is a thick substance over the goggles that prevents him from seeing anything. He goes on to remark that, along with being sightless for the moment, his sense of smell is also slightly out of kilter (367). This darkness is different from what Toru deals with at the bottom of the well. The darkness he experiences in the "fitting room" is meant to deprive. The darkness at the bottom of the well is intended to heighten the sensual experience; the bottom of the well becomes an expansive mental space in the dark. Darkness adds texture to the close environment.