The Eyes (short story)

"The Eyes" is a short story by American author Edith Wharton, published in 1910. The story is a gothic tale that centers around a group of people sitting around a fire, each sharing their most terrifying experiences. One man, Andrew Culwin, recounts his experiences with his former tutor, the unsettling and ultimately mad philosopher, Phil Jasper. Culwin claims he was never particularly frightened, but the story unfolds through his narration as he slowly and unknowingly adopts Jasper's philosophical beliefs and worldview.

The central theme of "The Eyes" revolves around the insidious nature of influence and the dangers of intellectual vanity. Culwin, initially presented as a detached and somewhat arrogant observer, is gradually consumed by Jasper's increasingly paranoid and nihilistic views. The "eyes" of the title are symbolic, representing the perceptions, beliefs, and ultimately, the madness of Jasper that Culwin unconsciously absorbs. The story explores the idea that one can be profoundly affected by another person's worldview without even realizing it. The ambiguous ending leaves the reader to question Culwin's sanity and whether he has fully escaped Jasper's influence. The power of suggestion and the subjective nature of reality are also prominent elements within the narrative.