Topic: Eyes of the dead (Read 9071 times)

lannoe · « **on:** October 23, 2012, 05:46:08 PM »

New to the forum and I am going to jump in with a question.

My character has been killed, but he dies with his eyes wide open. How would you describe the eyes?

Lori

Old Bill · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2012, 08:08:22 PM »

Welcome and good question. Remember that upon death the body's muscles relax so to say the eyes were wide open might make an interesting visual, but I doubt that it would be accurate. Now I would never say never but should it happen it would be very unusual. I have seen lots (way too many) dead bodies and most eyes take on a very droopy look unless they die in their sleep and then they usually stay closed. Perhaps others here have had different experiences.

That being said, I wrote this in my WIP "Angel with a Gun" in which an unscrupulous insurance agent is killing off some elderly clients for fraudulent life insurance policies he conjures up with his girlfriend as beneficiary: "She was just sitting there…in her favorite chair. I know she was grieving…sick, even, but I didn't think she would look like that..."
"Like what?" Angel asked.
"Kind of...startled. I guess I would have expected her to have a peaceful look. But her eyes…they had horror in them. Brother Peter said Mrs. Shipley was a troubled soul since her husband died."

Anyway, good luck with your writing.

Old Bill

Dave Freas · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2012, 08:44:24 PM »

Hi, lannoe, and welcome to MWF.

Shortly after death, the eye would start to cloud over, taking on a milky appearance, as the tissue dries out.

Depending on how soon after death your victim is discovered, the eyes could look normal to being almost completely covered by a white film.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Old Bill · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2012, 10:15:36 PM »

Yes, Dave, thanks for adding that. Unlike what is portrayed on TV, death (particularly violent death) is not pretty. It's messy and smelly and lasts a very long time...I strongly encourage you to avoid your own demise.

ooops, sorry, couldn't resist.

Old Bill

Dave Freas · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2012, 10:29:19 PM »

Actually, Old Bill, I've been working on my own death since the day I was born.

Haven't we all?

Dave

lannoe · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2012, 09:31:00 AM »

This was for a short assignment, I ended up "... using glazed over with fear..."

I don't worry so much about my own demise as much as I worry about where I end up. Just had to add my two cents on in the conversation.

Thanks for your help gentlemen!

Lori

Old Bill · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2012, 05:14:17 PM »

Just curious...a short assignment for what? Try thinking how words interact and what action the words impart upon the subject. For instance: "glazed over" suggests boredom and doesn't even need to be qualified with being bored, but "fear" would not be an emotion I would use with glazed over. Also fear is the result of an impending action/condition toward a live person. The eyes are not fearful.

Now, I'm the last person to be giving advice and I'm only trying to be helpful with some positive feedback. AND, now that I look at what I wrote, I may have to amend my WIP, too. So, thanks for giving me a chance to look into my own writing...that's what writing is all about.

Old Bill

lannoe · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2012, 07:35:54 PM »

Like your comment Bill. The assignment is for a class I am taking at Universalclass.com. It is mystery writing.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

Lori