Reflections in a Golden Eye

Content warning: The section of the guide addresses plot events involving graphic self-harm.

On the morning after Private Williams sees Leonora Penderton naked, he arrives at the stables at dawn. Leonora and Major Langdon arrive shortly after, which is usual, but Captain Penderton is with them, which is unusual. The three of them take a morning ride, and Private Williams watches them. That evening, Private Williams walks through the woods to the Pendertons’ house and observes the Captain from behind the shrubs in the yard. This begins a “strange time” during which Private Williams returns to watch the house every night. This lasts for almost two weeks.

There are only four times in his life when the Private has acted on his own, and he has always done so spontaneously: He bought a cow, declared his faith in the Lord, committed a crime, and joined the military.

On the 12th night of this “strange time,” Private Williams goes through the woods more slowly, wearing tennis shoes and carrying a pocketknife. He heads to the Pendertons’ house, where he hides among some trees and looks inside.

On this same night, Major Langdon and Leonora Penderton play blackjack while Captain Penderton and