Brown eyes, black eyes, tea-coloured eyes.

[eloiseherisson at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 46640

Richelle:
> My US paperback edition says "bright brown eyes."  Which I found an odd way
> to describe brown eyes.  Unless it's bright as in very attentive and not
> bright as in color.  Because I can't quite picture brown being considered
> bright (as in color).
> 

I know it *sounds* odd, but I do actually know a child who has blonde hair 
and eyes that I could only describe as 'bright' brown.

Black eyes have always puzzled me, though. I think I first came across them 
in 'What Katy Did', or 'Little Women' or something as a child. I have always 
assumed it just meant very dark brown. But *beetle black*? That I don't 
understand as a description. 'Beetle black' to me is intensely black in a way 
that no eye ever is.

Unless, of course we are talking about pupils which are so dilated that the 
iris is barely visible. Is this why Snape's eyes are black and described as 
like dark *tunnels*? Is he *on* something? ;-) Is this why belladonna is 
mentioned as a Potions ingredient in GoF? If the resultant photophobia the 
reason why he prefers dungeons? Is he shielding his eyes by looking through 
that curtain of greasy, black hair? 

Of course if he were using belladonna (that would be beautifully ironic 
etymologically, wouldn't it?) he'd be having a bit of a problem with his 
focussing as it's a cycloplegic (paralyses the muscles which control the 
lens), But I shall ignore that inconveneint detail. ;-) I'm sure there'd be a 
magical method of counteracting that particular side effect!

Eloise
Noting a description of Alan Rickman's eyes as like pale tea without milk - 
isn't that approaching bright brown? 
Now guess what my favourite drink is (a connection that I have only just 
made).
Still, there are worse things to see in your tea cup! <sigh>


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