Discover How Did James Thurber Lose His Eye?

When James Thurber was six years old, his older brother, William, accidentally shot an arrow into his left eye. Their father was away, and their mother consulted a doctor, but the doctor didn’t recommend removing the damaged eye.

It’s important to understand that this was a time when medical practices were far different than they are today. It was not uncommon for doctors to be hesitant to perform surgery, especially on a child. The doctor likely felt that there was a chance Thurber’s eye could heal on its own, or that the risks of surgery outweighed the potential benefits.

Unfortunately, the arrow’s injury left Thurber with a blind left eye. Despite this, Thurber went on to have a remarkably successful career as a writer, humorist, and cartoonist. His writing is often infused with humor and a unique perspective on life, which many believe was shaped by his experiences with vision loss.

While it’s impossible to know how Thurber’s life might have been different had he not lost his eye, he used his challenges to create some of the most enduring and beloved works of American literature. His story is an inspiring reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve great things.