I agree with mkilby to some extent, but I believe that the "black eye" is more of a symbolic meaning. I think the persons "black eye" is more his reputation. He prided himself in being somebody who everbody knew when he was younger and everybody knew him, but maybe not in an entirely good way. Then, he got older and more mature and everybody still remembers him for who he was when he was younger, even though he has changed, and he can't and doesn't want it to be like that. Kind of like if you have a brother or a parent who is notorious, and everybody assumes you to be the same way even though you are completely different. Just my take on things.
I agree with mkilby to some extent, but I believe that the "black eye" is more of a symbolic meaning. I think the persons "black eye" is more his reputation. He prided himself in being somebody who everbody knew when he was younger and everybody knew him, but maybe not in an entirely good way. Then, he got older and more mature and everybody still remembers him for who he was when he was younger, even though he has changed, and he can't and doesn't want it to be like that. Kind of like if you have a brother or a parent who is notorious, and everybody assumes you to be the same way even though you are completely different. Just my take on things.