William Carleton was an Irish novelist, and one of fourteen children of a tenant farmer. Carleton's early life resembled what he later described in his books. His father had an extraordinary memory and a thorough acquaintance with Irish folklore, which Carleton drew upon in later works such as Traits and Stories of Irish Peasantry.

The Evil Eye is based on Irish legend: that some people can cause harm merely by looking at something. It is assumed to be held harmless by the possessor unless selfish design or desire for vengeance brings it out. It was inspired by a neighbor named Case, who claimed an enemy had killed three of his cows merely by overlooking them.