Death on the Installment Plan

"Death on the Installment Plan" is a short story by Willa Cather that explores themes of mortality, dependence, and societal expectations. It tells the story of a young woman who, after her mother's death, becomes financially and emotionally dependent on her fiancé and others, reflecting the struggle to balance personal independence with societal pressures. The narrative examines how people often rely on others to navigate life's challenges and confronts the idea that death and dependency are interconnected, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the limits of individual control.