Image for The Immortal (short story)

The Immortal (short story)

"The Immortal" is a science fiction short story by Henry James, exploring the theme of eternal life. It tells of a protagonist who encounters a mysterious, ageless woman claiming to have lived for centuries. As the story unfolds, it examines her experiences and the emotional toll of eternal existence, highlighting how eternal life affects identity, memory, and human connection. The story invites reflection on the nature of immortality and the potential loneliness and burden that come with eternal life, ultimately questioning whether immortality would be a blessing or a curse.