Confronting One's Mortality

The concept of man's approach to his own death has been the theme of many literary works throughout the ages. In his work, James places this approach in the hands of a young woman, clearly in the prime of her life, who is facing an early death due to an illness that cannot be cured. Milly's acceptance of her fate and her decision to live fully and to assist others to do the same is not necessarily unique. It is, however, her consistent unselfishness and her lack of sorrow that is. She takes under her wing Susan, Kate,and Maud, insisting that they accompany her to Venice and reside in a beautiful castle she has rented. She entertains them and sees that they take in all of the sights. She treats Merton Densher as an equal, a status he would never have in London society. When...