Immortality
Immortality by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: In this short story, the protagonist, a middle-aged woman, becomes obsessed with the idea of immortality after discovering a strange and mysterious potion in her home. Despite the warnings of her husband and friends, she decides to drink the potion, which grants her eternal life but also leads to her isolation and loneliness. The story explores themes of mortality, aging, and the consequences of playing God with one's own immortality.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1890 · Genre: Science Fiction, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary · 316 words
First lines
When I was grass, perhaps I may have wept As every year the grass-blades paled and slept; Or shrieked in anguish impotent, beneath The smooth impartial cropping of great teeth- I don't remember much what came to pass When I was grass.
When I was monkey, I'm afraid the trees Weren't always havens of contented ease; Things killed us, and we never could tell why; No doubt we blamed the earth or sea or sky- I have forgotten my rebellion's shape When I was ape.
What this Textopian page supports
Immortality is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 316 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Immortality by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Immortality?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Among The Gods by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- She Walketh Veiled And Sleeping by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Looker On by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Desire by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- A Misfit by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Monotony From California by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Science Fiction — Given Gilman's tendency towards speculative themes and the title 'Immortality', it can be inferred that the book explores concepts of death, longevity, and perhaps even futuristic technologies or ideas.
- Feminist Literature — Gilman is known for her feminist themes, and it is likely that this book also includes examinations of gender roles and women's experiences.
- Social Commentary — Another theme common in Gilman's work is the critique and discussion of societal structures and norms, which would frame the novel as a work of social commentary as well.
- Philosophical Literature — The title 'Immortality' suggests themes of existential exploration, which is a thread seen in many philosophical works.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · identity · mortality · existentialism · philosophy · psychology · narrative · self-discovery · human experience · life and death