"The Mortal Immortal; a Tale" Human Condition

Immortals Are Humans Too

The human condition is everything that humans go through, physically and emotionally. It includes the characteristics that are essential to humans. Although the main character, Winzy in the Short story “The Mortal Immortal: A Tale”, is immortal, he is still as human as can be. He goes through the same feelings and inner conflicts that normal humans go through. “The Mortal Immortal” reveals that different aspects of human nature can affect anyone, even supernatural beings.

Trying to make sense of everything is significant human nature. Throughout the short story, Winzy overthinks and question things. Winzy constantly questions whether he’s truly immortal. He said, “I detected a gray hair amongst my brown locks this very day- that surely signifies decay” (Shelley 8). Getting grey hair is also a part of the human condition, as we all grow old and die. Just like any human, he overthinks and dwells on whether he will stay youthful longer than usual, or forever. It bothers him not knowing for sure if he will live forever, as he only drank half of the elixir. Humans are very curious by nature and desire to know what is going on.

Guilt is something that humans experience as well, thus being a part of the human condition. Winzy displayed guilt and regret when his love Bertha got old, and he stayed young. He takes responsibility for the fact that her life is ruined, further displaying his humanity. “I grieved deeply when I remembered that this was my Bertha, whom I had loved so fondly and won with such transport -- the dark-eyed,dark-haired girl, with smiles of enchanting archness and a step like a fawn -- this mincing, simpering, jealous old woman. I should have revered her grey locks and withered cheeks; butthus! -- It was my work, I knew; but I did not the less deplore this type of human weakness”. (Shelly 14). He is reflecting on what has happened, which is also ties in to the thinking characteristic of the human condition.

Often...