What is the theme in The Wings of the Dove by Henry James?

Confronting one's mortality is a major theme in the story. 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.