"The Dead" is a short story by James Joyce, published in his collection titled Dubliners. It follows the character Gabriel Conroy as he attends a holiday party in Dublin with his wife, Gretta. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of relationships. As the evening unfolds, Gabriel reflects on his life and the people around him. A pivotal moment occurs when Gretta reveals her past love for a young man named Michael Furey, leading Gabriel to confront his own feelings of inadequacy and the inevitability of death. The story culminates in a profound realization about life and mortality.