What is pale horse pale rider?

"Pale Horse, Pale Rider" is a short novel written by American author Katherine Anne Porter. It was first published in 1939 as a collection of three interconnected short stories – "Old Mortality," "Noon Wine," and the titular "Pale Horse, Pale Rider."

The novel is set during the 1918 influenza pandemic and follows the protagonist, Miranda, a young woman working as a newspaper reporter in Denver, Colorado. As Miranda falls ill with the flu, she experiences intense hallucinations and fever dreams that blur the line between reality and fantasy.

The novel explores themes of mortality, the fragility of life, and the impact of war and illness on individuals. Porter's lyrical prose and vivid imagery capture the emotional and psychological toll of the pandemic and the personal struggles of the characters.

"Pale Horse, Pale Rider" is considered one of Katherine Anne Porter's most acclaimed works, known for its evocative portrayal of a historical event and its exploration of the human experience in the face of death and uncertainty.