In George Eliot's novella "The Lifted Veil," the protagonist, Latimer, possesses the disturbing ability to foresee the future and the inner thoughts of others. This gift, initially seen as a blessing, gradually reveals itself to be a curse, causing him anguish and isolation. Latimer's struggles with his psychic abilities set the stage for a profound exploration of consciousness and human relationships.
The plot thickens when Latimer becomes infatuated with a woman named Bertha. His foresight allows him to see her true nature and the inevitable suffering their union would bring. This knowledge torments him, creating a tension between his desires and the inevitable outcomes he perceives.