In Richard Russo's novel "Bridge of Sighs," the idea of a story acting like a virus is evocatively expressed. It suggests that stories thrive and spread as long as there are new audiences willing to engage with them. This metaphor highlights how narratives can capture individuals' imaginations, creating a ripple effect as each listener or reader shares the tale with others.

This concept emphasizes the transient yet powerful nature of storytelling. Just as a virus needs hosts to survive, stories require an audience to keep their essence alive, evolving with each retelling and interpretation, ultimately shaping cultural memory and human connection.