Analysis of The Last Leaf by O. Henry

The Last Leaf by O. Henry

O. Henry was an American short story writer famous for his wit, humor, and social commentary. Born on September 27, 1862, William Sydney Porter is widely known by his pen name O. Henry, which he adopted after serving time in prison for embezzlement. His life experiences greatly influenced his writing, often incorporating elements of crime, love, and irony into his stories. One such work is "The Last Leaf," a poignant tale that reflects human resilience and hope. Let's delve deeper into this classic piece written by the masterful O. Henry.

Plot Summary

First published in 1908, "The Last Leaf" tells the story of two friends living in Greenwich Village, New York City during the late 19th century. Johnsy, played by Elaine Stritch in a 1951 adaptation, is a talented young sculptor who has grown disillusioned with her craft due to illness and criticism from others. She lives upstairs from Sue, a kind, hardworking seamstress who has been taking care of her friend through her ailment.

As winter approaches, snow falls outside their window, and it becomes apparent that Johnsy's pneumonia may take her life. Inspired by Johnsy's dedication to creating one final sculpture before she dies, Sue makes a wish upon the last leaf still hanging on their ivy plant. A passerby named Mike, who has loved Johnsy from afar, overhears her conversation and promises he will keep the ivy alive until spring arrives. As days pass, the weather grows colder, and people begin to abandon their outdoor plants. Without realizing it, Johnsy recovers from her illness because her desire to complete her art project keeps her going.

Despite his love for Johnsy, Mike loses hope when he sees her recovering and believes he has missed his chance. However, as they spend more time together, Johnsy realizes she does not have feelings for him beyond friendship; instead, she develops genuine affection for a nurse who helped her regain her health. Realizing how much her art meant to her, Johnsy decides to sell the statue she completed while ill to pay off her rent. While waiting to collect the payment, she meets a man who admires her work and gives her some money towards her debt. As fate would have it, this man turns out to be Mike, who had sold her artwork under the pseudonym "John Smith" to help her. In the end, Johnsy and Mike become close friends, proving that sometimes, love can still bloom even if you don't expect it.

In his typical fashion, O. Henry weaves a captivating tale filled with themes of artistic struggle, perseverance, and unexpected romance. The Last Leaf serves as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of believing in oneself, even when times seem tough.