"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

• O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter, an American short story writer.

"The Last Leaf" Summary

• The story is set in Greenwich Village, New York, during a pneumonia epidemic.
• Johnsy, a young artist, is seriously ill with pneumonia.
• She believes that she will die when the last leaf falls from an ivy vine outside her window.
• Sue, Johnsy’s friend and fellow artist, cares for her.
• Sue tries to keep Johnsy's spirits up, but Johnsy is fixated on the falling leaves.
• Behrman, an elderly painter living in the same building, is portrayed as a failure who has always dreamed of painting a masterpiece.
• Sue tells Behrman about Johnsy's delusion.
• One night, a fierce storm occurs, and all the leaves are expected to fall.
• In the morning, only one leaf remains on the vine.
• Johnsy watches the leaf all day, expecting it to fall, but it clings to the vine.
• Seeing the last leaf survive the storm, Johnsy realizes her thinking was foolish and that she has a desire to live.
• Johnsy begins to recover.
• Sue reveals to Johnsy that Behrman painted the leaf on the wall during the night of the storm.
• Behrman contracted pneumonia from being out in the cold and wet, and he dies.
• Behrman’s painted leaf is his masterpiece, as it gives Johnsy the will to live but costs him his life.

Characters

• Johnsy: A young artist who becomes ill with pneumonia and loses her will to live.
• Sue: Johnsy's loyal and caring friend who tries to help her recover.
• Behrman: An elderly, unsuccessful painter who lives in the same building. He sacrifices himself to save Johnsy.

Themes

• Sacrifice: Behrman sacrifices his life to give Johnsy hope and save her life.
• Hope: The last leaf becomes a symbol of hope for Johnsy, renewing her will to live.
• Friendship: Sue's unwavering friendship and care for Johnsy are crucial to her recovery.
• Art as a Life-Saving Force: Behrman's art, though a deception, ultimately saves Johnsy's life.
• Despair: Johnsy's battle with despair and her belief that she will die when the last leaf falls.

Irony

• Situational Irony: Behrman, who dreamed of painting a masterpiece, creates one that saves a life, but it costs him his own.
• Dramatic Irony: The reader knows that the last leaf is a painting, while Johnsy believes it is real.

Symbolism

• The Last Leaf: Symbolizes hope, the will to live, and the fragility of life.
• Ivy Vine: Represents the connection to life and the passage of time.
• Behrman's Painting: Symbolizes sacrifice, hope, and the power of art.

O. Henry's Style

• Surprise Ending: O. Henry is known for his stories with surprise endings, and "The Last Leaf" is a prime example. The ending is unexpected, as Behrman is revealed to be the one who painted the leaf, leading to his own demise.
• Irony: O. Henry often uses irony, and it is notably used in "The Last Leaf".
• Sentimentality: While his stories often have a touch of sentimentality, they also explore deeper themes.
• Concise Language: O. Henry's writing is clear and concise, making his stories accessible and engaging.