The Last Leaf: Literary Analysis Quiz

The Last Leaf: A Literary Analysis

"The Last Leaf" is a short story by O. Henry, an American short-story writer. This story, like many of O. John Henry's tales, explores the themes of love and the power of fate. The narrative follows the lives of two characters, Johnsy and Sue, who are both suffering from the same illness. The story is based on O. Henry's personal experiences with tuberculosis and his recovery from the disease.

Characters

• Johnsy: The protagonist of the story, Johnsy is an aspiring actress who falls ill with tuberculosis. She is resistant to the idea of recovering and wishes to die.

• Sue: Sue is Johnsy's neighbor and a devoted fan of Johnsy's work. She is a kind and caring person who tries to help Johnsy recover.

Plot

The story begins with Johnsy lying in bed, surrounded by her friends, who have gathered to see her die. She's disappointed by the fact that she hasn't died yet and is afraid she'll have to live a long time without acting. Meanwhile, Sue is a devoted fan who loves Johnsy and wants to help her recover. Johnsy, however, doesn't want her help and is resistant to the idea of recovering.

As the story progresses, Sue continues to try to help Johnsy recover by reading her lines, playing her music, and even redecorating her room. However, Johnsy remains unresponsive and continues to be resistant to the idea of recovery. One day, Sue tells Johnsy about a superstition she believes in, where if a sick person can see the last leaf fall from the tree outside their window, they will be cured.

Johnsy is skeptical but decides to play along with Sue's superstition. As the story reaches its climax, Johnsy is still lying in bed, and the last leaf is still on the tree outside her window. She feels defeated and loses hope of recovering. However, just as she gives up, the last leaf falls, and she is miraculously cured.

Themes and Symbolism

The story explores the themes of love, the power of fate, and the desire to live. Johnsy, who wants to die, is cured only when she witnesses the last leaf fall, symbolizing the power of fate and the importance of hope. The story also highlights the theme of love, as Sue's unwavering faith in Johnsy's recovery and her devotion to her idol ultimately leads to Johnsy's miraculous recovery.

Literary Analysis

"The Last Leaf" is a masterpiece of O. Henry's unique literary style. The short story employs a number of literary devices to create a vivid image of the story in the reader's mind. Some of the literary devices used in this story include:

1. Symbolism: The last leaf serves as a powerful symbol of hope and the power of fate. It represents the desire to live and the importance of holding on to hope, even in the face of despair.

2. Structure: The story is structured around the superstition that if a sick person can see the last leaf fall from the tree outside their window, they will be cured. This structure builds tension and suspense as Johnsy waits for the last leaf to fall.

3. Characterization: The characters in the story, particularly Johnsy and Sue, are well-developed and complex. Johnsy's desire to die and her resistance to recovery allow the reader to empathize with her struggle, while Sue's unwavering faith and devotion to Johnsy demonstrate her strength of character.

4. Theme: The themes of love, the power of fate, and the desire to live are explored throughout the story. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Conclusion

"The Last Leaf" is a captivating short story that explores the power of hope, the importance of love, and the unpredictable nature of fate. O. Henry's unique literary style brings the characters and their struggles to life, creating a vivid image in the reader's mind. The story's themes and symbolism continue to resonate with readers today, making it a truly timeless piece of literature.