Ramon Magsaysay High School

España, Manila

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Last leaf O. Henry

Submitted by:
JEIDHA SOFIA D. HATAP
Grade 10 – Hope

Submitted to:
MS. NOVIE CALUMAG
English Teacher

March 08, 2024

The Last Leaf" by O. Henry is a classic short story that explores themes of

friendship, sacrifice, and the power of hope. Set in Greenwich Village during a

harsh winter, the story follows the lives of two struggling artists, Johnsy and Sue,

as they confront illness and despair. Through its richly drawn characters and

compelling narrative, "The Last Leaf" offers profound insights into the human

condition and the resilience of the human spirit and is a classic short story that

explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the human spirit's resilience in the

face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of Greenwich Village during a

harsh winter, the story follows the lives of two struggling artists, Johnsy and Sue,

as they grapple with illness and despair. Through its evocative imagery and

compelling characters, "The Last Leaf" offers readers a poignant meditation on

the power of hope and the capacity for selflessness and is a poignant short

story written by O. Henry, originally published in 1907. It delves into themes of

friendship, sacrifice, and the power of hope amidst despair. Set in Greenwich

Village, New York, the story follows the lives of two struggling artists, Johnsy and

Sue, as they face the harsh realities of life.

Summary:

The story begins with Johnsy falling ill with pneumonia during the bleak autumn

season. Convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls from the vine outside

her window, Johnsy loses her will to live. Her friend and fellow artist, Sue, tries

desperately to lift her spirits. Meanwhile, their neighbor, Mr. Behrman, a failed
artist himself, becomes intrigued by the girls' predicament. Despite, Sue's efforts

to reassure Johnsy, the latter remains fixated on the falling leaves, equating her

own life with their descent. As the last few leaves cling stubbornly to the vine,

Johnsy's condition deteriorates. In a twist of fate, Sue discovers that Mr.

Behrman has painted a single leaf on the wall to save Johnsy's life. Moved by

his sacrifice, Sue realizes the depth of his friendship and love for the girls.

Ultimately, Johnsy recovers, and the story ends with Sue revealing the truth

about the painted leaf to her. The tale concludes on a note of hope and

resilience, highlighting the transformative power of selflessness and the

enduring bonds of friendship. Johnsy falls gravely ill with pneumonia and

becomes convinced that she will perish when the last leaf falls from the vine

outside her window. Despite Sue's efforts to console her, Johnsy's resolve

weakens as she observes the dwindling leaves. Their neighbor, Old Behrman,

a disillusioned artist, learns of Johnsy's plight and resolves to intervene. In a

selfless act of compassion, he paints a single leaf on the vine to give Johnsy

hope. When a storm ravages the vine, stripping it of all its leaves except the

painted one, Johnsy's spirit is revived, and she begins to recover. Tragically, it is

revealed that Old Behrman succumbed to pneumonia after completing the

painting, sacrificing his life to preserve Johnsy's. Convinced that she will die

when the last leaf falls from the vine outside her window, Johnsy loses her will

to live. Her friend and fellow artist, Sue, tries desperately to lift her spirits.

Meanwhile, their neighbor, Mr. Behrman, a failed artist himself, becomes

intrigued by the girls' predicament. Despite Sue's efforts to reassure Johnsy, the

latter remains fixated on the falling leaves, equating her own life with their
descent. As the last few leaves cling stubbornly to the vine, Johnsy's condition

deteriorates. In a twist of fate, Sue discovers that Mr. Behrman has painted a

single leaf on the wall to save Johnsy's life. Moved by his sacrifice, Sue realizes

the depth of his friendship and love for the girls. Ultimately, Johnsy recovers,

and the story ends with Sue revealing the truth about the painted leaf to her.

The tale concludes on a note of hope and resilience, highlighting the

transformative power of selflessness and the enduring bonds of friendship.

Analysis:

O. Henry employs various literary techniques to convey the themes and

emotions woven throughout "The Last Leaf." The setting of Greenwich Village

during autumn serves as a metaphor for the transience of life and the

inevitability of change. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, such as the

falling leaves and Mr. Behrman's painting, the author explores the fragility of

human existence and the resilience of the human spirit. Central to the story is

the theme of sacrifice, embodied by Mr. Behrman's selfless act of painting the

last leaf to save Johnsy's life. His character represents the unsung heroes who

silently bear the burdens of others, often without recognition or reward.

Moreover, the story underscores the power of art as a source of solace and

inspiration in times of adversity. The dynamic between Sue, Johnsy, and Mr.

Behrman illustrates the complexities of human relationships and the bonds

forged through shared experiences. Despite their individual struggles, the

characters find strength and support in each other, highlighting the

exploration of mortality and hope, "The Last Leaf" offers a poignant

commentary on the human condition and the eternal struggle against despair.

Through its timeless themes and memorable characters, the story continues to

resonate with readers, reminding us of the enduring power of love, friendship,

and the indomitable human spirit. O. Henry employs various literary devices to

craft a poignant narrative in "The Last Leaf." The setting of Greenwich Village

during winter serves as a metaphor for the characters' internal struggles and

the harsh realities they face. Johnsy's fixation on the falling leaves symbolizes

her waning hope and deteriorating health, contrasting with Sue's unwavering

optimism. The character of Old Behrman adds depth to the story, embodying

the theme of selflessness and the transformative power of compassion. His

sacrifice highlights the idea that even the most unlikely individuals possess the

capacity for profound acts of kindness. The twist ending, where the painted

leaf ultimately saves Johnsy's life, underscores the theme of hope triumphing

over despair. It also emphasizes the interconnectedness of human lives and

the enduring impact of small gestures of goodwill.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "The Last Leaf" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to

captivate audiences with its exploration of universal themes and its poignant

portrayal of the human condition. Through its compelling narrative and

memorable characters, O. Henry delivers a powerful message about the

love and sacrifice. is a timeless masterpiece that explores themes of friendship,

sacrifice, and hope against the backdrop of life's uncertainties. Through its vivid

imagery, compelling characters, and poignant narrative, the story leaves a

lasting impression on readers, reminding us of the transformative power of

selflessness and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. stands

as a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its

exploration of timeless themes and its poignant portrayal of the human

condition. Through its vivid imagery and compelling narrative, O. Henry crafts

a story that resonates with readers of all ages, offering profound insights into

the power of friendship, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.