The Last Leaf Story - Summary
The Last Leaf is a short story written by O. Henry (pen name of William Sydney Porter). It was first published in 1907 and is a poignant tale set in Greenwich Village, New York City. The story revolves around the themes of hope, friendship, and the impact of art on life.
The plot centers on two young women, Sue and Johnsy, who share a studio apartment. Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia, and her condition worsens as she becomes obsessed with counting the falling leaves from an ivy vine outside her window. Convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls, Johnsy loses her will to live.
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To counteract Johnsy’s despair, Sue enlists the help of their elderly neighbor, Mr. Behrman, a failed artist with a gruff exterior but a kind heart. Mr. Behrman is determined to save Johnsy’s life and risks his own health to paint a single leaf on the vine during a stormy night. The selfless act ultimately restores Johnsy’s will to live.
Tragically, Mr. Behrman succumbs to pneumonia due to his exposure during the painting endeavor. The story concludes with Sue revealing the truth about the painted leaf to Johnsy, who gains a renewed appreciation for life and art. The last leaf, symbolizing hope and the power of human connection, remains resilient despite the harsh conditions.
“The Last Leaf” is celebrated for its emotional depth, the exploration of the human spirit, and the enduring themes of sacrifice and the transformative power of art. The Last Leaf, short story by O. Henry, published in 1907 in his collection The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories. “The Last Leaf” concerns Johnsy, a poor young woman who is seriously ill with pneumonia. She believes that when the ivy vine on the wall outside her window loses all its leaves, she will also die.
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