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“The Last Leaf” by O. Henry: A Critical Analysis

“The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, first published in 1922 in the collection “The Gifts of the Magi,” is a poignant short story which showcases O. Henry’s mastery of irony, wit, and emotional depth.

Introduction: “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

Table of Contents

“The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, first published in 1922 in the collection “The Gifts of the Magi,” is a poignant short story which showcases O. Henry’s mastery of irony, wit, and emotional depth. The tale of an elderly artist’s sacrifice to inspire his neighbor, a young woman struggling with pneumonia, is a testament to the power of human connection and the will to live. The story’s good features include its concise yet impactful narrative, vivid character descriptions, and a surprising yet fitting twist at the end, all of which combine to make “The Last Leaf” a timeless classic of American literature.

Main Events in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

• Introduction to Greenwich Village : A description of Greenwich Village, where the story takes place, known for its artistic community and unique streets.
• Sue and Johnsy’s Friendship : Sue and Johnsy, two young women from different backgrounds, decide to live and work together in Greenwich Village.
• Arrival of Pneumonia : Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia during winter, a cold stranger that affects her severely.
• Doctor’s Diagnosis : The doctor informs Sue that Johnsy’s chances of survival depend on her will to live and interest in the future.
• Johnsy’s Obsession with Leaves : Johnsy becomes fixated on the leaves of an old tree outside her window, believing that she will die when the last leaf falls.
• Sue’s Efforts to Encourage Johnsy : Sue tries to distract Johnsy from her obsession, urging her to eat and painting to keep her occupied.
• Old Behrman’s Concern : Behrman, an unsuccessful painter and neighbor, becomes involved in Sue and Johnsy’s situation, expressing anger at Johnsy’s belief.
• Behrman’s Sacrifice : Behrman decides to help Sue by posing for her painting despite his own struggles, showing his care for Johnsy.
• Sue’s Painting and Vigil : Sue paints through the night, hoping to distract Johnsy from the falling leaf outside.
• Johnsy’s Awakening : Johnsy realizes the last leaf remains despite the storm, prompting her to reconsider her desire to die.
• Johnsy’s Change of Heart : Johnsy acknowledges her desire to live and expresses remorse for her previous wishes to die.
• Behrman’s Fate : Behrman dies from pneumonia after painting the last leaf, revealing his sacrifice to save Johnsy.
• Johnsy’s Recovery : The doctor informs Sue of Johnsy’s improving condition and her eventual recovery.
• Behrman’s Masterpiece : Sue reveals to Johnsy that Behrman’s final painting of the last leaf saved her life, showing his love and sacrifice.

Literary Devices in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

Characterization in “the last leaf” by o. henry, major characters:.

• Description : Sue is portrayed as a caring and supportive friend, especially to Johnsy during her illness.
• Example : Sue’s concern for Johnsy’s well-being is evident when she tries to distract her from counting the falling leaves and encourages her to eat.
• Detail : Sue’s dedication to Johnsy’s recovery is highlighted by her tireless efforts to paint and keep Johnsy engaged despite her own emotional struggles.
• Description : Johnsy is depicted as an imaginative and sensitive young woman who becomes deeply affected by her illness and surroundings.
• Example : Johnsy’s fixation on the falling leaves as a metaphor for her own mortality demonstrates her emotional vulnerability and despair.
• Detail : Johnsy’s transformation from resignation to a renewed will to live is a central aspect of her characterization, emphasizing her inner strength and resilience.

Minor Characters:

• Description : Personified as a malevolent force, Mr. Pneumonia represents the threat of illness and death that looms over Johnsy.
• Example : The doctor’s warning about the seriousness of Johnsy’s condition and the role of her will to live in her recovery underscores the impact of Mr. Pneumonia.
• Detail : Mr. Pneumonia’s presence serves to heighten the tension and urgency of Johnsy’s situation, adding depth to the story’s conflict.
• Description : Behrman is portrayed as a gruff yet compassionate neighbor who becomes involved in Sue and Johnsy’s lives.
• Example : Behrman’s decision to pose for Sue’s painting, despite his own struggles, reveals his underlying kindness and concern for Johnsy.
• Detail : Behrman’s final act of painting the last leaf serves as a poignant symbol of his love and sacrifice, enriching his characterization and impact on the story’s resolution.

Major Themes in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

• Friendship and Support : The story highlights the importance of friendship and support during difficult times. Sue’s constant care for Johnsy, such as her efforts to distract her from counting the falling leaves and her decision to paint to keep Johnsy engaged, demonstrates the depth of their friendship. Sue’s unwavering dedication to her friend illustrates how genuine support can provide strength and comfort in times of adversity.
• Sacrifice and Selflessness : A significant theme is the idea of sacrifice and selflessness in the face of adversity. This theme is epitomized by Old Behrman, who, despite his own struggles as an unsuccessful artist and his declining health, sacrifices himself to save Johnsy’s life. Behrman’s decision to paint the last leaf on the wall, knowing it might cost him his life, exemplifies the profound impact of selfless acts in moments of crisis, highlighting the transformative power of love and compassion.
• Hope and Resilience : Throughout the story, there is a recurring theme of hope and resilience, symbolized by the last remaining leaf on the tree outside Johnsy’s window. Despite the harsh winter and the stormy weather, the leaf remains steadfast, offering a beacon of hope amidst despair. Johnsy’s eventual realization that the leaf’s persistence mirrors her own will to live underscores the resilience of the human spirit, showing how hope can endure even in the darkest of circumstances.
• The Transformative Power of Art : Another significant theme explored in “The Last Leaf” is the transformative power of art to inspire, heal, and give meaning to life. Sue’s dedication to her painting reflects her belief in the cathartic and uplifting nature of artistic expression. Furthermore, Behrman’s final masterpiece, the last leaf on the wall, not only saves Johnsy’s life but also immortalizes his own legacy as an artist. This demonstrates how art has the ability to transcend individual lives and leave a lasting impact on the world, highlighting the profound influence of creativity and beauty on the human experience.

Writing Style in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

• Narrative Structure : O. Henry employs a third-person limited perspective, primarily focusing on Sue’s viewpoint while providing insight into her thoughts and feelings. For example, the story follows Sue’s perspective as she cares for Johnsy during her illness and grapples with her own emotions.
• Use of Irony : Irony is a key element of O. Henry’s style, often employed to add depth and complexity to the narrative. An example of irony in “The Last Leaf” is Behrman’s unsuccessful painting career juxtaposed with his final act of painting the last leaf, which becomes his masterpiece.
• Vivid Imagery : O. Henry uses vivid imagery to create a rich and immersive setting, bringing scenes and characters to life. For instance, descriptions of the cold rain and wild wind outside Johnsy’s window evoke a somber and atmospheric mood, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the story’s emotional landscape.
• Dialogue : Dialogue in “The Last Leaf” is used to reveal characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships. For example, Sue and Johnsy’s conversations reflect their close bond and shared experiences, providing insight into their friendship and mutual support.
• Foreshadowing : O. Henry employs foreshadowing to hint at future events and build suspense throughout the story. An example of foreshadowing is Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls, which sets up the story’s resolution and adds tension to the narrative.
• Twists and Turns : O. Henry is known for his plot twists and unexpected endings, which keep readers engaged and surprised. In “The Last Leaf,” the revelation that Behrman painted the last leaf adds a poignant twist to the story’s resolution, altering the reader’s understanding of events and characters.
• Humor and Wit : O. Henry infuses his writing with humor and wit, often through clever wordplay and situational irony. While “The Last Leaf” deals with serious themes such as illness and sacrifice, moments of humor, such as Behrman’s gruff yet endearing personality, provide moments of levity amidst the drama.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

Topics, questions, and thesis statements about “the last leaf” by o. henry, short questions/answers about/on “the last leaf” by o. henry.

Q1: Who are the main characters in the story? The main characters in “The Last Leaf” are an elderly artist named Sue, a young artist named Johnsy, and an old artist named Behrman. Johnsy is sick with pneumonia and has lost hope, while Sue is her caretaker and tries to cheer her up. Behrman is a grumpy but kind-hearted artist who lives downstairs.

Q2: What is the significance of the last leaf in the story? The last leaf is a symbol of hope and life. Johnsy, who is bedridden and has lost her will to live, sees the last leaf on the ivy vine outside her window and believes that when it falls, she will die too. The leaf’s survival is a metaphor for Johnsy’s own struggle to survive, and its persistence gives her the strength to keep fighting.

Q3: How does Behrman’s sacrifice contribute to the story’s theme? Behrman’s sacrifice is a pivotal moment in the story. On a rainy day, Behrman goes out and paints a masterpiece on the wall – a leaf – to make Johnsy believe that the last leaf is still there. He catches pneumonia and dies, but his sacrifice gives Johnsy the hope and strength to recover. This selfless act highlights the theme of the story: the power of human connection and sacrifice to give life meaning.

Q4: What is the tone of the story, and how does O. Henry achieve it? The tone of “The Last Leaf” is bittersweet and poignant, with a touch of irony. O. Henry achieves this tone through his masterful storytelling, using vivid descriptions and clever plot twists to create a sense of tension and emotional resonance. The story’s tone is also influenced by the contrast between the bleakness of Johnsy’s situation and the hope and resilience of the characters, which adds to the overall poignancy of the narrative.

Literary Works Similar to “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

• “ The Gift of the Magi ” by O. Henry : Another classic by O. Henry, this story revolves around a young couple who make sacrifices to buy each other Christmas gifts, only to discover the true value of love and selflessness.
• “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst : This poignant tale follows the relationship between two brothers, one of whom is physically disabled. The story explores themes of love, pride, and sacrifice against the backdrop of the American South.
• “ The Lottery ” by Shirley Jackson : Set in a seemingly ordinary town, this chilling story explores the dark side of human nature as the townspeople participate in a ritualistic annual lottery with shocking consequences.
• “ The Necklace ” by Guy de Maupassant : This French classic tells the story of a woman who borrows a diamond necklace to attend a ball, only to lose it, leading to a series of events that challenge her perceptions of wealth and happiness.
• “ The Tell-Tale Heart ” by Edgar Allan Poe : In this Gothic masterpiece, a narrator confesses to murdering an old man because of his “vulture eye.” The story delves into themes of guilt, madness, and the complexities of the human mind.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

• Henry, O. “The Last Leaf.” The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories . HarperPerennial Classics, 2011, pp. 93-99.
• Bloom, Harold, editor. O. Henry. Chelsea House Publishers, 2004.
• Payne, L. W. “THE HUMOR OF O. HENRY.” Texas Review , vol. 4, no. 1, 1918, pp. 18–37. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/43465761 . Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
• Argo, Jennifer J., et al. “Fact or Fiction: An Investigation of Empathy Differences in Response to Emotional Melodramatic Entertainment.” Journal of Consumer Research , vol. 34, no. 5, 2008, pp. 614–23. JSTOR , https://doi.org/10.1086/521907. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Representative Quotations from “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

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• The Last Leaf

Background of the Story

The short story ‘The Last Leaf’ is written by an American short-story writer named O. Henry.

‘The Last Leaf’ was first published in 1907 in his collection ‘The Trimmed Lamp and Other Story’. It is written in the time period when New York was experiencing rapid population growth partly due to the immigration of European immigrants to the United States.

As the short story shows, in the early twentieth century, urbanization and overcrowded living conditions in New York, led to different diseases.

The story is just like O. Henry’s other stories that have surprising endings. It is a sentimental story with a tragic ending.

The story has three main characters, two girls named Johnsy, also called Joanna, the other one being Sue and an old man named Behrman.

It is set in a colony in Greenwich Village, which functions as a colony for artists. Sue and Johnsy are emerging artists. Johnsy wants to paint the Bay of Naples but she falls ill and expects to die soon.

Behrman, an old man in the story who wants to paint a masterpiece for years but is not able to do so.

The story has a serious and hopeless tone and it is narrated in third-person narrative.

The Last Leaf Summary

In the artists’ colony in Greenwich Village, New York lives two friends called Sue and Johnsy. Johnsy’s real name is Joanna.

Sue and Johnsy met for the first time in a restaurant and found their interests similar which resulted in them sharing a studio apartment on the top of a triple-story building.

As the winter arrives, pneumonia strikes the city. Johnsy falls ill and a doctor comes to examine her. After examining her, he tells Sue that Johnsy has lost hope of getting well while it depends on her will power which is half the cure.

Sue comes in to complete her painting for a magazine but she hears a voice so she moves to Johnsy’s bedside and sees her looking out of the window, staring at the empty yard of the neighbouring brick-house. Sue hears her counting backwards. She asks Johnsy that what she is counting. Johnsy replies, looking at the autumn-stricken ivy vine in the yard of the neighbouring brick-house, that with each falling leaf of the ivy vine, the time of her death is coming closer. She tells Sue that the moment the last leaf falls, she will die.

Sue advises her to stop thinking negatively and take rest. She then goes downstairs to call Behrman, to pose as a model for her because she cannot afford a professional model.

Behrman is an old man living downstairs in the same building. He wants to paint a masterpiece but is unable to do so for years. His earnings come from the artists for whom he poses as a model.

Sue tells Behrman about Johnsy’s illness and her lost hope. When they come upstairs to Johnny’s room, they find her sleeping so they move to another room. They look out of the window to the yard of the neighbouring brick-house and watch the ivy vine when it is raining outside mixed with snowfall. 

They both look worried.

The next morning, Johnsy asks Sue to push open the curtains because she wants to see the last leaf fall but she sees that the last leaf is still there on the ivy vine. It gives her some hope. She realizes that it is wrong to lose hope. She even asks Sue to give her some soup and says that one day she will paint the Bay of Naples. 

When the doctor comes to see her, he tells Sue that Johnsy was fine now. The doctor also tells her that Behrman is suffering from pneumonia and now he is admitted to the hospital.

The next day Sue informs Johnsy of Behrman’s death. She tells her that he has died of pneumonia. The sweeper found him in pain lying in his room. He had spent the cold snowy night outside, painting his masterpiece. The leaf that did not move or fall was his masterpiece that he painted when the last leaf fell.

The Last Leaf Characters Analysis

The story ‘The Last Leaf’ has three main and one minor characters.

Behrman is an old man living downstairs in the same building in which Johnsy and Sue are living. He is a failure in art and wants to paint a masterpiece but is unable to paint it for years. He earns a little by posing as a model for the artists.

Though he cannot paint, he still has the hope to paint it one day. He has a character who inspires Johnsy to start living again. He is optimistic and his hopefulness, at last, leads him to paint his masterpiece.

Johnsy is one of the main characters of the story ‘The Last Leaf’. She is an emerging artist and wants to paint the Bay of Naples but becomes ill and suffers from pneumonia. Due to her illness, she gives up her hope and thinks that she will die soon. She counts the falling leaves of the ivy vine in the neighboring brick-house’ yard and tells Sue that with every falling leaf, she is getting closer to her death.

She regains her hope by getting inspiration from Behrman’s masterpiece, the last leaf on the vine that never falls off.

She is another main character and friend of Johnsy. She is also an artist and has the same interests as Johnsy. She has a great role in Johnsy’s recovery from pneumonia. She takes good care of Johnsy during her illness. She encourages Johnsy to never lose hope and supports her emotionally and financially. Sue’s care and support help Johnsy recover from her illness.

Doctor, though, is a minor character in the story but he has an important role in Johnsy’s recovery from pneumonia. He is kind towards Johnsy and wants her to get well from pneumonia. He encourages Sue to take care of Johnsy and to make her think positively. He advises Sue to guide Johnsy towards positivity and bring her back to life.

Mr. Pneumonia

The story has another character which is in fact abstract. The narrator has stated pneumonia as a gentleman who enters the city, touches people with his ‘icy fingers’ and makes them ill. Mr. Pneumonia is not a good person. He victimizes every weak person. Many of his victims die soon after the illness.

Themes in The Last Leaf

Hope vs hopelessness.

The theme of hope is the main idea of this story. The author has highlighted the importance of will power in the story.

The doctor in the story says that Johnsy, who has lost her hope of getting well, cannot be cured by medicines because half of the cure for a patient is the hope of getting well. She loses her hope with every falling leaf and assumes that she will die the moment the last leaf falls off but when the last leaf never falls, though it is the painting of Behrman, she gains the hope of getting well.

And when the doctor does her check-up, he observes that she is much better now. It shows that everything lies in one’s own mind and it depends on us, that how we think about a particular situation.

It is obvious that the outcome of thinking positive is also positive while negativity will lead you to hopelessness.

Never Lose Hope

Behrman, who is unable to paint his masterpiece for twenty-five years, does not lose hope. He stays firm in his struggle and at last, he is able to act upon his dreams. After spending a cold night outside, he paints his masterpiece though he catches pneumonia and dies, his death comes after the accomplishment of his dream.

This example of strong hope shows that a person should not lose hope though the situation may be unfavorable. People might discourage you but a person should not lose hope.

Behrman sacrifices his life for giving hope to Johnsy. He knows that Johnsy thinks she will die the moment when the last leaf of the ivy vine falls so he paints a leaf on the wall which gives hope to Johnsy and she realizes that she should not lose hope. This act of Behrman leads her to think positively because our thinking leads our actions and defines our abilities.

Behrman’s sacrifice of staying the cold night out benefits Johnsy as well as leads him to paint his masterpiece which he wanted to paint for years.

Another example of sacrifice in the story is the care and support that Sue gives Johnsy. She takes care of her and supports her emotionally and financially though it is easier not to get involved. She devotes her time to her friend and helps her regain her lost hope. She brings Johnsy back towards life. 

Sue’s friendship and sincerity lead Johnsy to regain her lost hope. Sue takes good care of her friend Johnsy. Even the doctor appreciates her care for Johnsy and tells her that it is because of her that Johnsy is feeling better.

This proves the statement that ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’

Importance of Art

Art is a way of expressing one’s feelings and emotions.

It needs great strength and will power for an old man to go out in the cold weather to paint. Behrman goes out in the freezing cold and paints his masterpiece. His feelings are conveyed to Johnsy through that painting. Behrman’s masterpiece gives him an immortal life and inspires Johnsy to think positively and live hopefully.

The Last Leaf Analysis

An analysis is the in-depth examination and critical study of a literary piece.

Having no comedic element, the short story ‘The Last Leaf’ has a serious and hopeless tone. It has unexpected events and a tragic end.

The story is about two friends Johnsy and Sue. They have similar interests and struggles but when Johnsy falls ill, she loses hope and expects to die soon. The hopeless girl leaves behind all her dreams and counts down the falling leaves while looking out of the window to the autumn-stricken ivy vine in the yard of the neighboring brick-house.

The doctor who visits to examine Johnsy says that it is her hopelessness that is keeping her away from getting well. Johnsy’s negativity forces her to leave her dreams behind and only think about her death but when Sue gives her hope and she sees the last leaf on the ivy vine still there. It gives her the hope to come back to life.

This shows that a person should think positively even in a hard situation and severe illness. It gives positivity to the person’s mind and he can fight the bad situation and disease with his positive thinking. It gives the person a moral strength to stay firm.

On the other side, if a person keeps thinking negatively, he will lose all his hopes. He will stop chasing his dreams which will lead him to have a meaningless life.

The story gives the moral lesson of never losing hope. Behrman, who is a failure in art for years but he does not lose hope and at last he is able to paint his masterpiece. A person should not stop dreaming if he fails in achieving it for the first time. He should keep struggling and a day will come that will bring him success.

True friendship is also defined in the story. Sue, a very good and sincere friend. She keeps supporting Johnsy when she loses every single hope of becoming well. Sue is indeed a true friend who proves that with good care and support, a patient can be cured.

Giving different moral lessons, the story is a twisted and surprising one. The ending is a tragic one, what is expected to happen does not really happen.

Setting of the Story

The short story ‘The Last Leaf’ is set in the colony of artists in Greenwich Village, New York. The setting is significant in drawing the plot of the story because the main characters in the story are artists living in a colony of artists. The narrator says describing the place “In a little district west of Washington Square the streets have run crazy and broken themselves into small strips called “places”. These “places” make strange angles and curves.” Such a description of the setting is done by the author in order to create an image of the place in the mind of the reader because the setting is significant in plot construction of the story.

“To quaint old Greenwich Village, the art people soon came prowling, hunting for north windows and eighteenth-century gables and Dutch attics and low rents.”

In the above sentence, the author has chosen Greenwich Village as the setting of his story because his plot needed a setting where there would be a large number of artists and Greenwich Village used to be and it still is a colony of artists. Since it is a little village and the expenses of living there are low so a great number of struggling artists live there.

A conflict is an opposition faced by the protagonist of the story.

The conflict in the story is internal as well as external.

Internal conflict

This is an internal force fighting the protagonist.

Internal conflict in the story is Johnsy’s lost hope. She gives up and thinks only about her death. Her own negative feelings do not let her get well. She is a pessimistic person and her own negative feelings do not allow her to get well. She keeps thinking about her death. 

External conflict

External conflict is an outside force or opposition fighting the protagonist.

The example of external conflict in the story is pneumonia. It is a force of nature that fights the main character, Johnsy but at last, she defeats the illness and gets well.

A tone is an attitude in which the story is written. The tone can be conveyed through the choice of words or the writer’s point of view.

The tone of the story is serious and hopeless.

Point of view

The point of view of the story is third-person narrative.

The leaf on the ivy vine is a symbol. Johnsy who is ill keeps looking out of the window and watches the leaves of ivy vine fall. It makes her lose hope and she wonders that if hundreds of leaves can fall so quickly, she will also die like this, with the pace of the falling leaves her death will approach her.

The last leaf that seems to Johnsy a sign of her death, it becomes a symbol of hope for her when she sees it on the ivy vine after the storm. The last leaf, though a painting, gives her hope to get well and start living again.

Pneumonia is a symbol of death in the story. When it arrives in the city it touches its victims with its ‘icy fingers’. People would suffer from the illness and many of them would die.

Literary Devices in The Last Leaf

Situational irony.

The story has situational irony.

The reader expects Johnsy to die but she gets well and Behrman dies. It is also unexpected that he has painted his masterpiece before his death.

Personification

Personification is the attribution of human qualities to something non-human.

The example of personification is that when the narrator talks about the arrival of pneumonia in the city. He states that “Mr. Pneumonia was not what you would call a chivalric old gentleman”. Pneumonia is considered a human in the story who has come to the city to touch people with his ‘icy fingers’ and as a result, his victims become ill and die.

The example of metaphor in this story is when the narrator talks about pneumonia. He states that “In November a cold, unseen stranger, whom the doctors called pneumonia, stalked about the colony’’.

Here pneumonia is compared to a stranger who arrives at the city and victimizes people with an illness.

A simile is the direct comparison of one thing with another.

The example of simile in the story is “she was afraid that Johnsy would indeed sail down, down like the leaf”. This sentence shows Sue’s fears for Johnsy who is ill and has lost hope of getting well. Sue is afraid that her negative thinking will kill her.

More From O. Henry

Short stories.

• The Gift of Magi
• A Retrieved Reformation
• The Green Door
• A Service of Love
• The Ransom of Red Chief
• The Cop and the Anthem
• The Furnished Room
• Memoirs of a Yellow Dog

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The Last Leaf

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on O. Henry's The Last Leaf . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Last Leaf: Introduction

The last leaf: plot summary, the last leaf: detailed summary & analysis, the last leaf: themes, the last leaf: quotes, the last leaf: characters, the last leaf: symbols, the last leaf: literary devices, the last leaf: quiz, the last leaf: theme wheel, brief biography of o. henry.

Historical Context of The Last Leaf

Other books related to the last leaf.

• Full Title: The Last Leaf
• When Written: 1907
• Where Written: New York City
• When Published: 1907
• Literary Period: American literature, early 20th century
• Genre: Short Story
• Setting: New York City, Greenwich Village, early 1900s
• Climax: Sue reveals that the last leaf on the vine is actually an illusionistic painting meant to restore Johnsy’s hope
• Antagonist: Hopelessness
• Point of View: Third Person

Extra Credit for The Last Leaf

“Banana Republic.” O. Henry coined the phrase “banana republic” to describe a small country with an economy dependent upon the export of a single product (such as bananas). The term, which first appeared in his book Cabbages and Kings (1904), is still widely used today.

O. Henry on Film. There have been more than two dozen cinematic adaptions of short stories by O. Henry since the invention of film technology, including an adaptation of “The Last Leaf” produced by the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

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Literary Theory and Criticism

Criticism of o. henry’s the last leaf.

Analysis of O. Henry’s The Last Leaf

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on May 26, 2021

One of the most famous of the O. Henry tales, “The Last Leaf” (1907) not only concludes with the usual O. Henry surprise ending, but, like “A Service of Love,” is conveyed with a narrative tone of sadness and even… Read More ›

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The Last Leaf by O. Henry: Summary & Analysis

Summary of "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

"The Last Leaf" is a story of hope, friendship, determination, and the will to survive, revolving around three artists who seek inspiration from their surroundings and aspire to create art that transcends time, achieving immortality through their work.

The central characters are Sue and Johnsy , two young and ambitious artists with their artistic journeys ahead of them, and their neighbor, Behrman , an aging artist in the twilight of his career. Despite Behrman's social aloofness, he maintains a cordial relationship with Sue and Johnsy, often posing as a model for Sue's illustrations.

One fateful winter night, Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia, and despite Sue's best efforts and the doctor's medications, her condition worsens. The doctor believes that Johnsy's lack of will to live is exacerbating her illness. Johnsy's dream of traveling to Italy to paint, along with her determination to continue her art, diminishes rapidly.

Johnsy's focus becomes fixated on a vine outside her window that is shedding its leaves progressively. With each fallen leaf, her resolve weakens further, and the doctor predicts her impending demise.

Sue, distressed by Johnsy's obsession with the falling leaves, confides in Behrman about her friend's state. In response, Behrman is struck by an artistic revelation, spending an entire stormy night in pouring rain and wind to paint the leaves on his canvas.

Behrman's masterpiece, a lifelike leaf, is then posted outside Johnsy's window. As Johnsy witnesses the leaf's resilience amid the tempestuous weather, she finds renewed courage and hope in her own survival. Gradually, she recovers and regains her artistic inspiration.

However, the act of painting the masterpiece takes a toll on Behrman's health, and he tragically succumbs to pneumonia. Despite his death, Behrman achieves a form of immortality through his completed masterpiece—the last leaf standing, representing hope and resilience. The story concludes with the lasting impact of Behrman's artistic legacy, immortalized through his selfless sacrifice.

Analysis of "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

The story employs powerful symbolism, most notably represented by the leaf itself. Initially, falling leaves serve as a metaphor for decay and hopelessness in Johnsy's mind. However, the painted leaf becomes a symbol of resilience and optimism, inspiring her to fight against her illness and regain her will to live. The leaf symbolizes the last surviving hope, encouraging readers not to succumb to despair in difficult times.

The streets in the story symbolize the unpredictability of human emotions and relationships. The rough and damaged nature of the streets reflects the challenges and uncertainties faced by individuals in their lives. Similarly, the weather and the rains symbolize life's trials and obstacles, illustrating the journey one must undertake to reach their true potential and greatness.

The story is set in early 20th-century Washington , a place vibrant with aspiring artists and diverse cultures. The setting emphasizes the rich tapestry of arts, languages, and passions that converge in this place. Sue, Johnsy, and Behrman exemplify this diversity, each possessing unique artistic tastes and abilities. Despite their differences, the setting brings them together, fostering an environment where they learn from one another's talents and characteristics.

The story is woven with multiple points of conflict. One significant conflict is between Behrman and Johnsy. Behrman is bewildered by Johnsy's lack of will to live and is angry with Sue for convincing her otherwise. Johnsy herself is battling both pneumonia and her own internal depression, struggling to find the desire to go on.

Sue and Johnsy represent opposite sides of the conflict, with Sue firmly believing in fighting against adversity, while Johnsy contemplates giving up. There is also an external conflict, represented by the inclement weather and the disease that ultimately leads to Behrman's demise.

The story imparts a poignant message of perseverance and hope. It encourages readers to embrace compassion and introspection. The central lesson is that even in the face of life's most challenging situations, there is always hope. The narrative underscores the importance of resilience and the will to fight against adversity when all seems lost.

Furthermore, the story emphasizes the significance of mutual support and empathy. People should extend a helping hand and show understanding to those experiencing difficult times, as this collective compassion fosters healing for both individuals and society at large.

The story concludes with Johnsy's realization that hope is still alive within her and that her will to live is stronger than her psychological distress. Behrman's selfless sacrifice serves as an inspiration for her to face adversity with greater strength. He achieves his dream by creating his true masterpiece, even though it comes at the cost of his life.

Sue acknowledges Behrman's greatness, not only as an artist but also as a compassionate human being. The conclusion reinforces the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the intertwining threads of life, art, sacrifice, and friendship depicted throughout the narrative.

The Themes in "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

One of the central themes explored in O. Henry's "The Last Leaf" is the profound friendship shared between Sue and Johnsy . Both artists, they find common ground in their love for art and their shared passions. When Johnsy falls gravely ill, it is Sue who takes on the responsibility of caring for her, diligently tending to her needs and ensuring she receives proper treatment.

Amidst Johnsy's descent into despair and depression, Sue becomes her beacon of hope, consistently encouraging her to maintain an optimistic outlook. Ultimately, it is Sue who confides in their mutual friend, Behrman , about Johnsy's inner struggles.

Behrman, too, forms a close bond with the two girls and plays a pivotal role in the story. Through his artistic prowess, he creates a lifelike leaf painting outside Johnsy's window, which serves as an inspiration for her to find the strength to fight for her life.

The theme of sacrifice resonates deeply in "The Last Leaf," most notably embodied by Behrman's actions. His true masterpiece extends far beyond the confines of a painting; it becomes a representation of his selfless dedication to help Johnsy survive and recover. Through this act of sacrifice, Behrman's painting becomes a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration, reflecting the notion that sometimes, the greatest art lies not only in skillful brushstrokes but in acts of genuine altruism.

Similarly, Sue's character exemplifies the theme of sacrifice. She willingly devotes her time and energy to care for her friend, setting aside her own desires to support Johnsy emotionally and financially. In doing so, Sue demonstrates that love and compassion hold immeasurable value, surpassing even the most prized possessions.

"The Last Leaf" conveys a compelling message about the strength of hope in overcoming self-doubt and adversity. Johnsy's illness leads her to despair, making her believe that her dreams of visiting Italy will never come true. Despite this, Sue remains a constant source of hope for both of them, shining light on the possibility of a brighter future.

Behrman, who has experienced his own struggles as an artist, initially faces a sense of hopelessness about creating a singular masterpiece. However, he defies his doubts and produces a truly inspirational work of art. This example emphasizes the significance of hope in keeping dreams alive; surrendering to hopelessness equates to giving up without even trying.

Throughout the narrative, hope plays a transformative role in the characters' lives. It helps Johnsy emerge from the darkness of doubt and depression, and it drives Behrman to achieve enduring greatness through his art.

The metaphor of the last standing leaf conveys the idea that tough times may surround us, but as long as hope endures, there is always a chance for renewal and perseverance.

The Characters in "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

Sue is a young and compassionate artist who works for a magazine. Her caring nature is evident in her unwavering support for her friend, Johnsy. Even in challenging circumstances, Sue remains positive and optimistic, providing a much-needed source of encouragement for Johnsy during her illness.

During Johnsy's sickness, Sue goes the extra mile, taking care of all the practicalities, such as paying for the doctor's bills and arranging for her friend's meals. It is Sue's determination and insistence that lead to Behrman's decision to paint the leaf outside Johnsy's room, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration.

Furthermore, Sue exhibits bravery in confronting difficult situations, notably when she informs Johnsy about the tragic end of their neighbor, Behrman.

Johnsy is a fellow young artist and a dreamer who aspires to visit Naples, Italy, to paint the beautiful bay there. Despite her strength and caring nature, she falls into a deep state of depression after contracting pneumonia.

The withering leaves of winter serve as a metaphor for her deteriorating spirit, leading her into a state of despair. However, her life takes a transformative turn when Behrman, their neighbor, paints a remarkable leaf outside her window.

Recognizing her own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, Johnsy finds renewed determination to live and continue her artistic pursuits. In this way, she becomes Behrman's masterpiece, as her story exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

The Doctor in the story is portrayed as a good-natured and compassionate medical professional. He puts forth his best efforts to cure Johnsy's illness, but he also recognizes the significance of addressing her psychological well-being alongside her medical treatment.

Although he speculates that Johnsy's illness might be related to relationship issues, Sue denies any such problems. Nonetheless, the doctor plays a crucial role in indirectly helping to understand Johnsy's obsession with falling leaves by encouraging Sue to inquire about her friend's mental state.

In the end, it is the doctor who delivers the sad news of Behrman's pneumonia to Sue, adding a sense of poignancy to the narrative.

Behrman is a complex character in the twilight of his life and artistic career. He is an elderly and somewhat embittered man who grapples with the frustration of not being able to find inspiration for what he considers his ultimate masterpiece.

However, despite his personal struggles, Behrman displays a soft spot for the two young artists, Sue and Johnsy. Witnessing Johnsy's predicament, he offers his help by braving inclement weather to paint a leaf that becomes a symbol of hope and resilience.

Through this inspiring painting, Behrman achieves a sense of greatness, leaving a lasting impact on Johnsy's life. Tragically, he pays the ultimate sacrifice for his art, succumbing to pneumonia himself, but his legacy lives on through the hope and determination he instilled in Johnsy.

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The Last Leaf by O. Henry Essay

I have read several short stories but none has inspired me as The Last Leaf by O. Henry. It is one of his masterpieces that have remained relevant for a long time. Henry dedicated most of his time and energy to literature. His experience and creativity helped him to write more than six hundred stories in his lifetime. Judging by the way the short story handles the themes, plot, and literary tools, The Last Leaf is a literary masterpiece. While I was reading the short story, I found the use of dialogue very interesting, although it was a bit challenging at first.

The setting of the short story is Greenwich Village in New York. The story surrounds three characters; Sue, Johnsy, and Behrman. Johnsy suffered from pneumonia during one autumn. This worries her so much since pneumonia had killed many people in her village. In her despair, Johnsy believes that by using the ivy leaves that grew outside her window, she will soon recover. Sue offers Johnsy consolation as her only form of assistance. As the season progressed, the ivy leaves withered and dropped one after the other. Johnsy was worried that she might lose her life since all her hope of living depended on them. On the verge of despair, Behrman, an old artist, painted an ivy leaf on Johnsy’s door with the aim of restoring her hope of recovering. Unfortunately, while painting the leaf in the cold, Behrman suffers from pneumonia and dies. Sue and Johnsy learn about his death from a doctor but do not understand what he was doing in the cold. The painted leaf gives Johnsy a will to live not knowing that it was just a painting but not a real ivy leaf.

The main themes in the short story are poverty and true friendship. The three characters, who are artists, are greatly challenged by poverty. Despite their great talents in painting, their works are neither recognized nor published. These characters support each other through their friendship. They are so supportive of each other that they are ready to give up their lives for each other like in the case of Behrman. Although their works of art fail to be recognized, the three artists’ love remains alive as the evergreen ivy leaf.

Dialogue constitutes a major part of The Last Leaf. The dialogue between the three major characters and other characters constitutes about half of the short story. As in all dialogues, a reader has to figure out the hidden meaning of the story from the conversations. The use of dialogue in this story rhymes successfully with the main theme of friendship. Friends share most of their time conversing. Dialogue between Johnsy, Behrman, and Sue demonstrates the strength of their friendship. In the short story, Johnsy is so ill that she cannot take part in any other activity. Conversation with her friends becomes the only way to relate with them.

The manner in which a theme is presented in a literary work is very important. Style should be used competently to strengthen the themes in literary work. For instance, O Henry succeeds in the use of dialogue as a style to present the theme of friendship in The Last Leaf. Dialogue in the short story enables the reader to see the significance of the painted leaf to Johnsy, the compassion that Sue had for her friend, and Behrman’s sacrifice for friendship.

Although written in early 1907, The Last Leaf is still very interesting. True friendship is well represented in the short story.

Glennon, W., & Henry, O. (1996). The last leaf. Dramatic Publishing.

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The Last Leaf

By o. henry, the last leaf literary elements.

Realistic fiction; short story

Setting and Context

The story is set in Greenwich Village, New York City during a pneumonia epidemic in the early 1900s.

Narrator and Point of View

The story is narrated from a third-person perspective; the point of view stays closest to Sue.

Tone and Mood

The story's tone is one of ironic detachment; the mood is largely pessimistic, though it ends on a heartwarming note.

Protagonist and Antagonist

The protagonists are Johnsy and Sue, who are simultaneously each other's antagonists, as Sue wishes for Johnsy to live while Johnsy wishes Sue would leave her to die.

Major Conflict

The story's major conflict is that Johnsy has superstitiously tied her fate to the fate of the last ivy leaf on the vine, which is certain to fall.

The story reaches its climax when Johnsy learns that the last leaf was in fact painted on by Behrman, who therefore sacrificed his life to save hers.

Foreshadowing

When Behrman proclaims to Sue that he will paint a masterpiece one day, his statement foreshadows his brave and selfless act of painting the last leaf.

Understatement

Parallelism, metonymy and synecdoche.

In the phrase “the streets have gone wild,” "streets" is a metonymical substitution for people.

Personification

The narrator personifies an illness by referring to pneumonia as "Mr. Pneumonia" and attributing to the personified illness a lack of chivalry.

The Last Leaf Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Last Leaf is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Tha last Leaf Qs1-Coment on tha appropriateness of tha title 'Tha Last Leaf" by O.Hunry

The vine leaves around which the story revolves are a symbol of life. At the beginning of the story, Johnsy considers the rapidly falling leaves as ominous predictors of her own death, and she comes to believe that she will die when the last leaf...

the setting

The Last Leaf " is set in Greenwich Village at the turn of the last century during a pneumonia epidemic.

conflict and point of view

Sue and Johnsy have a conflict over Johnsy looking out of the room at the vine as it loses its leaves. Sue wants Johnsy to look away from the wall, but Johnsy is waiting for the last leaf to fall so that she can die. The story is narrated in the...

Study Guide for The Last Leaf

The Last Leaf study guide contains a biography of O. Henry, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Last Leaf
• The Last Leaf Summary
• Character List

• The Last Leaf by O. Henry Words: 596

Review of “The Last Leaf” Story by O.Henry

The “Last Leaf” by O. Henry is a narrative that focuses on people’s need to have hope. The story mostly centers on two painters, Sue and Johnsy, living at the top of a three-story building. Johnsy has pneumonia, and she believes that when the ivy vine on the wall outside her window loses all its leaves, she will also die (Henry, 2005). Different authors use different techniques to convey their message to the readers. For instance, the practice of themes has been encouraged as it enables the audience to comprehend the story’s message. In this case, Henry’s theme of faith has been incorporated to ensure that readers learn the need to have hope and never give up despite facing life struggles.

The narrative shows how people experience problems in life that require love and support from friends. The concept of anticipation is depicted when Behrman paints a leaf on the wall, and Johnsy recovers. The theme of friendship has also been used by O. Henry to encourage readers to take good care of one another. Sue represents friendship since she is concerned with the well-being of Johnsy when she falls sick (Henry, 2005). Additionally, Sue ensures that Johnsy feels rejuvenated and is never left alone. Behrman also shows love and care using the painting that helps Johnsy recover. Therefore, O. Henry has ensured that individuals can learn the love one another.

Consequently, the story is educative and captivating as it demonstrates what people experience in society. O. Henry has used different ideas to help readers understand the moral lesson of the story. For instance, many persons lose hope after experiencing challenges in life. Thus, the narrative can inspire such individuals not to learn ways of overcoming their difficulties. The leaf symbolizes despair that turns into a sign of hope. Hence, readers can learn to believe in themselves and have confidence. In essence, the story is fascinating, and the audience can learn different aspects that can help them cope with life challenges.

Henry, O. (2005). O. Henry . Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.

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