"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

 "The Last Leaf" is a short story by O. Henry that explores themes of hope, friendship, sacrifice, and the power of art. Set in Greenwich Village, New York City,  the story revolves around the lives of struggling artists and their intertwined fates.  

Summary,

Sue and Johnsy are two young aspiring artists who live together in a small, inexpensive apartment in Greenwich Village. As winter approaches, Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia, a common and often deadly disease at the time. She becomes bedridden and loses her will to live. As her illness worsens, she becomes fixated on an ivy vine that she can see through her window, counting its leaves as they fall.

Johnsy convinces herself that when the last leaf falls, she will die. Despite Sue's best efforts to comfort her and lift her spirits, Johnsy remains convinced that her life is tied to the fate of the ivy leaves. Sue, deeply worried, tries to distract Johnsy with stories and her artwork, but Johnsy remains obsessed with the dwindling leaves.

The story also introduces Mr. Behrman, an elderly artist who lives in the same building. Behrman is a gruff but kind-hearted man who has never achieved artistic success and often speaks of painting a masterpiece someday. When Sue tells Behrman about Johnsy’s condition and her morbid belief about the last leaf, Behrman dismisses it as foolish but is visibly affected.

That night, a severe storm hits the area, with heavy rain and strong winds. Sue fears that the last leaf will surely fall, sealing Johnsy's fate. The next morning, however, Johnsy is surprised to see that one leaf still clings stubbornly to the vine, despite the harsh weather. This steadfast leaf becomes a symbol of hope for Johnsy, and her will to live is renewed. She begins to fight her illness and slowly recovers.

Later, Sue reveals to Johnsy that the leaf was not real—it was Behrman’s masterpiece. The old artist had gone out during the storm and painted the leaf on the wall to give Johnsy hope. Unfortunately, Behrman catches pneumonia as a result of being out in the cold and dies shortly after completing his work. The painted leaf, Behrman's final act of love and sacrifice, saves Johnsy’s life.

Themes and Analysis

1. Hope and Willpower: The story demonstrates how the will to live can significantly influence a person's recovery. Johnsy's renewed hope after seeing the last leaf symbolizes the power of optimism and determination in the face of despair.

2. Sacrifice and Love: Behrman’s selfless act of painting the leaf, knowing the risks to his own health, underscores the theme of sacrifice. His final painting, though simple, becomes his greatest work because it saves a life.

3. The Power of Art: Art in "The Last Leaf" is shown as more than just a form of expression; it has the power to inspire, give hope, and even save lives. Behrman’s leaf is a testament to art’s profound impact beyond aesthetics.

4. Friendship and Compassion: Sue’s unwavering support for Johnsy and Behrman’s final act of kindness illustrate the depth of friendship and the lengths people will go to help those they care about.