Review of the Story The Last Leaf by O Henry

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     The very title of the Story The Last Leaf is enough to generate curiosity in the minds of readers and this it is true when we finish reading the story. The Last Leaf can be considered as one of the masterpieces by O Henry. It is a beautiful tale of friendship, hope and survival.

                                               

    The story is taken from the lives of two young women artists, Johnsy and Sue. Their interests in the field of art united them at Greenwich Village, a Bohemian neighborhood in New York city. They had their studio at the top of an old three storey-brick house. One day, as the story writer explains 'a cold, unseen stranger visits them' - the pneumonia. Later, we learn that Johnsy catches the disease and it equally grieves her friend Sue. The real crux (most important point) of the story begins from the fantasies of Johnsy after having hospitalized. Looking outside the hospital, she finds an ivy plant on which very few leaves hang on. In her delirium (State of violent mental agitation), she creates a bizarre (unusual) fantasy that as the last leaf of the plant falls, she will also die. This phenomenon is known as the nocebo effect in the medical field. It tells how badly can a wrong diagnosis or negative thinking affect the health condition of an individual. The doctor who treats Johnsy finds this a block to her chances for recovery and warns her friend Sue.

    Sue gives her mental strength to Johnsy but to no avail. Her efforts to make her friend optimistic becomes futile (producing no result). We are then introduced to another character from the story, Mr Behrman. He is a failed artist who has a long cherished (Characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for) dream to paint his masterpiece. He had an affectionate love and care for the two young artists Sue and Johnsy. When he learns about the fantasy of Johnsy he dismisses her by calling "foolish'.

    One night despite the heavy rain, we learn that a leaf on the ivy plant still hangs on. This makes Johnsy to regret. She curses herself for having become so superstitious and pessimistic. She then gradually recuperates (Get over an illness). But we learn from the doctor that Mr Behrman has surrendered before death after contracting the same disease. We also understand that his condition could have gotten worsened after he painted his masterpiece, the ivy leaf to save Johnsy. The sacrifice of Mr Behrman becomes the last leaf holding onto which Johnsy saved herself.

Themes

Friendship and Art

The story is the best example for the ability of art to bring people together. It also shows how strong the bonds of true friendship are at the time of adversity.

Hope and Life

It is the hope created a false ivy leaf that Mr. Behrman drew that eventually saved the life of Johnsy. The story tells us the importance of being optimistic in one's life.

-Anjoe-