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

Introduction: “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

“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

1. Introduction to Greenwich Village: A description of Greenwich Village, where the story takes place, known for its artistic community and unique streets.
2. Sue and Johnsy’s Friendship: Sue and Johnsy, two young women from different backgrounds, decide to live and work together in Greenwich Village.
3. Arrival of Pneumonia: Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia during winter, a cold stranger that affects her severely.
4. Doctor’s Diagnosis: The doctor informs Sue that Johnsy’s chances of survival depend on her will to live and interest in the future.
5. 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.
6. Sue’s Efforts to Encourage Johnsy: Sue tries to distract Johnsy from her obsession, urging her to eat and painting to keep her occupied.
7. Old Behrman’s Concern: Behrman, an unsuccessful painter and neighbor, becomes involved in Sue and Johnsy’s situation, expressing anger at Johnsy’s belief.
8. Behrman’s Sacrifice: Behrman decides to help Sue by posing for her painting despite his own struggles, showing his care for Johnsy.
9. Sue’s Painting and Vigil: Sue paints through the night, hoping to distract Johnsy from the falling leaf outside.
10. Johnsy’s Awakening: Johnsy realizes the last leaf remains despite the storm, prompting her to reconsider her desire to die.
11. Johnsy’s Change of Heart: Johnsy acknowledges her desire to live and expresses remorse for her previous wishes to die.
12. Behrman’s Fate: Behrman dies from pneumonia after painting the last leaf, revealing his sacrifice to save Johnsy.
13. Johnsy’s Recovery: The doctor informs Sue of Johnsy’s improving condition and her eventual recovery.
14. 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

Literary Device	Example from the Story	Explanation
Allusion	Reference to Italy and the Bay of Naples	The mention of Italy and the Bay of Naples alludes to Johnsy’s desire to travel and paint, adding depth to her character and desires.
Characterization	Description of Sue and Johnsy’s personalities and actions	Through their interactions and dialogue, the author characterizes Sue as caring and determined, and Johnsy as imaginative but vulnerable.
Climax	Johnsy’s realization about the last leaf	The climax occurs when Johnsy realizes the significance of the last leaf, leading to a shift in her perspective and decision to fight for her life.
Foreshadowing	Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls	This belief foreshadows the eventual resolution of the story, where the last leaf symbolizes hope and resilience.
Imagery	Description of the cold rain and wild wind	The vivid description of the weather creates a stark and somber atmosphere, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the characters’ emotions.
Irony	Behrman’s unsuccessful painting career	The irony lies in Behrman’s inability to paint a masterpiece throughout his life, only to create one with his last effort, the last leaf on the wall.
Metaphor	Johnsy compared to a falling leaf	Johnsy’s illness is metaphorically compared to a falling leaf, emphasizing her frailty and vulnerability.
Mood	The somber and tense mood throughout the story	The author creates a mood of apprehension and sadness, reflecting the characters’ struggles and uncertain fate.
Motif	The motif of art and painting	Art and painting recur throughout the story, symbolizing creativity, hope, and the struggle against mortality.
Personification	Mr. Pneumonia described as a bad sickness	By personifying pneumonia as “Mr. Pneumonia” and describing it as “bad,” the author emphasizes its threatening and malevolent nature.
Plot Twist	Behrman’s painting of the last leaf	The revelation that Behrman painted the last leaf as his masterpiece adds a surprising twist to the story’s resolution, altering the reader’s understanding.
Point of View	Third-person limited perspective	The story is narrated from Sue’s perspective, providing insight into her thoughts and feelings while maintaining a distance from other characters.
Symbolism	The last leaf on the tree	The last leaf symbolizes hope, resilience, and the unexpected beauty that can arise from ordinary circumstances.
Theme	Themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of art	The story explores the importance of friendship, the willingness to sacrifice for others, and the transformative power of art in difficult times.
Tone	The tone of desperation and determination	The author employs a tone that oscillates between desperation in the face of illness and determination to overcome adversity.
Flashback	Sue remembers meeting Johnsy in a restaurant	Sue recalls the moment she met Johnsy, providing background information about their friendship and decision to live together.
Hyperbole	Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls	Johnsy’s exaggerated belief serves as a hyperbolic expression of her despair and resignation to her fate.
Repetition	Johnsy’s counting of the falling leaves	The repetition of Johnsy’s counting emphasizes her fixation on the last leaf and her deteriorating condition, building tension in the narrative.
Suspense	Uncertainty about Johnsy’s fate	The author creates suspense by keeping the reader uncertain about whether Johnsy will survive and what will happen with the last leaf.
Parallelism	Sue and Johnsy’s similar tastes and decisions	The parallelism between Sue and Johnsy’s tastes and decisions reinforces their bond and shared experiences, enhancing their portrayal as friends.

Characterization in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

Major Characters:

1. Sue:
   • 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.
2. Johnsy:
   • 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:

1. Mr. Pneumonia:
   • 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.
2. Old Behrman:
   • 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Psychoanalytic	The story can be interpreted through psychoanalytic theory, exploring the characters’ unconscious desires, fears, and motivations. Johnsy’s fixation on the falling leaves could symbolize her unconscious acceptance of mortality and desire for escape.	Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls reflects her unconscious resignation to her illness and death.
Feminist	A feminist interpretation of the story may focus on the roles and relationships of the female characters, highlighting themes of agency, autonomy, and sisterhood. Sue’s dedication to caring for Johnsy and advocating for her well-being exemplifies female solidarity and empowerment.	Sue and Johnsy’s decision to live and work together demonstrates their independence and autonomy in choosing their lifestyle.
Marxist	Through a Marxist lens, the story can be analyzed in terms of class struggle and economic inequality. The characters’ living conditions in Greenwich Village and their struggles with illness reflect broader societal issues of poverty and access to healthcare.	Behrman’s sacrifice to save Johnsy can be seen as a critique of the societal neglect of the elderly and the working class.
Formalist/New Criticism	A formalist approach focuses on the text itself, analyzing its structure, style, and literary devices. O. Henry’s use of irony, symbolism, and plot twists enriches the narrative and contributes to its impact on readers.	The revelation that Behrman painted the last leaf serves as a poignant twist that reshapes the reader’s understanding of the story.
Postcolonial	Through a postcolonial perspective, the story may be examined for its representations of cultural identity, power dynamics, and colonial legacies. The characters’ diverse backgrounds and experiences in Greenwich Village offer insights into issues of immigration and assimilation.	Sue and Johnsy’s friendship, despite their different backgrounds, challenges societal norms and celebrates cultural diversity.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Theme of Sacrifice	How does O. Henry explore the theme of sacrifice in “The Last Leaf”?	In “The Last Leaf,” O. Henry illustrates the transformative power of sacrifice through Behrman’s selfless act of painting the last leaf, which ultimately saves Johnsy’s life and embodies the enduring impact of love and compassion.
Symbolism of the Last Leaf	What does the last leaf symbolize in the story?	The last leaf in “The Last Leaf” serves as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, reflecting the characters’ will to survive amidst adversity and the enduring beauty found in unexpected places.
Impact of Friendship	How does the friendship between Sue and Johnsy influence the story’s outcome?	The friendship between Sue and Johnsy in “The Last Leaf” serves as a source of strength and support, highlighting the profound impact of human connection in overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of despair.
Art as Healing	How does O. Henry portray the transformative power of art in the story?	Through Sue’s dedication to her painting and Behrman’s final masterpiece, “The Last Leaf” demonstrates how art serves as a healing force, offering solace, inspiration, and redemption in times of trial and tribulation.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

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

1. “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.
2. “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.
3. “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.
4. “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.
5. “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

1. Henry, O. “The Last Leaf.” The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories. HarperPerennial Classics, 2011, pp. 93-99.
2. Bloom, Harold, editor. O. Henry. Chelsea House Publishers, 2004.
3. 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.
4. 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

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“A painter once discovered something possible and valuable about this street.”	This statement sets the scene for the story’s setting in Greenwich Village, known for its artistic community.	The painter’s discovery hints at the artistic inspiration and creativity that permeates the neighborhood, foreshadowing the role of art in the narrative.
“They had met at a restaurant on Eighth Street.”	Sue and Johnsy’s meeting place establishes their initial connection and shared interests.	The restaurant symbolizes a common ground where their friendship and artistic bond begin, laying the foundation for their supportive relationship throughout the story.
“She lay on her bed almost without moving, and she looked through the window at the wall of the house next to hers.”	Johnsy’s illness confines her to her bed, where she becomes fixated on the view outside her window.	This imagery underscores Johnsy’s isolation and vulnerability, highlighting her internal struggle as she faces her mortality through her interactions with the outside world.
“Try to eat a little now.”	Sue’s encouragement to eat reflects her caretaking role and concern for Johnsy’s well-being.	This quotation illustrates Sue’s efforts to nurture Johnsy back to health, emphasizing the theme of friendship and the lengths one goes to support a loved one in times of need.
“Why do you allow her to think such a thing?”	Behrman’s disbelief in Johnsy’s belief about the last leaf falling demonstrates his protective instinct towards her.	Behrman’s question reveals his deep care for Johnsy and his willingness to challenge her pessimistic outlook, suggesting the power of companionship in providing hope and reassurance.
“Johnsy was sleeping when they went up.”	This line describes Johnsy’s state of rest before Behrman and Sue begin their vigil over the last leaf.	Johnsy’s sleep symbolizes her temporary escape from the harsh reality of her illness, contrasting with the vigilance and emotional turmoil experienced by Sue and Behrman.
“It is the last one.”	Johnsy’s observation of the last leaf’s persistence signifies her belief in its significance to her own fate.	This statement underscores the leaf’s symbolic importance as a harbinger of life or death for Johnsy, reflecting her existential struggle and the human tendency to seek meaning in the natural world.
“Oh, my dear, it is Behrman’s great masterpiece—he painted it there the night that the last leaf fell.”	Sue’s revelation about Behrman’s final act of painting the last leaf unveils the truth behind its endurance.	This revelation serves as the story’s climax, revealing Behrman’s selfless sacrifice and the transcendent power of art to inspire hope, defy death, and leave a lasting legacy of love and friendship.