Question- Explain the theme and the title of the story "The Last Leaf."

Ans-

The Last Leaf is a short story written by O. Henry. It was published in the year 1907. It was published in the story collection titled, The Trimmed Lamp and other stories. The story is set in New York's Greenwich village at the time of an epidemic. The story revolves around two young female artists and one of their neighbour who was also a painter. Sue and Johnsy were the leading characters who were painters. Apart from these two young artists, there was another significant character named old Behrman. He was a German painter Pneumonia was spreading like a wild fire. It was life threatening disease at that time. The story focuses on Johnsy's struggle of overcoming this illness. She lost all hope and counted the falling leaves as it symbolised her life falling apart. The Last Leaf is a story of hope. Johnsy's source of life force came from the Last Leaf.

The story is based on the theme that one should never lose hope. It teaches that life is precious and the flame of hope should always remain ignited. The character of Johnsy had already gave up on life. Her doctor also declared that his treatment is not working on her. There was only ten percent chance of her survival. The reason behind her deteriorating health was her mind. She already believed that death was inevitable in her case. All day she use to look at the ivy creeper on the wall in front of her window. Johnsy counted the falling leaves and somehow she believed that she would die with the falling of the last leaf. Johnsy was depressed due to her illness. She would have died if the old Behrman didn't paint the last leaf on the wall. The painting looked so real that Johnsy was surprised to see it. It gave hope to her to fight her illness. The story gives hope to everyone as we all go through hard times. Many obstacle come on our way but we should hold on to a strong faith. One can fight the worst circumstances with high spirits. Milton has rightly remarked, we can make hell out of heaven, and heaven out of hell.

Johnsy survived but her depression could have lead to her doom. The reason for her poor condition of health was her meantal and emotional state rather than her physical illness. This clearly depicts the theme of mindset.

Our thoughts can transform our life. When Johnsy changed her pattern of thoughts, she could recover from her illness. Another important theme of the story is friendship. Sue and Johnsy were close friends. They shared an amazing bond with each other. They had similar taste in food and in art as well.

In the times of adversity when Johnsy was bed-ridden due to Pneumonia, Sue proved to be a true friend. She took care of Johnsy like a mother. She overlooked Johnsy's tantrums and cold responses. Sue stood with Johnsy through thick and thin like a family.

The Last Leaf was also a story about devoted friendship. The fighting spirit of Sue finally translates to Johnsy's character. Another theme resides in the importance of arts. The story showcases the important role of art in human life. The old Behrman saves Johnsy's life through his art. When Johnsy realises her fault and gets the zeal to live, she instantly returns to her old dream to paint the Bay of Naples. Sue worked for a book illustration to earn a living so that she could buy some wine and pork chips. Art plays an important role in the story. The old Behrman sacrifices his own life to save Johnsy. He goes out on a rainy and cold snowy night to draw the last leaf. His painting of the last leaf becomes a masterpiece as it looked original enough to give hope to Johnsy. So the theme of sacrifice can also be seen in the story. Whether it is Sue or the old Behrman, both portray the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice. They save Johnsy's life in the best of their ability.

The title of the story is The Last Leaf which indicates about the ending. It develops a curiosity regarding the incidents of the story. The story brew towards the revelation of hope and encouragement. Johnsy gives up the hope to get better and overcome her illness. Strangely, she counts the falling leaves while lying on the bed. These leaves can be seen as her own life falling apart. Johnsy would know she is closer to death, each time a leaf fell down. The last leaf meant her last breath. It becomes the last hope for Johnsy to stay alive. One night a persistent, cold rain was falling, mingled with snow. The old Behrman climbs to the wall to paint a leaf. This vivid painting of the leaf becomes the last leaf which gives power to Johnsy to overcome Pneumonia- The title is very apt as The Last Leaf is the central point of the story. It becomes a masterpiece.

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