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Unit 1: The Last Leaf by O. Henry
Gowher Ahmad Naik, Lovely Professional University

Unit 1: The Last Leaf by O. Henry Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the Author

1.2 The Last Leaf
1.3 Plot and Themes
1.4 Analysis of the Story
1.5 Summary

1.6 Keywords
1.7 Review Questions
1.8 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this unit, you will be able to:
• Know about O. Henry;
• Weigh and consider the story The Last Leaf;
• Discuss the themes and plot of The Last Leaf;
• Make analysis of the story The Last Leaf.

Introduction

The Last Leaf is a short story by O. Henry which is set in Greenwich Village. It depicts the
characters and themes typical of O. Henry’s works. To be perfect short story neatness, brevity
and a significant incident or an aspect of character or an experience of some psychological
moment is essential. Within its short framework, it must have a beginning, middle and an end.
There must be completeness in its structure. All the elements, i.e. plot, character, dialogue,
descriptions and background must be organically connected with each other. Generally a good
story has a surprising end which bears a sense of endlessness.
All these characteristics of a good short story are fulfilled in O. Henry’s The Last Leaf. It has
an ironical twist at the end that is surprising and at the same time striking to the readers. Old
Behrman’s bold self sacrifice for the young Johnsy comes unexpectedly to the readers, but
nonetheless convincing and admirable. The story is farther a parable of a Christian story of
resurrection and sacrifice.
The story begins in a leisurely manner with the sketchy background. The old Greenwich
village in which painters come to set up their art studio has curious maze streets criss-crossing
one another. A traveller loses the directions of the streets. This description of the streets has
relevance to the story in which a strong and strange psychological morbidity is focused. The
main theme is then introduced. It has two characters – Sue and Johnsy. They meet each other
suddenly at a hotel and find themselves sharing taste in chicory salad, bishop sleeves and in

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