Read this student’s summary of O. Henry’s “The Last Leaf.” Sue and Johnsy are artists who live together in New York City. One wi
nter, Johnsy is struck with pneumonia. She makes up her mind to die as soon as the last leaf falls from the ivy plant growing outside her window. As the winter wind blows and the rain falls, Sue helplessly watches her friend’s life ebb away. And there seems no way to stop the last leaf from falling. In the surprise ending, an old man makes the ultimate sacrifice for Johnsy. Like all the artists in the building, he always hoped to someday paint a masterpiece. One night, he braves the cold and rain to paint a single leaf on the wall outside Johnsy’s window to such perfection that she cannot tell the last leaf has fallen. In time, hope is revived and, with it, Johnsy’s will to live. However, the old man falls sick and soon dies. But he has realized his dream and has painted his masterpiece. How does the old man’s deed reveal the theme of the story?
A. It shows that death has no power where there is love.
B. It shows that something to hope for is essential to happiness.
C. It shows that success can be measured by the obstacles we overcome.
D. It shows that our greatest achievement may not be one that brings fame and fortune.
The old man’s deed shows that our greatest achievement may not be one that brings fame and fortune.
Answer: Option D.
Explanation:
‘The Last Leaf’ by O’Henry is a powerful story which depicts the story of two friends Sue and Johnsy, and how during the times of hopelessness a simple act of human kindness can lead to a great effect.
From the excerpt, we can see that when the old man finds out that Johnsy is certain that she will die as soon as the last leaf falls, he gets out in the cold rainy night and paints a leaf which was so realistic that one cannot say it was a painted leaf. Later Behrman dies but his painted masterpiece revived hope in Johnsy’s will be live.
The old man’s deeds reveal that our greatest achievement may not be one that brings fame and fortune. He might not have achieved success in his life, but the selfless deed he did was something that no fame or fortune can ever bring. His masterpiece, his goodness will always shine.
This painting is by Mary Cassat. She chose to use oil paints. When Cassat chose to use oil paints, she most likely considered that oil paints are slow drying which can make them difficult to work with, but also allow mixing and blending of colors to create various affects. She would have also considered that oil paints are long-lasting and retain their vibrancy over time.
