The Last Leaf ka gurl?
by “O. Henry”
(1862-1910)
The Last Leaf is a
short story narrative by American writer, Willian Sydney Porter (O. Henry being
his pseudonym) and published in the year 1907. His literary piece has the
themes of health— the sudden outbreak pneumonia, and sacrifice— the showcase of
a selfless act made by Behrman and Sue’s willpower to save Johnsy. There are a
lot of lessons a person could get from the story, I can say that it is truly
effective and moving.
Took place in a
little district west of Washington Square, with the artists: Johnsy, Sue, and
Behrman. Johnsy, in the narrative is diagnosed with pneumonia which turned her
into a hopeless person who lost her will to live. She associated her near
passing to the leaves on the ivy vine. Johnsy said, “When the last one falls I must go, too”. Sue struggle with her
friend’s attitude of misery knowing that she has a 1 out of 10 chance to live.
Johnsy waited and waited for the last leaf to fall, yet it didn’t. She realized
later on that wishing upon death is such kind of sin. Towards the end of the
story, little did they know that Mr. Behrman was responsible of the non-falling
leaf. He painted one as soon as the last leaf fell with the hopes of saving
Johnsy— that was his masterpiece. But to reveal the dark twist, because of that
act of love, Mr. Behrman died, caught pneumonia during the cold moment of his
painting. Mr. Behrman didn’t want Johnsy to end up that way and he helped Sue.
I can say that he did not die in vain, but with a purpose— a purpose to
fulfill.
In all honesty, I
really enjoyed reading the piece. Besides the interesting plot and twist of
events it has, I appreciate the style of writing and structure it’s made into.
Some parts indirectly written and stated of the details that it needed the
critical processing of each word and sentence formation. The story is unlike
any other I have read that the tragedy of it struck deeply in an unexpected
manner. Not one part of it I lost interest in because I got attached into
reading. The feelings extruded by the whole short story made it realistic and
melancholic. This piece put me into amazement of how Mr. William Sydney Porter
gave life to every dialogue and narration. Also, I must say that the
descriptive statements are articulated well. It helps paint the perfect sketch
of every scene. I am well sure that the author met his purpose for waiting for
the readers. He shared a story out of his creativity that I know for sure will
be enjoyed and earned from.
As a verdict, I endorse everyone to read the short story “The Last Leaf” because of the additional vocabulary and learnings you will absorb from it. One will not regret reading this, it shows that a story can be very well striking if it is written right. I hope that all people are open to read literature same as this one classic because it shows appreciation for arts and culture. To read continuously is to learn profoundly, it truly enriches ourselves in the best ways possible. The lessons we get are presently applicable such as being compassionate and the selfless love for others can get and now we can use that t loving kindness and a much better world for everyone, human beings, even animals and the environment. In times of darkness, hope is what we hold on to, a wish that we will never give up for the sake of goodness, with hope present in our hearts, we are strong and brave to have courage to envision better healed individuals and place.
by sophia beatrice casuyon gomez,
11 onesta' ♡
(2019)
✅
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