Chapter 6: The Last Leaf
O. Henry's Tale of Hope
Set in Greenwich Village, this story by O. Henry follows Johnsy, a young artist suffering from pneumonia. She believes she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine outside her window.
The Counting
"When the last one falls, I must go too." Johnsy counts down the leaves, losing her will to live with each falling leaf.
Old Behrman's Dream
Behrman, an elderly failed artist living below, has always dreamed of painting a masterpiece. When he learns of Johnsy's despair, he takes action on a stormy night.
The Final Masterpiece
The last leaf never falls. Johnsy regains her will to live, only to discover that Behrman painted the leaf on the wall during the storm. He caught pneumonia that night and died, but his sacrifice—his masterpiece—saved Johnsy's life.
Key Themes
- Hope: The power of hope in overcoming illness.
- Sacrifice: Behrman's ultimate act of selflessness.
- Art's Purpose: True art serves humanity.