The Last Leaf by O. Henry - Full Movie

Summary

In a small artist colony near Washington Square, Sue and Johnsy share a studio, but Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia. As her health declines, she fixates on the falling ivy leaves outside her window, believing that when the last leaf falls, she will die. Sue, desperate to help, turns to Behrman, an aging artist who has never created a masterpiece. In a selfless act of love, Behrman paints a leaf on the vine overnight to give Johnsy hope. Tragically, Behrman dies from pneumonia, but Johnsy recovers, inspired by the 'last leaf' that never fell.

Takeaways

• 😀 A group of artists settled in a district near Washington Square, drawn by low rents after 'the crash'.
• 😀 Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, share a studio, developing a close bond after meeting in May.
• 😀 Pneumonia, personified as a cold, unseen enemy, spreads through the artist colony and strikes Johnsy.
• 😀 Sue is deeply concerned about Johnsy's condition and seeks comfort from Old Behrman, a failed artist living below them.
• 😀 Behrman, a bitter painter who has never created his masterpiece, becomes protective of Sue and Johnsy.
• 😀 The doctor advises Sue that Johnsy’s chances of recovery are slim, citing her emotional detachment as a key factor.
• 😀 Johnsy fixates on the ivy vine outside her window, believing she will die when the last leaf falls.
• 😀 Despite Johnsy’s despair, Sue tries to distract her by continuing her work and bringing her food.
• 😀 Behrman, after hearing of Johnsy's morbid thoughts, decides to act and creates a masterpiece by painting a leaf on the ivy vine.
• 😀 Johnsy’s outlook improves when she believes the last leaf on the vine did not fall, leading her to gain the will to live.
• 😀 Tragically, Behrman succumbs to pneumonia, but his final act of painting the leaf is revealed to be his masterpiece, saving Johnsy's life.

Q & A

What is the significance of the setting in the story?

The setting of the story, a district west of Washington Square, is significant because it portrays a colony of artists living in abandoned buildings after the financial crash. This sets a backdrop of struggle and creativity, highlighting the contrast between the artists' dreams and the harsh realities they face.

What role does Pneumonia play in the story?

Pneumonia acts as a literal and metaphorical antagonist in the story. It represents death and the fragility of life, particularly as it strikes Johnsy, a young artist who is weakened by both her physical illness and her mental state. Pneumonia symbolizes the threat of loss and despair throughout the story.

How does Sue react to Johnsy's illness?

Sue is deeply worried and cares for Johnsy throughout her illness. She is determined to do everything she can to help Johnsy recover, including cooking for her and trying to keep her spirits up. Sue's caring nature and dedication to her friend are central to the emotional tone of the story.

Who is Mr. Behrman, and what is his significance?

Mr. Behrman is an older, unsuccessful artist who lives in the same building as Sue and Johnsy. He serves as a protector for the two young women and is portrayed as a flawed, but kind figure. His ultimate act of creating the painted ivy leaf to save Johnsy’s life reveals his deep compassion and marks him as a tragic, selfless hero.

Why does Johnsy believe she will die when the last ivy leaf falls?

Johnsy becomes fixated on the ivy vine outside her window, believing that her life is tied to the last leaf on the vine. Her illness has left her weak and mentally fragile, and she links the leaf's fall to her own death, demonstrating how her despair and lack of hope have taken hold of her mind.

What is the symbolic meaning of the ivy leaf in the story?

The ivy leaf symbolizes hope, endurance, and the will to live. As Johnsy’s condition worsens, she sees the falling leaves as a sign of her impending death. However, the last leaf, which does not fall despite the storm, becomes a symbol of strength and perseverance, inspiring Johnsy to fight for her life.

What is the doctor's prognosis for Johnsy, and how does it reflect the medical and emotional aspects of her illness?

The doctor gives Johnsy a grim prognosis, stating that she has only a one-in-ten chance of survival due to her mental state. The doctor highlights that her chances of recovery are diminished because she has mentally given up, showing the connection between emotional and physical health in the story.

How does Sue respond to the doctor’s advice about Johnsy’s mental state?

Sue listens to the doctor’s advice but becomes increasingly desperate, trying to encourage Johnsy to regain a will to live. She takes the doctor’s suggestion to heart and attempts to distract Johnsy with her artwork, despite knowing that Johnsy’s emotional state is a significant obstacle to her recovery.

What sacrifice does Mr. Behrman make for Johnsy, and how does it affect the outcome of the story?

Mr. Behrman makes a great personal sacrifice to help Johnsy. In a selfless act, he climbs out into the cold, storms, and paints the last ivy leaf on the wall to give Johnsy hope. His masterpiece, which he creates at great personal cost, saves Johnsy's life by restoring her will to live, though it ultimately leads to his own death from pneumonia.

What is the twist at the end of the story regarding the last ivy leaf?

The twist at the end reveals that the last ivy leaf, which Johnsy believed was real, was actually a painting created by Mr. Behrman. Despite his own severe illness, Behrman painted the leaf to give Johnsy hope. The painted leaf does not fall, and Johnsy's renewed will to live leads to her recovery. However, Behrman succumbs to pneumonia shortly after his act of kindness.