The Last Leaf — Summary
by: Anvesha Sharma
The story, “The Last Leaf” is written by O. Henry. The story starts with enunciating about the problems faced by people of a small town due to “Mr. Pneumonia.” Whosoever was touched by him, the person usually died. Then the author puts light on the life of two artists friends, Sue and Johnsy, who shared same flat. One day, Mr. Pneumonia touched poor Johnsy. Sue called the doctor as Johnsy was suffering with high fever. The doctor told Sue that Johnsy had no will to live due to which, not even medicines could help her. Sue later discovered the fact that Johnsy had amalgamated her life with the old ivy creeper. She believes that when the last leaf of the ivy creeper. She believed that when the last leaf falls, she will die. Sue was worried about Johnsy as it was the time of autumn hence leaves will fall. Therefore, Sue made Johnsy promise not to look outside because she needed the daylight to finish her painting. Then, Sue called their neighbour, Mr. Behrman. The author now tells us about the appearance of old Behrman and about about the fact that he talked about his masterpiece which he would make someday. Behrman agrees to be the model for Sue’s painting. While leaving, Sue tells Behrman about Johnsy’s poor health and her delusion. Since it was a stormy night, Sue feared that the last leaf might fall down too. Sue then goes back to Johnsy and draws the curtains so that Johnsy can’t see the leaves falling. Next morning, on Johnsy’s insistence, Sue opens the window and to her astonishment, even after the storm, the last leaf looked healthy. Now, Johnsy had a will to live. Even doctors confirmed Sue that her health was getting better. The doctor gives a news about Behrman, who was suffering from Pneumonia and was out on the stormy night with paints and brushes. Few hours later, died due to Pneumonia. He was out in the stormy night. The healthy looking leaf was Behrman’s masterpiece.
