Line by line explanations of the story 'The Last Leaf' by O Henry for class

Here’s a line-by-line explanation of "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry to help understand its themes and nuances:

Introduction to Greenwich Village

Line: "In a little district west of Washington Square, the streets have run crazy and broken themselves into small strips called 'places.'”
Explanation: The story begins with a description of Greenwich Village, known for its bohemian charm and artistic community. This setting reflects the aspirations of the characters and sets the stage for the story's events.

Line: “Artists soon came prowling, hunting for north windows and eighteenth-century gables and Dutch attics, and low rents.”
Explanation: Greenwich Village is depicted as a haven for struggling artists, including the protagonists Johnsy and Sue. The area is lively and attracts creative individuals seeking inspiration and affordable living.

Introduction of Sue and Johnsy

Line: “Sue and Johnsy—Johnsy was familiar for Joanna—had their studio at the top of a squatty three-story brick.”
Explanation: The two young women, Sue and Johnsy, are close friends and share an apartment. This establishes their companionship and struggle as aspiring artists.

Line: “They had met at the table d’hôte of an Eighth Street ‘Delmonico’s,’ and found their tastes in art, chicory salad, and bishop sleeves so congenial that the joint studio resulted.”
Explanation: Sue and Johnsy bonded over shared interests and decided to live together. This highlights their deep friendship and mutual support.

Johnsy's Illness

Line: “In November, a cold, unseen stranger, whom the doctors called Pneumonia, stalked about the colony, touching one here and there with his icy fingers.”
Explanation: Pneumonia is personified as a deadly force, foreshadowing the central conflict of the story. The disease has struck many in their community, including Johnsy.

Line: “Johnsy was lying, scarcely making a ripple under the bedclothes, with her face toward the window.”
Explanation: Johnsy is severely ill and despondent, gazing out of the window. This introduces her emotional state and foreshadows her fixation on the ivy vine outside.

The Ivy Vine and Johnsy’s Despair

Line: “She was looking out the window and counting—counting backward.”
Explanation: Johnsy is counting the remaining leaves on the ivy vine, associating their fall with her own impending death.

Line: “When the last one falls, I must go, too.”
Explanation: Johnsy has given up hope and irrationally believes that her life is tied to the ivy leaves. This reveals her emotional fragility.

Line: “Try to keep her mind off those morbid thoughts.”
Explanation: Sue, worried about Johnsy's mental state, attempts to distract her by talking about other subjects and staying optimistic.

Behrman’s Introduction

Line: “Mr. Behrman was a painter who lived on the ground floor beneath them.”
Explanation: Behrman is introduced as an elderly artist who hasn’t achieved success but is deeply caring.

Line: “He was past sixty and had a Michael Angelo’s Moses beard curling down from the head of a satyr along the body of an imp.”
Explanation: Behrman’s appearance is vividly described, emphasizing his rough but kind-hearted personality.

Behrman’s Sacrifice

Line: “What is there to paint on a canvas? It will be his masterpiece. He said he would paint it someday.”
Explanation: Behrman dreams of creating a great work of art. His dream ties into his ultimate act of sacrifice.

Line: “It is the last leaf on the vine.”
Explanation: Behrman becomes aware of Johnsy's fixation on the last ivy leaf and decides to help her regain hope.

Line: “Sue looked out the window fearfully at the ivy vine. Then she looked at Behrman.”
Explanation: Sue realizes Behrman’s plan, though it’s not explicitly revealed yet. This builds suspense for the reader.

The Painted Leaf

Line: “It’s still there. It’s still there, Johnsy, dear.”
Explanation: After the storm, the leaf remains on the vine, which restores Johnsy’s hope and determination to live.

Line: “It is Behrman’s masterpiece—he painted it there the night that the last leaf fell.”
Explanation: The truth is revealed: Behrman braved the storm to paint a realistic leaf on the wall. His selfless act gave Johnsy hope, but it cost him his life.

Line: “Behrman had died of pneumonia in the hospital.”
Explanation: Behrman’s sacrifice is complete. He used his art not for fame but to save another's life, fulfilling his dream of creating a masterpiece.

Themes and Conclusion

Line: “Ah, darling, it’s Behrman’s masterpiece—he painted it.”
Explanation: The story ends with Sue explaining the true significance of Behrman’s work. His masterpiece wasn’t just a painting; it was an act of love and selflessness.

Final Thought: O. Henry's story highlights themes of hope, sacrifice, and the transformative power of art. The "last leaf" becomes a symbol of perseverance and the impact one can have on others through selfless acts.