This document provides context and objectives for the short story "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry. It introduces the story's themes of selflessness and sacrifice. It outlines the plot, which involves an artist named Johnsy falling ill with pneumonia and believing her life depends on the last ivy leaf on a nearby tree surviving the winter. Her neighbor, also an artist named Behrman, sacrifices himself to fulfill Johnsy's fancy and allow her to recover, climbing onto the roof in rain to paint a leaf despite being ill himself. The document analyzes symbols in the story and provides context on O. Henry as an author known for plot twists.

1. 1. Can you name a few world famous
painters?
2. Why is painting considered a powerful
medium of expression?
Before You Read

2. The Last Leaf
O. Henry
(1862–1910)
William Sydney Porter , better known by his pen
name O. Henry, was an American short story
writer. O. Henry's stories frequently have
surprise endings. In his day he was called the
American answer to Maupassant. While both
authors wrote plot twist endings, O. Henry's
stories were considerably more playful, and
are also known for their witty narration. Most of
O. Henry's stories are set in his own time, the
early 20th century. Many take place in New York
City and deal for the most part with ordinary
people: policemen, waitresses, etc. Porter's
legacy includes the O. Henry Award, an annual
prize awarded to outstanding short stories.

3. OBJECTIVES :
Developing skills of writing a poignant story
Developing communication skills
Appreciating value & qualities – love, sacrifice and
helpfulness
Enhancing vocabulary
The Last Leaf
O. Henry
(1862–1910)

4. Introduction :
The last leaf is a touching story of how a painter inspires a
girl to live and in the process, loses his life. The leaf is a
symbol of despair that turns into a symbol of hope. Johnsy
thinks the ivy leaf stands for her life, slowly falling away.
When the leaf remains, however, it becomes a symbol of
hope for her. If the ivy leaf can hang on, so can she. While
GREEN leaves depict hope, renewal, and revival,
dead leaves represent decay and sadness. In
general, leaves are symbolic of fertility and growth.
The Last Leaf
O. Henry

5. Theme – Selflessness and sacrifice
Sub-Theme – Being optimistic in life
Plot – Johnsy’s illness- Sue’s help – Doctor’s visit -
Johnsy’s fancies – Behrman’s role in saving Johnsy – The
climax
Characters-
Johnsy
Sue
Behrman
The Last Leaf
O. Henry
(1862–1910)

6. Key points :
Sue and Johnsy, two young artists
Johnsy suffered from pneumonia
Doctor’s visit
Sue comforted her
Johnsy’s belief
Sue met Behrman
Johnsy saw the last leaf
Johnsy accused herself
Sue told Johnsy about Behrman
The Last Leaf
Sacrifice by Behrman
The Last Leaf
O. Henry
(1862–1910)