comment on the theme of self sacrifice and hope brought out in the short story the last leaf by o henly
Answers
The Last Leaf depicts self-sacrifice and hope through the dedication and love of the characters who give their heart and soul and even life to save their friend from death.
EXPLANATION:
Most of the stories of O’ Henry depict the humanity and self-sacrifice in human beings. In his most popular story ‘The Last Leaf’, O’ Henry explores the theme of self-sacrifice and hope with great subtleness.
Two struggling young artists share a flat together. They are good friends. One of them is suddenly struck with pneumonia. She loses all hopes of living and counts her days in analogy with the falling leaves of the Ivy that creeps on the wall opposite her window. She believes that her end will come on the day the last leaf is shed.
An old unsuccessful undernourished German artist lives in the same building. Although rough and cantankerous he has a paternal affection for the two girls. When he hears the condition of the sick girl he goes out of his way to save her.
He paints the last leaf of Ivy on the wall all through the rainy night. It is his last painting-his masterpiece-and also the last day of life as he contracts pneumonia and dies. But his self-sacrifice and the kindling of hope he roused in the dying girl saved her life. She got better and survived with the help of her two friends.