Short summary of the last leaf
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This beautifully inspirational tale deals with unselfish sacrifice - how one man was prepared to sacrifice his own well-being and use his talent to save the life of another.
Two artists, Johanna (Johnsy) and Sue share an apartment in an artists' community which is soon invaded by a malicious disease which spreads its deadly influence, mowing down many members in this struggling but auspicious society. Johnsy is infected and soon gives up hope for survival. She pins her destiny to the survival of one last leaf on a vine which she perceives through her window whilst lying in bed.
The attending physician informs Sue that Johnsy's chance for survival is limited unless she has something to hope for. Sue informs Mr Behrman, an old fellow artist, who is their downstairs-neighbour, about this and he is annoyed that Johnsy has such little hope. He is aware of her wish to die when the last leaf falls.
The next morning, after a vicious storm, Johnsy sees the last remaining leaf still clinging to life. She decides that she wants to continue living: there must be a reason that the leaf has refused to die, and it is a sin to want to die. Johnsy recovers from her illness.
Sue informs her some time later that Mr Behrman had died of pneumonia and the medics had found a burning lamp, a ladder and a palette containing a mixture of colours similar to that of a leaf, next to his completely wet, collapsed body. He had contracted pneumonia and expired due to his frail condition.
It becomes pertinently clear that Mr Behrman had finally painted his long-promised masterpiece - the leaf which saved Johnsy's life, sacrificing his in the process.
TITLE
The title “The Last Leaf” raises the curiosity of the reader regarding a happening or an event towards some kind of ‘end’. The word ‘last’ reflects the main idea of the story which is the last breath of Johnsy. The last leaf becomes the last hope of survival and keeps the reader hooked till the end. Throughout, the last ivy leaf remains the central point. In the early part of the story it remains associated with Johnsy’s ailment and depression while later on, it conveys the message of courage, hope and optimism. The last leaf saves Johnsy’s life and fulfils Behrman’s lifelong dream to paint a masterpiece. However, it also turns out to be his last masterpiece, too. Hence the title is very apt.The story gives the message that the power of hope and optimism can help win the most difficult situations. Sue does not lose hope and keeps trying till the end to revive the desire to live in her friend Johnsy. Her optimism finally succeeds in reviving Johnsy’s interest in life and helps her recover from pneumonia.
Another message given by the story is that friends are our saviours. Sue keeps telling Johnsy that she has to live for her friend’s sake and her own life would be meaningless without Johnsy. She tends to her by talking about cheerful things, giving her food, calling in a doctor, and even seeking help from neighbours.
A latent message of the story is that sacrifice is a great virtue. Bauman sacrifices his life so that Johnsy gets over her depression. This sacrifice does not go in vain. Not only does Johnsy recover but Behrman also manages to create the masterpiece that he had yearned for all his life.