The Last Leaf (Henry)

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O. Henry

The Last Leaf

1907 

Summary of the book
from the Collection «The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories»

Johnsy and Sue were two artists living in a studio in Greenwich Village.

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Johnsy — a young female artist from California; suffering from pneumonia.

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Sue — Johnsy's roommate and best friend from Maine; an artist.

One day, Johnsy fell ill with pneumonia, and the doctor told Sue that her chances of survival were only 10%. Johnsy believed that when the last leaf of an ivy vine outside her window fell, she would also die.

Sue called on their neighbor, Behrman, to be her model for a drawing, but he refused.

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Behrman — an old, unsuccessful artist; Johnsy's protector.

She called him a “horrid old flibbertigibbet” and he agreed to pose. When they looked out the window, they saw that the last leaf remained despite the rain and wind.

Johnsy commanded Sue to raise the shade, and the leaf was still there. She believed that it was a sign from God that she should live. She asked for a mirror, and then some broth and milk with wine.

The next day, the doctor told Sue that Johnsy was out of danger. Later, Sue told Johnsy that Behrman had died of pneumonia. She revealed that Behrman had gone out in the storm and painted the last leaf on the wall, so that Johnsy would be inspired to keep fighting and live.