Analyz "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

1. The author of the story and typical details of his/her creative work; who the story is told by.

Analyzing "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry, the novella narrates how the main character, an artist, sacrifices his life to save a terminally ill girl through his creative endeavors. The story, presented in the third person with dialogue elements, explores the author's distinctive style and focuses on the artist's poignant farewell gift to the girl.

2. The title of the story.

The story's title aptly captures its essence, showcasing the hero, Bergman, who utilizes his skills and sensitivity to assist Johnsy. The hero's sacrifice, depicted in the title, illustrates his willingness to give up his life to alleviate the suffering of the sick girl.

3. The subject or theme of the story.

"The Last Leaf" delves into the themes of human relationships, self-sacrifice, responsibility, and the broader meaning of life. The author, serving as a bystander and a straightforward narrator, refrains from dissecting the characters' actions or speech. Instead, readers are prompted to form their own conclusions from the unfolding narrative.

4. The plot of the story and four compositional parts; the order of events.

 Exposition: O. Henry sets the stage in Greenwich Village, introducing Sue and Johnsy, aspiring artists and roommates in an apartment among various creative’s.

Complication: The central conflict arises when Johnsy, succumbing to a fatalistic view, refuses to fight her illness. Sue and the doctor strive to motivate her, and Johnsy ties her fate to the falling leaves outside her window, adding complexity. The challenge is to find a reason for Johnsy to choose life.

Climax: The climax unfolds as the last leaf remains on the vine, with the expectation that Johnsy will perish when it falls. Yet, she chooses life upon seeing the resilient leaf, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative.

Denouement: Despite expecting death with the last falling leaf, Jody's life is saved by Mr. Berman, a neighbor who, despite his own illness, creates an enduring leaf in the rain. This act rescues Jody but sadly results in Mr. Berman's passing.

5. The characters and the ways of characterization; the means of description.

 Johnsy, Joanna's nickname, is a young Californian artist battling pneumonia. Her fatalistic outlook ties her fate to the last leaf falling from the ivy vine visible from her window.

Sue, Johnsy's roommate, tends to her during illness and sustains herself through art, creating illustrations for magazines.

Mr.Berman, an aging and irritable man, offers to pose for Sue's illustration and extends a lifeline to Johnsy by painting a resilient leaf in adverse weather. His masterpiece brings hope to Johnsy but costs him his life, as he succumbs to pneumonia.

The doctor, initially pessimistic about Johnsy's survival, later confirms her recovery. He delivers the news of Berman's demise, highlighting the intertwining threads of life and sacrifice in the narrative.