6.++O'Henry's+The+Last+Leaf

Short Story POST “THE LAST LEAF” O’Henry []



THEME **The “will to survive” is an important theme in this story.**

**....Johnsy will only survive pneumonia if she is determined to fight and beat the infection.** **She fixates on the leaves from the ivy vine, using them as the indication of when she will also drop away and die.** **Behrman saves her life, yet gives up his own, when he finally creates his "masterpiece."** **Giving of oneself or self-sacrifice is another important theme in this story.** **Whether it is Sue taking care of Johnsy or the doctor making the house call or** **the most valiant of all, Mr. Behrman, who gives of his talent, despite the conditions.** **He does what he must do to "save" Johnsy, and in the end, loses his own life.** **Choose one of the themes – to answer one of the following:** How does the author use symbolism to convey this message – the “will to survive?” Or Explain the examples of “self-sacrifice” seen from the characters in the story. Provide three text examples to support the response.