A Comparison Of Gwilan's Harp And The Last Leaf

In the short stories Gwilan's Harp by Ursula K, LeGuin, The Last Leaf by O. Henry, and The Washwoman by Isaac Singer, each character experiences a variation of loss. Ursula K LeGuin wrote Gwilan's Harp about a young lady who possesses a beautiful, unique, like no other, harp; on course to a day of music Gwilan's life changes dramatically due to a tragic loss. in The Last Leaf, O. Henry writes about a sickly girl whose endangered life is saved by the loss of another. Finally, in The Washwoman, Isaac Singer creates a story about a family and their washwoman. The family grows to love the Washwoman, so when the woman tragically does not return the family mourns. Whether it be death or the loss of a dear possession, each loss has the potential to provide new hope and inspiration.

Gwilan, a talented young harpist in Gwilan's Harp by Ursula K. LeGuin, experienced two great losses. Things took a wrong turn when Gwilan and her future husband, Torm, traveled to a music

After a weekly wash, the washwoman returns to her home with more washing; however, she becomes very sick and does not return a second time. The family she washed for desperately wondered where she went, until one day she finally returned. "After the old woman had recovered somewhat, she told us she had become ill, very ill...She began to feel better, she became well, and as soon as she was able to stand on her feet once more, she resumed her washing"(Singer). The Washwoman's loss of good health did not detour her from returning and finishing her job. Eventually the Washwoman left and never came back, for she had finished her life. Although her death was unfortunate, she lived an inspiring life. She inspired the family she washed for to persevere through hard times and to finish a task given to you. The Washwoman proved that a loss does not have to sadden others, but instead can inspire and build others