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The Last Leaf Analysis

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When we first read the story of the “The Last Leaf”, we always remember the frustrated old man named Behrman. Although he keeps claiming that he will soon paint a masterpiece, he did not start (or even attempted to start) even though many decades have passed. However, even though he is known for his sharp tongue, he somehow has a big heart, as shown in his concern towards the two young artists who live above him. The last leaf on the brick wall symbolizes “hope”. When Johnsy falls ill to pneumonia, she sees the last leaf as a way to depart life. As the leaves fall one by one, Johnsy’s hope and will to live fades away as she accepts her fate. Although Sue tries to divert Johnsy’s mind from such matters, she is convinced that there is no cure to her illness. Therefore Sue decided to seek help from Behrman. Upon seeing the last leaf, Behrman decided to take this opportunity to finally paint his masterpiece. His goal is not to earn admiration or profit, but to save the life of a person he cares for. Painting the last leaf on the wall so that it will not fall means fueling Johnsy’s will to live once again. Johnsy realizes how selfish she has been and decided to stand up to her illness. Sadly, as a result of this wonderful phenomena, Behrman (enduring a storm and coldness) falls ill and dies. …show more content…

His need to save a life in exchange of his own is enough to make up the decades, materials and words wasted. He is finally able to do one great masterpiece. His actions tell us that it is not too late to follow your dreams, which could be used at the right time for the greater good. Each of us have our own masterpieces, waiting to shine through in order to help others in a selfless act. It may take a long time, but at the end everything is worth it, just like Johnsy’s revival to once again appreciate

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