The Last Leaf Novel Study

The Last Leaf by O. Henry is a poignant short story about friendship, hope, and the power of selfless sacrifice. Set in a small artist community in Greenwich Village, New York, the story follows two young women—Sue and Johnsy—who are battling illness and despair. As Johnsy loses the will to live, she becomes fixated on the idea that she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine outside her window. An old, struggling artist named Behrman ultimately creates a miracle that changes everything. In this course, we will explore O. Henry’s masterful use of irony, symbolism, and narrative twist. Students will learn how the author develops theme and character in a short format, and analyze the emotional and philosophical messages conveyed through the story. We will also examine how the setting and historical context contribute to the story’s mood and message.