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surrounding them. They are even ready to lose their life as life has
lost its meaning for them.

The story tells the need to have a positive attitude towards life so
that we can make it as fruitful as possible. Sacrificing our life for
the sake of others is one of the themes in the story. Painter
Behrman sacrifices his life for Johnsy.

Another theme running through the story is that devoted friendship
can be succour during times of crisis. A minor theme in the story is
the importance of art in human lives.

Title:

The title ‘The Last Leaf’ raises the curiosity of the reader regarding
a happening or an event towards some kind of ‘end’. The word ‘last’
reflects the main idea of the story which is the last breath of
Johnsy. The last life becomes the last hope of survival and keeps
the reader hooked until the end. Throughout, the last ivy leaf
remains the central point. In the early part of the story it remains
associated with Johnsy’s ailment and depression while later on, it
conveys the message of courage, hope and optimism. The last leaf
saves Johnsy’s life and fulfils Behrman’s lifelong dream to paint a
masterpiece. However, it also turns out to be his last masterpiece,
too. Hence, the title is very apt.

Message:

The chief message that this story gives is the spirit of sacrifice we
need to have in our life. The old artist, Behrman sacrificed his life
so that Johnsy could live in. In this process, he also achieved his
ambition of painting a masterpiece.

The other message is that we should have a positive attitude in life.
Johnsy was under depression and she felt her life was linked to the
leaves on the ivy creeper. This prevented her from getting from her
illness. She was also causing harm to her friend, Sue. Had she
adopted a positive attitude, Behrman would not have died. Our
thinking and attitude affect the lives of other people too.

Summary:

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat. Johnsy fell
seriously ill in November. She had pneumonia. Sue, her friend, got