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The Last Leaf

by O. Henry

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Behrman's painting of a leaf is known as a “masterpiece” since it saved Johnsy's life by rekindling her desire to live. Behrman was a sixty-year old painter who resided on the ground floor of the apartment where Sue and Johnsy were staying. He had a lifelong vision to paint a masterpiece. Johnsy’s health was deteriorating, and Sue informed Behrman about her condition. There was a vine on the wall opposite Johnsy's window. Johnsy was always glancing at the vine because she believed she would breathe her last with the drop of the last leaf.

Behrman figured out a strategy to stop Johnsy from dying. He ventured out and painted a portrait of leaf on the climbing plant. The leaf was a spitting image of the last leaf dangling on the ivy vine. Johnsy spotted the leaf the following morning and regained her desire to live. Unfortunately, Behrman succumbed to pneumonia since he had stayed out in the cold night. As a result, Behrman made the ultimate sacrifice of losing his life for Johnsy’s. Behrman gave up his life to paint a leaf that would sustain somebody's will and determination. When Behrman passed away as a result of producing this life-saving painting in the stormy weather, Sue christened it a “masterpiece."

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