STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE STORY”THE LAST LEAF” BY O.HENRY

Abstract

This article is about the stylistic analysis of the story «The last leaf« by American short story writer William Sydney Porter (1862-1910). The writer wrote all his stories choosing O. Henry as a pen name while in the prison. He is considered as the master of his work with the surprise ending. By reading the stories of O. Henry one may feel the inner psychological feelings of the characters profoundly. The following analyzed story which is titled “The last leaf” makes the reader think and conclude deeply of the character’s life. Because of the usage of the American slang and colloquial language expressions in his stories, his writing style is very simple and comprehensible for the readers. Reading the writer’s stories the reader’s prediction of the stories cannot coincide with the ending, at the end you will be shocked reading the last lines. It may be seemed that, you missed some important part of the story. By analyzing the story, one comes to one conclusion that the main aspect of the story is friendship, hope and willpower of the characters. The two main key points in the story contradicts one another. Johnsy’s belief is the association with the last leaf of the ivy vine that is the symbol of her impending death, Behrman’s belief the production of his masterpiece one day during his life.