The Last Leaf

The Author:
William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), Pen Name O. Henry, is an
American writer of chiefly short fiction (the most famous piece being "The Gift of the Magi")
and one novel (Cabbages and Kings). His stories are famous for their Mandatory Twist Endings,
warm characterization and wit. Also a racist
Summary:
"The Last Leaf" is a short story by O. Henry published in 1907 in his collection The Trimmed
Lamp and Other Story. The story is set in Greenwich Village during a pneumonia epidemic. It
tells the story of an old artist who saves the life of a young artist, dying of pneumonia, by giving
her the will to live. She can see an ivy plant through the window gradually shedding its leaves,
and she has taken a thought into her head that she will die when the last leaf falls. Apparently,
it never does fall, and she survives. We learn that in reality the vine lost all its leaves. What she
thought she saw was a leaf, painted on the wall with perfect realism, by the old artist. The old
artist dies of pneumonia contracted while being out in the wet and cold, painting the last leaf.
The old artist who saves the girl is the great Behrman.
Themes:
 Hope
Johnsy, who becomes ill with pneumonia, speaks despairingly of the leaves outside that drop
from the vine because of the icy weather. In her despair she tells her roommate and friend Sue
that she "must go, too." Sue rejects this despair, saying,
"Oh, I never heard of such nonsense... What have ivy leaves to do with your getting well?"
Sue further offers hope by lying to Johnsy and telling her the doctor says her chances of getting
well are "ten to one!" and that is as good a chance as they have when they ride on the street
cars. To change the subject and be more encouraging, Sue then urges her to sleep.
 Friendship
When Johnsy suggests that Sue sketch in the other room, Sue declares her friendship, saying
she would rather be with Johnsy and stay in the same room with her.
After she tells Johnsy she will be back in a minute, Sue rushes down to Mr. Behrman, who she
knows cares about Sue, and informs him of Johnsy's growing hopelessness. Hearing of this
despair, Behrman becomes angry and changes his mind about not posing for Sue. Instead, he
accompanies Sue to the girls' apartment where Johnsy is now sleeping. Sue and Behrman look
out the window. Then they looked at each other for a moment without speaking.
Behrman sits down and poses for Sue; later, he returns home.
  Sacrifice
Old Behrman, who has said nothing about what he has seen out the window is found two days
after the night he has posed. He has died in the hospital having fulfilled the scriptural words of
John 15:13 (King James version):
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Behrman went into the icy night, climbed a ladder, and painted an ivy leaf so Johnsy will not
know all the real leaves are gone. Behrman's leaf has restored hope to Johnsy and makes her
determined to get well.
Argumentative essay
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
Argument essays seek to state a position on an issue and give several reasons, supported by
evidence, for agreeing with that position.

5 Types of Argument Claims

1. Fact: Is it true or not?
2. Definition: What does it really mean?
3. Value: How important is it?
4. Cause and Effect: What is the cause? What are the effects?
5. Policy: What should we do about it?
How to Write a Thesis Statement
What Is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is one sentence in your introductory paragraph that concisely summarizes your
main point(s) and claim(s), and should present your stance on the topic. It's worth spending some
time crafting a strong thesis statement since it lets the reader know what the essay will be about and
determine whether they want to read it.

Three Ways to Write a Thesis Statement (With Examples)

1. Question/Answer Format: The easiest way to write a thesis statement is to turn the topic or
prompt into a question, and answering that question. For example:

 Does divorce cause serious problems for the children? (Fact)

 What is "domestic violence?" (Definition)
 What are the causes of divorce? (Cause)
 How important is it for couples to avoid divorce? (Value)
 What can you do to make your marriage divorce-proof? (Proposal)
Answer: Your question often can be the title of your paper, or it can be the first line of the
introduction. Your answer to this question is your thesis.

Example: The most important way to make your marriage divorce-proof is to make sure you have
carefully prepared for that commitment.

In this example, you answered the question, "What can you do to make your marriage divorce-
proof?" You also let the reader know that the focus of the article will be on being "carefully prepared
for that commitment."

2. Refute Objections: Another way to craft a thesis statement is to state one side of the argument
and present a refuting statement.
Example: While some people think there is no way to divorce-proof your marriage, studies have
shown that there are fewer divorces when people carefully prepare for that commitment.
In this example, you state one side of the argument—"there is no way to divorce-proof your
marriage"—and refute it by saying "there are fewer divorces when people carefully prepare for that
commitment." What makes this statement stronger (and more appealing) is the reference to studies
that will back up your argument.
3. Roadmap: An additional way to make a strong thesis is to do a "Roadmap" which tells in just a
few words the three or more main points you will cover.

Example: While some people think there is no way to divorce-proof your marriage, studies have
shown that there are fewer divorces when people carefully prepare for that commitment by taking
the time to get to know the other person before becoming engaged; by spending time with one
another's family and friends; by talking about hot-button issues like finances; and by getting
extensive premarital counseling.

This is an example of a really strong thesis statement in which you state a claim, your stance on the
claim, and the main points that will back up your stance. Although it is a little long-winded, it
thoroughly outlines what the essay will discuss. Not only is this helpful for the reader, but it will help
you when crafting your essay by keeping you focused on these specific points.

How to Start an Argumentative Essay

Your introductory paragraph should be crafted around your thesis statement, providing background
information needed to understand your argument and presenting pieces of evidence that back up
that argument.

Start With an Enticing Hook

Lead with an interesting fact or statistic, a quote, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking
question. Your first sentence should draw the reader in and get them interested about the topic
you're writing about.

Provide Some Background and Context

What's the situation? What are the events that lead you to your argument? Why should people care?
Give enough background on the topic so that the reader can understand your argument—nothing
more, nothing less.

State Your Thesis

The background should transition smoothly into your main argument.

Introduce Your Evidence

The keyword is "introduce." State the main points that back up your argument and end it there.
Leave the actual argument and analysis for the body paragraphs.

Essay Introduction Ideas

1. Tell a true story.
2. Present a hypothetical situation that illustrates the problem.
3. Ask a thought-provoking question.
4. State a startling fact or statistic (cite a reputable source).
5. Simply explain the problem.
6. Compare and contrast.
Use Logos, Pathos, and Ethos
The most persuasive essays are ones that have sound logic (logos), appeal to the
readers' emotions (pathos), and speak to their character or morals (ethos).
Outlining Your Paper
Argument essays are fairly straightforward in their organization. In your paper, you will need to do
the following:
1. Interest the reader in the situation. Make them want to learn more about it.
2. Explain the controversy or problem clearly.
3. Explain the different sides of the debate.
4. Tell them your side.
5. Convince them that your side is the best one to take.
6. Refute any objections they may be thinking about as they read.
7. Urge the reader to adopt your point of view.
Introduction
Explain the subject, the controversy, and end with your thesis. Here are some tips:

 Use the title to present your point of view. The title is often your thesis statement or the
question you are trying to answer.
 Be concise. You're only introducing your argument, not debating it.
 Think about your audience—what aspects of this issue would most interest or convince them?
 Appeal to the reader's emotions. Readers are more easily persuaded if they can empathize
with your point of view.
 Present undeniable facts from highly regarded sources. This builds a lot of trust and generally
indicates a solid argument.
 Make sure you have a clear thesis that answers the question. The thesis should state your
position and is usually the last sentence of your introduction.
Body
The body usually consists of three or more paragraphs, each presenting a separate piece of
evidence that supports your thesis. Those reasons are the topic sentences for each paragraph of
your body. You should explain why your audience should agree with you. Make your argument even
stronger by stating opposing points of view and refuting those points.
1. Reasons and support

 Usually, you will have three or more reasons why the reader should accept your position.
These will be your topic sentences.
 Support each of these reasons with logic, examples, statistics, authorities, or anecdotes.
 To make your reasons seem plausible, connect them back to your position by using “if…then”
reasoning.
2. Anticipate opposing positions and arguments.

 What objections will your readers have? Answer them with argument or evidence.
 What other positions do people take on this subject? What is your reason for rejecting these
positions?
Conclusion
The conclusion in many ways mirrors the introduction. It summarizes your thesis statement and main
arguments and tries to convince the reader that your argument is the best. It ties the whole piece
together. Avoid presenting new facts or arguments.

Here are some conclusion ideas:

 Think "big picture." If you are arguing for policy changes, what are the implications of adopting
(or not adopting) your ideas? How will they affect the reader (or the relevant group of people)?
 Present hypotheticals. Show what will happen if the reader adopts your ideas. Use real-life
examples of how your ideas will work.
 Include a call to action. Inspire the reader to agree with your argument. Tell them what they
need to think, do, feel, or believe.
 Appeal to the reader's emotions, morals, character, or logic.