Longinus literary sublimity in O. Henry’s "The last leaf"

In the story, O. Henry used several literary devices such as personification:“Mr. Pneumonia was not what you would call an old gentleman.”1, and simile: “… said Johnsy, closing her eyes and lying, white and motionless, like a fallen statue.“1 What is remarkable about O. Henry’s writing style is his ability to make the ivy ‘leaf’ very symbolic and essential throughout history. This particular leaf symbolizes Johnsy’s life throughout history. throughout the story. This leaf is a recurring motif that also means hope, both for said character and the readers. This symbolism shows that the piece, indeed, has sublimity, since it possesses excellence in the use of language, more specifically, by using certain types of figures of speech appropriately. The figurative language certainly adds grandeur to the piece, as in the excerpts mentioned above. These figures of speech not only serve as pure beautifiers for the piece, but serve as contributors to the piece. artistic significance of the story. Longinus emphasized that figures of speech should be used for a definite purpose and not just as mere ornaments. Therefore, they should be used appropriately when or throughout history to fulfill its purpose. In the short story, pneumonia is csribed as an opposite of a ‘gentleman gentleman’.1 Merriam-Webster defines chivalric, or chivalric, as “consideration and courtesy, especially towards women.” The disease cannot be considered chivalrous because it had caused Johnsy’s suffering and despair. On the other hand, Mr. Behrman became the means to save Johnsy’s life and end his suffering by painting the ivy leaf. Therefore, Mr. Behrman can be considered the “old gentleman” in contrast to pneumonia, and he is exactly the perfect opposite of the disease, as the story implies. Therefore, the use of rhetorical figures not only adorned the piece or falsely implied something, because the figurative language used has a direct relationship with the meaning of the story, which was magnificently established by its writer. In addition, this also echoes the nobility in diction, since metaphors and personifications are used appropriately in the story, with the proper use of words, which in turn can give a great impact to the readers.

Literary sublimity is also defined as the “expression of a great spirit” 2 or showing the act of benevolence. Mr. Behrman, serving as the hero of the story, showed great spirit in making his greatest masterpiece, which is to paint “the last leaf.” This leads to giving Johnsy the hope and courage to continue his life, as he resembles the remaining ivy leaf.

“And then they found a lantern, still burning, and a ladder that had been dragged from its place, and some scattered paintbrushes, and a palette with mixed green and yellow colors, and … look out the window, my dear, at the latest ivy leaf on the wall. “1

This is undoubtedly a great act of benevolence, as it reflects the writer’s very lofty ideas, which shows that this piece has more grandiose thinking. It is probably the writer’s innate ability to produce such thoughts since O. Henry was able to conceptualize a character like Mr. Behrman, who is quite admirable for his unexpected but noble and gracious actions. This characteristic makes this tale one of the most memorable pieces of all time. This paves the way for the story to have its moral or lesson that will leave a mark on the heart of every reader. Through the writer’s natural writing prowess unleashed by his creativity and imagination, this piece stimulates the reader’s emotions and feelings and thus satisfies the second source of sublimity which is the “capacity for strong emotions”.3

Finally, literary sublimity has “the power to cause ecstasy” 2 in the reader. O. Henry’s astonishing writing style of creating an unusual ending certainly incites happiness and extreme excitement. The story causes ecstasy in readers when Johnsy can live because the ivy leaf remains, (albeit freshly painted) due to Mr. Behrman’s act of benevolence. Most importantly, the old man has fulfilled his dream of making the greatest masterpiece of his life, and indeed a great masterpiece, because he has saved a life that was once in danger. This gives the reader a sense of ecstasy, as the last line of the story says:

“Didn’t you wonder why it never fluttered or moved when the wind blew? Ah, darling, it’s Behrman’s masterpiece; he painted it there the night the last leaf fell.”1

In its entirety, with lofty thoughts, powerful emotions, figures of speech, and appropriate diction, this tale is considered a worthy composition. These sources of sublimity that are present in this short story made a piece with excellence in substance. As Longinus said, “Sublimity is a certain distinction and excellence in expression. ” Indeed, the literary sublimity of Longinus is reflected in “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry.