In the story, O. Henry used various literary devices such as personification:“Mr. Pneumonia was not what you would call a chivalrous old gentleman.”1, and the like: “…Johnsy said, closing her eyes and lying white and still as 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 the story. This particular leaf symbolizes Johnsy’s life throughout the story. 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 with appropriateness. Figurative language certainly adds grandeur to the piece, just as in the excerpts mentioned above. These figures of speech not only serve as pure embellishment to the piece, but serve as contributors to the artistic meaning of the story. Longinus emphasized that figures of speech should be used for a definite purpose and not just as mere embellishments. Therefore, they should be used appropriately throughout the story. go from history to fulfill its purpose. In the short story, pneumonia is csribed as an opposite of a ‘chivalrous old gentleman’.1 Merriam-Webster defines gentlemanly, or gentlemanly, as a “consideration and courtesy, especially toward women.” On the other hand, Mr. Behrman became the means to save Johnsy’s life and end her suffering by painting the ivy leaf. Thus, Mr. Behrman can be thought of as the “gentlemanly old gentleman” in contrast to pneumonia, and is exactly the perfect opposite of illness, as the story implies. Therefore, the use of figures of speech did not just decorate the piece or falsely hint at something, because the figurative language used has a direct relationship to the meaning of the story, which was magnificently established by its writer. Furthermore, this also echoes the nobility in diction, as metaphors and personifications are used appropriately in the story, with the proper use of words, which in turn can make a big impact on the readers.
Literary sublimity is also defined as the “expression of a great spirit”2 or showing the act of benevolence. Mr. Behrman, acting as the hero of the story, showed great spirit by making his greatest masterpiece, which is painting “the last leaf”. This leads to giving Johnsy the hope and courage to carry on with 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 brushes scattered about, and a palette with green and yellow colors mixed together, and – look out the window, my dear, at the last ivy leaf on the wall.”1
This is undoubtedly a great act of benevolence, as it reflects very high ideas of the writer, thus showing that this piece has a greater greatness of thought. It is probably the writer’s innate ability to produce such thoughts as O. Henry was able to conceptualize a character as Mr. Behrman, who is quite admirable for his unexpected yet noble and kind actions. This feature makes this story 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 natural progress of the writer’s writing triggered by his creativity and imagination, this piece stimulates the reader’s emotions and feelings, thus fulfilling the second source of sublimity which is “capacity for strong emotions”.3
Finally, literary sublimity has “the power to provoke ecstasy”2 in one’s reader. O. Henry’s incredible writing style of creating an unusual ending certainly incites happiness and extreme enthusiasm. The story brings ecstasy to readers when Johnsy is able to 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 as he has saved a life that was once in danger. This gives the reader a feeling of ecstasy, as the last line of the story says:
Didn’t you wonder why it never flapped or moved when the wind blew? Ah, honey, it’s Behrman’s masterpiece; he painted her there the night the last leaf fell.1
In its entirety, with lofty thoughts, powerful emotions, appropriate figures of speech and diction, this tale is considered a worthy composition. These sources of sublimity that are present in this 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.