The reading of The Last Leaf

Recently I read a short story named The Last Leaf which happened between an old failed artist and two young girls who had so many similar tastes in many aspects that they became good friends and lived together. But one day, a disease called pneumonia stalked about the small village and one of the two girls, named Joanna, was serious ill. After she heard the bad news, she was so sadthat she thought when the last leaf in an old ivy vine besides their house fell down, she would go with it . Sue, another girl, found an old failed artist and told him Joanna’s thoughts. The old man was very angry about the girl’s ridiculous thoughts. One whole night with the beating rains and fierce winds outside, Joanna thought the leaves would go the next day. On the contrary, the last leaf hung bravely from a branch some twenty feet above the ground which surprised Joanna and gave her the hope of life.Seeing the view,she was greatly inspired and recoverd.At last, she knew that the last leaf,actually, was printed by the old artist and he was died because of the pneumonia.

When I finished the story ,I thought about many things.The following concerns my opinions.

A little leaf which saved one `life in the end seems unbelievable,actually it stands for the hope of life,a stronge desire of life.Our life full of trouble just like the heavy wind and rain,but the leaf conveying the hope as well as the spirit is like a faith supporting us.It`s the faith that encourages us not to lose heart in face of difficulties,inspires us to struggle when getting into trouble,and warns us never treating what we do lightly.The deepest faith in our heart is a person`s most powerful part.The old man in the story was regarded as a failed artist who always got drank and had been always about to paint a masterpiece,but never yet bugun it.However,to our unexpectation,eventually,the last leaf clinging to its stem against the wall should be the so called coming masterpiece of old Behrman.To our greater unexpectation,old Behrmanalso suffered the pneumonia and died on the day when Johnsy recoverd.Although he has no relationship with the girl,he still helped the girl to build up her confidence after knowing the bad news.Even though the old man didn`t say anything to the girl,she can feel the faith though the leaf.

I think,the last leaf drew by the old man is the most beautiful leaf in the world.

 

第二篇：The Play of The Last Leaf

First Act: In the hallway The Play of The Last Leaf

Sue: Doctor Lin, I heard you are looking for me. Is there anything important? Dr. Lin: Oh yeah, I have to talk to you about the condition of your friend, Joanna.

You know, she has one chance in ten. And that chance is for her to want to live. But your little lady has made up her mind that she’s not going to get well. It’s very bad for her. So, has she anything on her mind?

Sue: She—she wanted to paint the Bay of Naples some day.

Dr Lin: Paint?—Bosh! Anything else?

Sue: No, nothing.

Dr Lin: Well, I will do all that science can accomplish. But it also depends on

how she struggle against the disease. Take care of her.

Sue: Thanks.

Second Act: In the ward

Sue: Hi, Johnsy. You look better today.

Johnsy: Really?

Sue: Absolutely. You must be fine, so be happy, ok? And we’ll go painting after

your illness.

Johnsy: Thanks, Sudie. You still remember my dream, right? But I know it will

never come true. I will go. I will go soon just like the leaves.

Sue: What, dear?

Johnsy: Leaves. On the ivy vine. You know, they’re falling faster now. Three

days ago there were almost a hundred. But now just five left. Look, there goes anther one. When the last one falls I must go. I’ve known that for three days. Didn’t the doctor tell you?

Sue: Oh, I never heard of such nonsense. What have the leaves to do with your

getting well? Don’t be silly. Why, the doctor told me this morning that your chances for getting well real soon were ten to one! Try to sleep a while. I will be back soon.

Third Act: In the studio

Sue: Mr. Behrman, Jonhsy isn’t well.

Mr. Behrman: Is there anything wrong with her?

Sue: She thought she would not be well again. She said—she said she would go like the falling leaves.(cry)

Mr. Behrman: What?! Oh, what a silly girl, what a silly girl she is! (cry) Are

there people in the world die because leaves drop off? I have never heard of

such a ridiculous thing. Why do you allow such silly ideas to come into that head of hers? God! I must do something to change her mind. It’s maybe the time for me to draw a masterpiece! Yes, I won’t let she go! Now, show me the ivy vine.

Sue: Ok. Here the way.

Fourth Act: Next morning, In the ward

Johnsy: Pull it up, I want to see.

Johnsy: It’s the last one. I thought it would surely fall during the night. I heard

the wind. It will fall today, and I shall die at the same time.

Sue: You’ll be fine, ok?

Next morning, In the ward

Sue: Look, it’s still there. Be happy, I am there with you.

Johnsy: Sudie, I think I was wrong. I’ve been a bad girl. Something has made

that last leaf stay there to show me how wicked I was. It’s a sin to want to die. Bring me something to eat, oh no, bring me a hand-mirror first, and then pack some pillows about me, I want to watch you cook. Sudie, I am thinking I still have the chance to paint the Bay of Naples some day. Sue: You know what, I will go with you.

Dr Lin: How do you feel? You’re better now.

Johnsy: Thx.

Fifth Act: In the hallway

Sue: Doctor, how is she now?

Dr. Lin: Even chance. With good nursing you’ll win. And now I must see

another case I have downstairs. Behrman, Pneumonia, too. He is an old, weak man, and the attack is acute. There is no hope for him, but he goes to the hospital to be made more comfortable.

Sixth Act: In the ward

Sue: Johnsy, I felt happy that the doctor just told me you are out of dangerous.

But there’s also something bad. Our friends, Mr. Behrman, died of pneumonia today in the hospital. He was ill only two days. He was found on the morning of the first day in his room helpless with pain, wet though and a palette with green and yellow colors mixed on it beside him. Dear, look out the window, at the last ivy leaf. 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.