“The Necklace”: Analysis
In One of the Opening Paragraphs of the Story, We Are Told that Mme Loisel “Suffered Intensely.” Why Did She Suffer?
As someone who had the appearance, demeanor, and ambitions of an upper-class woman, yet belonging to a comparatively less wealthy class, Mme Loisel must have felt that she was destined for a more luxurious life. Being charmed by the glittering look thereof and still remembering how charmingly careless her life of an upper-class woman was, she suffered from its inaccessibility.
Do You Think that M. Loisel Was Content with His Life Before the Ball Took Place?
Unlike his wife, M. Loisel seemed to be quite satisfied with the life that he led. His ability to be happy and optimistic about small things that would have passed unnoticed by a more fastidious person makes him a truly enjoyable and heartwarming character. Furthermore, the support that he offers his wife after the necklace disappears shows that he appreciates his wife and their life together.
Compare and Contrast the Life of the Loisel’s before and After the Disappearance of the Necklace.
Although it would be an understatement to claim that the Loisels were far from rich before the accident, their life after it spiraled downward very fast. For instance, the fact that Mme Loisel’s appearance shriveled extraordinarily fast shows that they went through many trials and tribulations after the necklace had disappeared.
Do You Agree with the Author That “Women Have No Caste or Class.” Does the Same Apply to Men Today?
The authors’ statement regarding women can be interpreted in several ways. It could be viewed as a statement about gender issues transcending social ones, which seems to be legitimate given the persistence of gender stereotypes. However, it can also be regarded as an attempt at creating a concept of femininity that is stereotypical in itself, i.e., the idea that all women like specific things (e.g., jewels, clothes, etc.), which seems in conflict with the contemporary concept of gender equality. When viewing the statement from the former perspective, one may say that men also feel the pressure of gender issues to a greater degree than the social one.
What Do the Loisels Actions Regarding the Lost Necklace Reveal about Their Character?
Mme Loisel’s’ panic as she loses the necklace shows that she is rather emotional, yet her further decision to suffer all trials and tribulations of poverty to pay the debt show that she is decisive, honest, and noble. Her husband’s willingness to help his wife in this crisis indicates that he is supportive, strong, and noble, as well.
“The Last Leaf”: Analysis
According to the Doctor in the Story, What Is Most Important in a Seriously Ill Person’s Recovery?
The power of medicine might be strong, but drugs alone may fail unless a patient is willing to recover, according to the doctor in O’Henry’s short story. The will to live is a crucial component of the battle against most diseases, yet the lead character seems to have abandoned hope and surrendered to the disease. Herein the tragedy of the situation lies; wrapped in her despair and indifference, Johnsy had few chances to survive.
Why Does Johnsy Say She Wants to Die When the Last Leaf Falls?
The comparison between Johnsy’s rapidly aggravating situation and a tree shedding its leaves is a rather fitting metaphor. As Johnsy put it, the leaves represented her connection to every element and person in her life. Similarly to how leaves part with the tree to which they were once attached, Johnsy is willing to set herself free and get rid of her suffering. Therefore, the last leaf is the metaphor for the last thing that may keep her alive.
How Much Did Johnsy’s Chances for Survival Improve When the Last Leaf Didn’t Fall?
When Johnsy seems that the last leave remains in its place, she regains her will to live. Viewing it as a sign of the need to struggle for her life and retain her optimism, she decides that she wants to recover. At this point, the doctor’s statement about patients’ willingness to live to be an essential component of recovery turns out to be the foreshadowing of Johnsy’s decision to recover.
Compare and Contrast Your Perception of Behrman Before He Painted His “Masterpiece” with after He Painted It.
Initially describing Behrman as a rather unlucky man. By portraying him as an unsuccessful artist who could never completely fulfill himself, O’Henry creates the image that cannot be immediately related to the incredible self-sacrifice that he makes to save Johnsy’s life. One could argue that the creation of a character that is seemingly pointless reveals his purpose form the very beginning of the story. However, due to the clever writing, readers forget the lack of connection between him and the plot, which makes the reveal at the end of the story even more shocking.