UNRAVELLING THE EXISTENTIALIST IMPLICATIONS OF O. HENRY’S THE LAST LEAF

Authors

  • Nazeef Ullah MPhil Scholar Department of English Linguistics and Literature Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology, D.I.Khan
  • Dr. Ahmad Naeem Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature Gomal University, D.I.Khan

Abstract

This research paper explores the existentialist implications of O. Henry's The Last Leaf through a qualitative analysis of Johnsy's character development, framed within Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy. The study examines Johnsy's existential crisis, her initial refusal of freedom and retreat into quietism, and her ultimate transformation through self-cognizance. The analysis of the short story reveals three key findings: Johnsy's struggle to find purpose and meaning in her existence, her inability to accept freedom due to the burden of responsibility leading to despair and quietism, and her eventual realization that she has the power to create her own meaning in life despite its absurdity and the threat of death. These findings illuminate the existentialist themes of freedom, responsibility, and self-awareness in The Last Leaf and demonstrates the enduring relevance of O. Henry and Sartre's philosophy in understanding human experience.

Keywords: Existentialism, O. Henry, The Last Leaf, Sartre, Self-Cognizance

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Published

2024-11-27

How to Cite

Nazeef Ullah, & Dr. Ahmad Naeem. (2024). UNRAVELLING THE EXISTENTIALIST IMPLICATIONS OF O. HENRY’S THE LAST LEAF . Review Journal of Social Psychology & Social Works, 2(1), 95–111. Retrieved from https://socialworksreview.com/index.php/Journal/article/view/38

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Articles