Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Last Leaf" is a poignant poem written by Oliver Wendell Holmes. Published in 1831, it is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.

Context:

Oliver Wendell Holmes was an American physician, poet, and professor of anatomy and physiology. "The Last Leaf" was published in the Boston Advertiser on December 8, 1831, as part of a collection of poems called "Poems" by Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Content:

"The Last Leaf" tells the story of an old man who lies dying in a room on the top floor of a building. As he looks out the window, he sees a single leaf still clinging to a tree, despite the cold and the wind. The old man believes that he will die when the last leaf falls, but it remains on the tree, giving him hope and strength. When the old man recovers, he learns that the last leaf was actually a painting, and he is filled with renewed vitality and hope for life.

Form:

"The Last Leaf" is a narrative poem that tells a story through the voice of an omniscient narrator. It is written in four stanzas of varying lengths, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC.

Poetic Elements:

Holmes uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the old man's surroundings and the feeling of hopelessness and despair that comes with old age and illness. The personification of the last leaf, which becomes a symbol of the old man's life, adds to the poem's emotional depth and resonance. The rhyme scheme and meter of the poem also contribute to its musicality and impact.

Summary:

"The Last Leaf" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of aging, illness, and mortality. Holmes' use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of emotional depth and resonance that continues to resonate with readers today.

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