Similarities Between The Yellow Wallpaper And The Last Leaf

¡§The Last Leaf¡¨ by O. Henry and ¡§The Yellow Wallpaper¡¨ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman are essentially two very different pieces of writing when looked at from a perspective on story style. However, that is not the aspect we are focusing on. In terms of both stories¡¦ theme and characterization method, the themes are actually quite similar with some differences but the characterization process is very different, except for the antagonists. In the following paragraphs, here are the main points and elements I will address. I will talk about the similarities and show evidence regarding the themes of the role of women and science versus faith; how women repression plays a big role in the themes as well as faith prevailing against science. I will also talk about how the characterization methods are vastly different for the protagonists and antagonists in both stories, a comparison between Johnsy as the protagonist and the actual narrator as a protagonist as well. Minor characters will also be thoroughly discussed, such as the indirect characterization of the Doctor in ¡§The Last
Firstly, both Sudie and John are indirectly characterized through their actions. Sudie and John are both static characters; they don¡¦t change throughout the whole story in terms of personality traits and characteristics. In the end, Sudie is still the caring roommate and we naturally assume John is still the controlling husband, even though we don¡¦t know for certain. Both Sudie and John are also flat characters, two people that serve a particular purpose in the story. John is indirectly characterized by the narrator, showing minimal traits and characteristics, even after we account the fact that Anon¡¦s recount in her diary were often biased and sometimes untrue. Sudie¡¦s actions and speech only give us a sense of her flat and weak personality; motherly and caring, never showing her darker