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Comparing Hardship In Gwilan's Harp, And The Last Leaf

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The most incredible, inspirational stories express the importance of experiencing hardship. For without hardship, there is no victory. Readers learn of this essential lesson through three short stories, “Gwilan’s Harp” by Ursula K. LeGuin, “The Washwoman” by Isaac Singer, and “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. In these short stories, readers witness as Gwilan, the washerwoman, and Behrman surmount their individual battles. None of these characters obtain much in life. However, each of their stories illuminates how to live life well, despite their poverty.

To begin, readers learn the significance of moving on in the book “Gwilan’s Harp” by Ursula K. LeGuin. In Gwilan’s life, she suffers the loss of two of her most beloved possessions, her harp and her loving husband, Torm. In Gwilan’s youth, she obtains only one treasure, her harp. She cares for it more intently than she cares for herself— it is her life. One tragic day, her life suddenly shatters along with her beautiful harp. However, as she seeks to pick up the pieces, she meets her true love, Torm, and they live happily together for the whole of their marriage. Sadly, this too rushes to an …show more content…
LeGuin, “The Washwoman” by Isaac Singer, and “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry present the readers with many priceless lessons for them to put into action in their own lives. They ache with Gwilan, as she pains through loss, but joy with her as she learns the beauty of letting go. Thereafter, the readers stand amazed as the washerwoman fights against old age and perfectly pictures the mindset for a life well-lived. Then, Behrman humbles the readers with his incredible sacrifice and love for Johnsy, when he gives his life in place of hers. Gwilan, the washerwoman, and Behrman, all fought their own individual battles, but in the end, each of them claimed victory. Ultimately, these books teach the importance of life and how each person chooses to live

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