Vine Leaves (Symbol)
The vine leaves around which the story revolves are a symbol of life. At the beginning of the story, Johnsy considers the rapidly falling leaves as ominous predictors of her own death, and she comes to believe that she will die when the last leaf falls. When the last leaf remains attached in spite of fierce winds and persistent rain, Johnsy interprets the leaf to be a sign that she ought to embrace her life, as it is sinful to want to die. Ultimately, the loss of the vine leaves does prove to be symbolically connected to a loss of life; but rather than Johnsy, it is Behrman who loses his life after having painted the last leaf.
Broth (Symbol)
The chicken broth that Sue offers Johnsy is a symbol of health. Though Johnsy initially refuses to drink the broth Sue warms for her, later in the story Johnsy asks that Sue bring her some broth, as well as milk with port wine. With these requests, it is clear that Johnsy has come over to Sue's side and will now commit herself to overcoming her illness.
Bay of Naples (Motif)
The Bay of Naples, which Johnsy wishes one day to paint, is first mentioned when the doctor asks Sue if Johnsy has anything to live for. The doctor dismisses the notion that art could be the thing that would keep Johnsy alive, but the Bay of Naples arises again after Johnsy begins her recovery. The reemergence of Johnsy’s ambition to paint the Bay of Naples is indicative of her rapidly improving condition and renewed desire to live.
