Deciphering The Last Leaf: A Barthesian Approach to O. Henry’s Short Story

Abstract

Structuralism is a critical approach that seeks to uncover the underlying systems and structures that shape human perception, particularly through language, literature, and culture. Within this framework, Roland Barthes introduced the theory of five narrative codes, which he argued are embedded in all literary texts. These codes the Hermeneutic, Proairetic, Semantic, Symbolic, and Culturalwork together to create meaning and engage the reader. Although many scholars have applied Barthes’ narrative theory to various literary works, there remains a noticeable gap in research focusing specifically on the application of these five codes to O. Henry’s renowned short story The Last Leaf. This study addresses that gap by employing Catherine Belsey’s method of textual analysis to qualitatively examine the presence and function of Barthes’ narrative codes in The Last Leaf. The analysis reveals that O. Henry’s narrative skillfully incorporates all five of Barthes’ codes. The Hermeneutic code generates suspense and curiosity, while the Proairetic code drives the action forward. These interwoven codes not only enhance the thematic complexity of the story but also intensify the reader’s engagement. By highlighting how Barthes’ codes function within The Last Leaf, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of structuralist analysis in literary interpretation and affirms the enduring relevance of Barthes’ theory in understanding narrative structure and meaning.