EnglishNEB 2076 (old course)
a) What is a summary? Write any four differences between a summary and a precis. [2] b) Write a summary of the story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. [3]
5Answer
a) What is a summary? Four differences between a summary and a precis
What is a summary?
A summary is a brief restatement of the main ideas, key points, and essential details of a text in the writer’s own words. It condenses the original text while retaining its central theme, major arguments, and supporting evidence. A summary is usually longer than a precis and focuses on what the text says rather than how it says it.
Four Differences Between a Summary and a Precis
| Aspect | Summary | Precis |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Longer; retains more details of the original text. | Shorter; highly condensed, often one-third to half the length of the original. |
| Purpose | Provides a general overview of the main ideas. | Gives a critical and concise version, often with the writer’s interpretation. |
| Style | Written in neutral tone; avoids personal opinions. | Written in formal, objective tone but may include critical analysis of the author’s style or arguments. |
| Inclusion of Details | Includes major points and some supporting details. | Excludes minor details; focuses only on essential points and the central idea. |
| Originality | Uses own words but may paraphrase key phrases. | Must be written in strictly the writer’s own words without direct borrowing. |
b) Summary of The Last Leaf by O. Henry
The Last Leaf is a touching short story by O. Henry that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and the will to live. The story revolves around two struggling artists, Joanna and Sue, who share a small apartment in Greenwich Village, New York. Sue falls seriously ill with pneumonia, and her doctor tells her that her life depends on her will to live. As her condition worsens, she becomes obsessed with watching an ivy leaf on a vine outside their window. She believes that when the last leaf falls, she will die.
Joanna, desperate to save Sue, meets Mr. Behrman, an old painter who lives in the same building. She convinces him to paint a leaf on the wall to keep Sue’s hope alive. Behrman, a struggling artist himself, agrees and works through the night to create a realistic-looking leaf. Sue recovers, believing the leaf is real, and her will to live strengthens.
However, the real tragedy unfolds when Sue discovers that Behrman has sacrificed his own life to paint the leaf. He had caught pneumonia while painting outdoors in the cold and dies. The story ends with Joanna and Sue visiting Behrman’s studio, where they find his masterpiece—a beautiful painting of the last leaf—hanging proudly. The story highlights how selflessness and hope can triumph over despair, even in the face of death.
Key Takeaways:
- Symbolism: The last leaf represents hope and resilience.
- Sacrifice: Behrman’s death symbolizes selfless love for his friends.
- Irony: The story ends with a bittersweet twist, revealing Behrman’s ultimate sacrifice.
Discussion
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