In “Gwilan’s Harp” by Ursula K. LeGuin, Gwilan experiences the loss of her harp. Gwilan’s most prized possession and her means of living is suddenly taken from her when tragedy strikes and the harp is smashed by a cart being pulled by a frightened horse. “The cart had tipped over and dragged on it. It was in its case of leather and embroidered silk, but when, one –handed, she got the case out from under the wheel and opened it, she did not take out a harp, but a piece of wood, and another piece, and a tangle of strings, and a sliver of ivory, and a twisted shell of silver chased …show more content…
Henry, everyone experiences loss when Behrman dies of pneumonia after saving Johnsy’s life. When Johnsy sees that the last leaf has not fallen she decides that she will not die today. Little did she know but the last leaf was not a leaf at all. In fact it was Mr. Behrmans last work. Nobody expected Mr. Behrman, a supposed failure to paint a masterpiece that would save a life. So when Mr. Behrman dies, “Mr. Behrman died of pneumonia today in the hospital...” (O. Henry) readers are shocked with the sudden turn of events. Mr. Behrman’s tragic death comes suddenly after the uplifting knowledge that Johnsy will live. In this short story, loss can be felt through the pages as the characters, as well as the readers, are struck with the sudden tragic loss of our hero, Mr.