The Last Leaf

by O. Henry

The Last Leaf: Dialect 1 key example

Dialect
Explanation and Analysis—Behrman Alone:

Mr. Behrman’s speech is written in a stylized dialect that imitates the sound of his Eastern European accent. When Sue tells him that Johnsy fears she will die when the last leaf falls outside her window, he replies: 

"Is dere people in de world mit der foolishness to die because leafs dey drop off from a confounded vine? I haf not heard of such a thing. No, I will not bose as a model for your fool hermit-dunderhead. Vy do you allow dot silly pusiness to come in der prain of her? Ach, dot poor lettle Miss Johnsy."