In the two stories “Where Love Is, There Is God Also” and “The Last Leaf” we see two characters who change the outcome of peoples lives. Both Martin Avdeich and Mr. Behrman were similar in character but also very different. Both of the men helped others they knew and helped change others outlook on life.
Both Martin and Mr.Behrman were bitter when we first saw them in the beginning of the stories. Martin was bitter because of the loss of his son at a young age, but later his heart changed when he discovered God. “From that time Martin’s whole life changed. It became peaceful and joyful .” Mr. Behrman was different. He was always bitter but had a soft spot for the little girl in his story. He was described as “fierce old man, who scoffed terribly at the softness in anyone . ”
Both Martin and Mr. Behrman took different approaches when they helped people. Mr. Behrman helped Johnsy, a little girl who lived in the same building. He helped Johnsy by secretly painting the leaf back on the wall during the night. Johnsy didn’t find out that it was Mr. Behrman who painted the leaf until he died two days later. Mr. Behrman gave Johnsy a fighting chance by painting the leaf and made her want to seek wellness.
Martin took a different approach when he helped the people outside his shop. When Martin saw someone who needed help he would approach the person and invite them in his shop. “Come in, and warm yourself a bit ” he would say to the first person he helped. He also taught an old woman and young boy a lesson in repentance and forgiveness. The old woman caught the boy trying to steal. She let the boy go and in return the young boy, in remorse, carried her bag through the market.
In conclusion Mr. Behrman and Martin Avdeich were both good men who helped their fellow man. The two men may have used different methods when helping others, but they still made an impact on the lives of those they helped.
