中文摘要：本文以《麦琪的礼物》和《最后一片常春藤叶》中的环境描写为切入点，分析它们在短篇小说中的作用和艺术价值。本文还将把环境描写与欧·亨利的背景信息结合起来，挖掘他们之间的联系，并发现短篇小说中对美国社会的反映。本文还将比较欧·亨利与其他美国作家在背景描写方面的特点。

关键词：欧·亨利；环境描写；环境描写的功能和艺术价值；美国社会

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction of O.Henry-1

1.2 Introduction of "The Gift of the Magi" and "Last Leaf"-2

1.3 Introduction of historical and social background-2

2. Setting descriptions in “the Gift of the Magi” and “Last Leaf”-4

2.1 The definition of setting description-4

2.2 The setting descriptions in “The Gift of the Magi”-5

2.3 The setting descriptions in “Last Leaf”-8

2.4 The comparison among O.Henry and other writers in setting descriptions-11

3. Analysis of American society via the descriptions of the settings-19

3.1 Analysis of the settings with American social reality-19

3.2 Analysis of the settings with O.Henry’s attitude towards the society-20

4. Conclusion-22