The Last Leaf by O. Henry: Ultimate Guide

Explore The Last Leaf by O. Henry, a touching tale from Class 9‘s Moments. Dive into its themes of hope, sacrifice, and friendship, with a summary, key questions, and insights for students and teachers alike!

Summary of The Last Leaf

Set in Greenwich Village, New York, The Last Leaf by O. Henry tells the story of two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who share a small flat. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia during a cold autumn. Overwhelmed with despair, she becomes convinced that she will die when the last ivy leaf on the vine outside their window falls. Sue, deeply worried for her friend, tries to lift Johnsy’s spirits but finds it challenging to break her gloomy resolve.

Their elderly neighbour, Behrman, a struggling artist who has always dreamt of painting a masterpiece, learns of Johnsy’s morbid belief. One stormy night, when the last leaf seems destined to drop, Behrman secretly paints an extraordinarily lifelike leaf on the wall where the vine clings. The painted leaf does not fall, giving Johnsy renewed hope and the will to recover. Tragically, Behrman catches pneumonia that night and dies, but his act of sacrifice saves Johnsy. His painted leaf becomes his long-awaited masterpiece, embodying love, sacrifice, and inspiration.

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Themes in The Last Leaf

1. Hope and the Will to Live: The story highlights the powerful connection between hope and survival. Johnsy’s belief in her inevitable death reflects the fragility of the human spirit when overcome by despair. The painted leaf, a symbol of hope, revives her will to live and demonstrates that a spark of belief can reignite determination.
2. Sacrifice and Selflessness: Behrman’s ultimate sacrifice underlines the profound impact of selfless acts. Though he leads an unfulfilled life as an artist, his final gesture immortalises his legacy. His painted leaf not only saves Johnsy but also reveals the depth of his care for others.
3. Art as a Medium of Expression: Behrman’s masterpiece proves that art has the power to inspire and heal. His painted leaf becomes a testament to the ability of art to transcend mere aesthetics, influencing emotions and offering solace.
4. Friendship and Support: Sue’s unwavering care for Johnsy underscores the importance of companionship during difficult times. Her efforts to uplift Johnsy show the role of friendship in fostering resilience.

Questions and Answers of The Last Leaf

1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?Johnsy has pneumonia. Medicine helps physically, but her willingness to live, inspired by the ivy leaf, is key to her recovery.
2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?Yes, teenagers often face depression due to academic, social, and personal pressures. Support and small gestures of hope can help them recover.
3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?Behrman dreams of creating a masterpiece. It comes true with his painted leaf, which saves Johnsy and symbolises hope and sacrifice.
4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?Behrman’s masterpiece is the painted ivy leaf. Sue calls it so because it is lifelike, selfless, and saves Johnsy’s life.

Important Questions and Answers

1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
   Johnsy has pneumonia. Medicine helps physically, but her willingness to live, inspired by the ivy leaf, is key to her recovery.
2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
   Yes, teenagers often face depression due to academic, social, and personal pressures. Support and small gestures of hope can help them recover.
3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
   Behrman dreams of creating a masterpiece. It comes true with his painted leaf, which saves Johnsy and symbolises hope and sacrifice.
4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
   Behrman’s masterpiece is the painted ivy leaf. Sue calls it so because it is lifelike, selfless, and saves Johnsy’s life.
5. Why does Johnsy tie her fate to the falling ivy leaves?
   Johnsy feels hopeless and irrationally believes her life is tied to the ivy vine. The falling leaves mirror her declining will to live.
6. How does Sue support Johnsy during her illness?
   Sue stays by Johnsy’s side, tries to cheer her up, and seeks help from Behrman, demonstrating the strength of her friendship and care.
7. What does the ivy leaf symbolise in the story?
   The ivy leaf symbolises hope, resilience, and the power of belief, reminding readers of the importance of inner strength during adversity.
8. Why is Behrman’s sacrifice significant?
   Behrman’s sacrifice is significant because it saves Johnsy’s life, proving the impact of selfless love and turning his painting into a true masterpiece.
9. How does the painted leaf affect Johnsy’s perspective on life?
   The painted leaf restores Johnsy’s hope and inspires her to fight for her life, showing how small acts can ignite profound change.
10. What is the central message of The Last Leaf?
    The central message of The Last Leaf by O. Henry is that hope, selflessness, and kindness have the power to transform lives. Through small but meaningful gestures, individuals can inspire resilience and restore the will to live.