The Last Leaf — Class 9 English Notes

Topics covered in The Last Leaf

1. 1.The Last Leaf

   Short Summary:

   "The Last Leaf" is a touching story by O. Henry about two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who live together in a small flat. When Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia, she becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy creeper outside her window. Sue does everything she can to keep her friend's spirits up. In the end, it is the old painter Behrman who, by painting a realistic leaf on the wall after the last real one falls, gives Johnsy the will to live, though it costs him his own life.

   
   

   Long Summary:

   Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, live together in a small flat on the third floor of an old house. In November, Johnsy becomes gravely ill with pneumonia. Despite the doctor's visits, Johnsy's condition does not improve. The doctor privately tells Sue that Johnsy has lost the will to live and that medicine alone won't save her.

   Johnsy becomes obsessed with the idea that she will die when the last leaf falls from an ivy vine she can see through her window. She counts the leaves as they fall, certain that her life will end when the last one drops. Sue tries to take Johnsy's mind off the leaves by talking about other things, but Johnsy remains fixated.

   Sue, desperate to help her friend, confides in Behrman, an old painter who lives downstairs. Behrman has always dreamed of painting a masterpiece but has never succeeded. When Sue tells him about Johnsy's condition and her strange belief, Behrman scoffs but agrees to help.

   That night, as a fierce storm rages, Behrman sneaks out and paints a leaf on the wall where the last leaf of the ivy had been. The next morning, Johnsy is surprised to see that the last leaf has not fallen, despite the storm. Gradually, she regains her will to live.

   However, Behrman catches pneumonia from being out in the cold and dies a few days later. Sue then reveals to Johnsy that the last leaf she saw was actually Behrman's masterpiece, painted to give Johnsy hope.

   
   

   
   

   Key Events:

   1. Johnsy's Illness: Johnsy becomes seriously ill with pneumonia and loses her will to live, believing she will die when the last leaf on the ivy vine outside her window falls.
      
   2. Sue's Concern: Sue, worried about her friend, tries to distract Johnsy and seeks help from Behrman, an old painter.
      
   3. Behrman's Sacrifice: Behrman paints a realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night after the last real leaf falls, sacrificing his health in the process.
   4. Johnsy's Recovery: The sight of the "last leaf" still clinging to the vine gives Johnsy hope, and she begins to recover.
   5. Behrman's Death: Behrman dies of pneumonia, but his final act saves Johnsy's life, making the painted leaf his masterpiece.

   
   

   Lessons to Learn:

   1. Hope and Willpower: The story teaches that the will to live is a powerful force, and hope can be found even in the darkest times.
      
      
   2. Self-Sacrifice: Behrman’s act of painting the leaf demonstrates the theme of self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
      
      
   3. Friendship and Support: The importance of friends who care for and support each other during tough times is emphasized through Sue's actions.

   
   

   Solved Questions & Answers:
   
   

   1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?

      • Answer: Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia. While medicine can help physically, it is her willingness to live that ultimately cures her. The story illustrates how mental strength and hope are crucial in overcoming physical illness.
        
        

   2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?

      • Answer: Yes, feelings of depression and hopelessness can be common among teenagers, especially when they face challenging situations. Just like Johnsy, many teenagers might feel overwhelmed and may need the support of friends and loved ones to regain their strength and hope.
        
        

   3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?

      • Answer: Behrman dreams of painting a masterpiece. His dream comes true in an unexpected way when he paints the last leaf on the wall, which becomes his greatest work as it saves Johnsy's life.
        
        

   4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?

      • Answer: Behrman’s masterpiece is the painted leaf on the wall. Sue calls it his masterpiece because it was a selfless act of love that gave Johnsy the hope to live, even though it cost Behrman his life.

   
   

   Essay Topic:

   The Importance of Hope in 'The Last Leaf'

   Introduction: "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry is a poignant story that highlights the power of hope and the human will to survive even in the face of despair.

   Body:

   • The story centers around Johnsy, who loses hope and believes she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine. This belief symbolizes her loss of will to live, which is a common feeling among those who are severely depressed or ill.
   • Sue's efforts to keep Johnsy's spirits up are crucial, but it is the selfless act of Behrman, who paints the last leaf, that ultimately restores Johnsy's hope. His masterpiece is not just a painted leaf but a symbol of hope that clings to life despite the odds.
   • The story shows that hope can be found in the most unexpected places and that sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

   Conclusion: "The Last Leaf" teaches us that hope is vital for survival. It is a reminder that even when things seem bleak, holding on to hope can lead to recovery and new beginnings.

   
   

   Character Analysis:

   • Johnsy: A young artist who loses hope after falling ill. Her belief that she will die when the last leaf falls symbolizes her depression. However, she regains her will to live when she sees the painted leaf.
     
     
   • Sue: Johnsy's caring and supportive friend who does everything in her power to help Johnsy recover. Her determination and love play a crucial role in Johnsy's survival.
     
     
   • Behrman: An old painter with unfulfilled dreams who finally creates his masterpiece by painting the last leaf. His act of sacrifice shows his deep compassion and becomes the turning point in the story.

   
   Important Quotes:

   1. "When the last leaf falls, I will die," said Johnsy with finality.

      • Meaning: This quote reflects Johnsy's deep despair and her belief that her fate is tied to the falling leaves, showing how her mind has succumbed to hopelessness.
        
        

   2. "That’s Behrman’s masterpiece. He painted it the night the last leaf fell."

      • Meaning: This quote reveals the depth of Behrman’s sacrifice and how his simple act of painting a leaf became a masterpiece of hope and life-saving.