The last leaf–Class-9–English–Summary–questions-and-answers–CBSE-NCERT

 

 

Summary: The Last Leaf by O. Henry

 

“The Last Leaf” is a touching story about friendship, hope, and the power of sacrifice. It revolves around two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who live together in a small apartment in Greenwich Village. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia during winter. She becomes hopeless and believes she will die when the last ivy leaf falls from the vine outside her window. Despite Sue’s efforts to cheer her up, Johnsy loses her will to live.

 

Their old neighbour, Behrman, an unsuccessful but kind-hearted painter, learns about Johnsy’s belief. One stormy night, he paints a realistic leaf on the wall after the last real leaf falls. The painted leaf never falls, giving Johnsy hope and courage to recover. Sadly, Behrman catches pneumonia while painting the leaf in the cold and dies. His sacrifice saves Johnsy’s life.

 

The story beautifully conveys the message of hope, selflessness, and the healing power of art and love.

 

 

Glossary:

 

Pneumonia – A serious lung disease that causes breathing difficulty and weakness.

 

Ivy creeper – A climbing plant with green leaves growing along walls or windows.

 

Masterpiece – The best or most excellent work of an artist.

 

Canvas – A strong cloth surface on which artists paint.

 

Whims – Sudden and unusual ideas or wishes.

 

Feverishly – Acting with great excitement or energy.

 

Gazing – Looking steadily at something for a long time.

 

Sacrifice – Giving up something valuable for the sake of others.

 

Realistic – Something that looks true to life or natural.

 

Hope – A feeling of expectation or belief that something good will happen.

 

Illusion – A false idea or belief; something that seems real but isn’t.

 

Determined – Firmly decided or strong-willed to do something.

 

Lonely – Feeling sad because one is alone.

 

Drizzle – Very light rain.

 

Shivering – Trembling or shaking due to cold, fear, or weakness.

 

 

Short Questions and Answers

 

Q1. Who were Sue and Johnsy?

Ans. Sue and Johnsy were two young artists who lived together in a small apartment in Greenwich Village. They were close friends and cared deeply for each other.

 

Q2. What happened to Johnsy?

Ans. Johnsy fell seriously ill with pneumonia during the cold winter. Her illness made her weak and hopeless about life.

 

Q3. What strange idea came into Johnsy’s mind?

Ans. Johnsy believed that she would die when the last leaf on the ivy creeper outside her window fell.

 

Q4. What did Sue do to help Johnsy recover?

Ans. Sue looked after Johnsy, called the doctor, and tried to cheer her up with stories, paintings, and positive talks.

 

Q5. Who was Behrman?

Ans. Behrman was an old painter living in the same building. He had never created a masterpiece but always dreamed of painting one.

 

Q6. Why was Behrman worried about Johnsy?

Ans. Behrman felt sad that Johnsy had lost her hope to live. He wanted to help her regain faith and courage.

 

Q7. What did Behrman do to save Johnsy’s life?

Ans. On a stormy night, Behrman went out in the cold and painted a realistic ivy leaf on the wall after the last real leaf fell.

 

Q8. What was Behrman’s masterpiece?

Ans. Behrman’s masterpiece was the painted ivy leaf, which gave Johnsy hope and courage to live again.

 

Q9. What happened to Behrman after painting the leaf?

Ans. Behrman caught pneumonia due to the cold and rain while painting the leaf and died two days later.

 

Q10. How did Johnsy react when she saw the last leaf?

Ans. When Johnsy saw the last leaf still on the vine, she realized she had been foolish to lose hope and decided to live.

 

Q11. What lesson does the story “The Last Leaf” teach us?

Ans. The story teaches us the value of hope, courage, friendship, and selfless sacrifice for others.

 

Q12. What did the doctor tell Sue about Johnsy’s chances of recovery?

Ans. The doctor said Johnsy could recover only if she regained her will to live; medicine alone wouldn’t help.

 

Q13. How did Sue try to distract Johnsy from her thoughts?

Ans. Sue brought her drawing materials into Johnsy’s room and started painting to keep her engaged and cheerful.

 

Q14. What was Johnsy’s dream before she fell ill?

Ans. Before her illness, Johnsy dreamed of painting the Bay of Naples one day.

 

Q15. What was the weather like when Behrman painted the leaf?

Ans. It was a cold, dark, and stormy night with wind and rain when Behrman painted the leaf.

 

Q16. Why did Johnsy count the falling leaves?

Ans. Johnsy believed that her life was connected to the ivy leaves, and when the last leaf fell, she would die too.

 

Q17. What did Sue and the doctor think about Johnsy’s condition?

Ans. They believed her illness was both physical and mental, and that she could recover only by regaining hope.

 

Q18. How did Sue feel when Johnsy began to recover?

Ans. Sue was filled with joy and relief when Johnsy regained her strength and hope to live.

 

Q19. What is the main theme of the story?

Ans. The main theme is the power of hope, friendship, sacrifice, and the healing effect of love and art.

 

Q20. What was Behrman’s attitude towards the idea of dying when the last leaf fell?

Ans. Behrman considered Johnsy’s idea foolish but was deeply moved to help her believe in life again.

 

Q21. Why is Behrman called a true artist?

Ans. Behrman is called a true artist because he created his greatest artwork—the painted leaf—out of love and sacrifice.

 

Q22. What did Sue tell Johnsy when she saw her looking out the window?

Ans. Sue scolded her gently, asking her not to look at the ivy leaves and think negatively about dying.

 

Q23. How did the painted leaf look to Johnsy?

Ans. The painted leaf looked so real and fresh that Johnsy believed it was the real ivy leaf that had survived the storm.

 

Q24. What role does nature play in the story?

Ans. Nature, in the form of the ivy creeper, reflects Johnsy’s feelings—its falling leaves symbolize her loss of hope, and the painted leaf symbolizes rebirth.

 

Q25. What message does O. Henry convey through the story?

Ans. O. Henry conveys that selfless love, courage, and hope can bring light even in the darkest moments of life.

 

Q26. Why did Behrman’s painting become his “masterpiece”?

Ans. Because it not only looked lifelike but also saved a life—making it his greatest and most meaningful work.

 

Q27. What was Sue’s reaction when she learned about Behrman’s sacrifice?

Ans. Sue was deeply moved and tearful, realizing that Behrman had died after saving Johnsy’s life through his art.

 

Q28. How does “The Last Leaf” reflect true friendship?

Ans. The story shows how Sue and Behrman cared for Johnsy selflessly, proving that true friendship means standing by others in difficult times.

 

Q29. What realization did Johnsy have at the end of the story?

Ans. Johnsy realized that her belief was foolish and that life is precious. She decided to live with hope and gratitude.

 

Q30. Why is the story titled “The Last Leaf”?

Ans. The title symbolizes the leaf that became a sign of hope and survival for Johnsy — it was the last but strongest leaf that changed her life.

 

 

Long Questions and Answers

 

Q1. Write the story of “The Last Leaf” in your own words.

 

Ans. “The Last Leaf” is a touching story about friendship, hope, and sacrifice. It is about two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who live together in Greenwich Village. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes hopeless. She believes that she will die when the last ivy leaf falls from the creeper outside her window. Their old neighbor, Behrman, decides to help her. On a stormy night, he paints a leaf on the wall after the last real one falls. The next morning, seeing the leaf still there, Johnsy regains her will to live and recovers. However, Behrman dies of pneumonia. His painted leaf becomes his masterpiece and a symbol of selfless love.

 

Q2. What is the theme or message of the story “The Last Leaf”?

 

Ans. The main theme of “The Last Leaf” is hope, sacrifice, and the power of love and friendship. The story teaches that life is precious and that hope gives us strength to overcome difficulties. Johnsy loses her will to live, but the painted leaf gives her courage to fight her illness. Behrman’s sacrifice shows the true meaning of humanity — doing something selflessly for others. O. Henry beautifully portrays that even the smallest act of kindness can save a life. The story encourages optimism and the belief that art and compassion have the power to heal and inspire.

 

Q3. Describe the character of Behrman.

 

Ans. Behrman is an old artist who lives downstairs in the same building as Sue and Johnsy. He is rough in manner and speech but has a kind heart. Though he dreams of painting a masterpiece, he never succeeds in his lifetime. However, his true masterpiece is not a painting for fame, but one of love and sacrifice — the painted ivy leaf that saves Johnsy’s life. He goes out in a stormy night to paint it, catches pneumonia, and dies. Behrman symbolizes the spirit of selflessness and devotion to art. His final act proves that great art comes from compassion and sacrifice.

 

Q4. How did Behrman’s masterpiece save Johnsy’s life?

 

Ans. When Johnsy became hopeless and believed she would die as the last ivy leaf fell, Behrman decided to help her. On a cold and rainy night, he painted a realistic ivy leaf on the wall after the last real one had fallen. The next morning, Johnsy saw the leaf still there and thought it had survived the storm. This sight gave her courage, faith, and the will to live again. She started eating and recovered gradually. Behrman’s painted leaf became his “masterpiece” because it not only looked lifelike but also saved a life. His act of sacrifice gave new life to Johnsy, though he lost his own.

 

Q5. Describe the friendship between Sue and Johnsy.

 

Ans. Sue and Johnsy were two young artists and very close friends who lived together in a small apartment in Greenwich Village. They supported each other emotionally and shared their dreams and struggles. When Johnsy fell ill with pneumonia, Sue took care of her like a sister. She worked hard, stayed positive, and tried to lift Johnsy’s spirits even when she lost hope. Sue’s deep affection and concern are seen when she calls the doctor, paints near Johnsy’s bed to distract her, and comforts her throughout her illness. Their friendship is a beautiful example of loyalty, care, and love that can help people through their darkest times.

 

Q6. What role does hope play in the story “The Last Leaf”?

 

Ans. Hope is the central idea of “The Last Leaf.” Johnsy loses her will to live when she falls ill, believing her life will end with the last ivy leaf. Her hopelessness weakens her further. But the leaf painted by Behrman becomes a symbol of hope and strength. It teaches her that she can fight and survive. As soon as she regains hope, her health starts improving. O. Henry beautifully conveys that hope can bring life back even in the toughest situations, while losing hope can destroy it. The story reminds us never to give up, no matter how difficult life seems.

 

Q7. How does O. Henry use irony in “The Last Leaf”?

 

Ans. The story “The Last Leaf” is full of irony. The greatest irony lies in Behrman’s “masterpiece.” He had always wanted to paint a masterpiece that would make him famous. Ironically, his true masterpiece was the painted leaf that saved Johnsy’s life but cost him his own. Another irony is that Johnsy, who was expected to die, survives, while Behrman, who was healthy, dies. This contrast between life and death makes the story powerful. O. Henry uses irony to highlight the themes of sacrifice, love, and the unpredictability of life.

 

Q8. Why did Johnsy link her life with the falling leaves?

 

Ans. When Johnsy fell ill with pneumonia, she became mentally weak and superstitious. Watching the ivy creeper outside her window, she started believing that when the last leaf fell, she would die too. The falling leaves seemed to her like a countdown to her own death. Her belief shows her hopelessness and loss of willpower. This strange thought symbolizes how depression and fear can control the mind. However, when the last painted leaf stayed on, she regained hope and realized how foolish she had been to give up on life.

 

Q9. What does the painted leaf symbolize in the story?

 

Ans. The painted leaf is the central symbol in “The Last Leaf.” It represents hope, courage, and the strength to survive. To Johnsy, the leaf becomes a sign that life is still possible, even in the harshest times. For Behrman, the painted leaf is a symbol of selfless love and artistic greatness. It shows that true art is not about fame but about inspiring life and goodness. The leaf’s permanence in the storm symbolizes that hope never truly dies if we believe in it.

 

Q10. What lesson do we learn from Behrman’s sacrifice?

 

Ans. Behrman’s sacrifice teaches us the true meaning of love, humanity, and selflessness. He risked and lost his own life to give hope to a dying girl. His act of painting the leaf shows that even one person’s kindness can make a huge difference. His sacrifice brings Johnsy back to life and gives purpose to his own. O. Henry’s story reminds us that the greatest acts of kindness often go unnoticed but have the deepest impact on others. It teaches us to care for others and never lose faith in humanity.

 

Q11. How did Sue show her concern for Johnsy?

 

Ans. Sue was extremely caring and devoted towards her sick friend Johnsy. She called the doctor regularly, prepared food, and tried to keep Johnsy cheerful. She scolded her gently when she talked negatively and encouraged her to think positively. She painted beside her to keep her engaged and told her happy stories to distract her from her illness. Even when she was worried, Sue stayed strong to give Johnsy confidence. Her care and love reflect the deep bond of friendship between them.

 

Q12. Describe the ending of “The Last Leaf.”

 

Ans. The ending of “The Last Leaf” is emotional and full of meaning. Johnsy recovers when she sees the leaf still clinging to the vine and realizes her foolishness. Sue then tells her the truth — the last leaf was painted by Behrman, who died of pneumonia after completing it. The ending highlights Behrman’s sacrifice and makes his painting a true masterpiece. It leaves the reader with a message of hope, compassion, and the beauty of selfless love.

 

Q13. What is the role of the doctor in the story?

 

Ans. The doctor plays a small but important role. He treats Johnsy and tells Sue that her friend will recover only if she regains the will to live. Through his words, the author shows that medicine alone cannot cure a person without mental strength and hope. The doctor also appreciates Sue for taking good care of her friend. His remarks emphasize the story’s central message — that hope and care are powerful healers.

 

Q14. What change occurred in Johnsy after seeing the last leaf?

 

Ans. When Johnsy saw that the last leaf had not fallen even after a stormy night, she felt ashamed of her hopelessness. She realized that life is valuable and worth fighting for. Her belief in death turned into faith in life. She began to eat properly, regained strength, and decided to live and paint again. The leaf inspired her to overcome her illness. Her transformation shows how one symbol of hope can change a person’s life completely.

 

Q15. How is the title “The Last Leaf” appropriate?

 

Ans. The title “The Last Leaf” is perfect and symbolic. It refers to the leaf that becomes the turning point in Johnsy’s life. It represents faith, hope, and survival. While the last real leaf falls, the painted leaf remains as a sign of courage and rebirth. It saves Johnsy’s life and becomes Behrman’s masterpiece. The title also symbolizes the endurance of hope even in darkness. Thus, it beautifully captures the message of the story.

 

Q16. What does the story teach about art and life?

 

Ans. “The Last Leaf” shows that true art is born from love and humanity. Behrman’s painting was not meant for fame or money, but to give life to someone who had lost hope. His art connects beauty with sacrifice, showing that creativity has power beyond imagination. The story also teaches that art can inspire, heal, and change lives. O. Henry uses Behrman’s act to show that the purpose of art — and life — is to serve and uplift others.

 

Q17. What moral values do you learn from Sue and Behrman?

 

Ans. From Sue, we learn about love, patience, and dedication. She never gives up on her sick friend and supports her with kindness. From Behrman, we learn the values of selflessness, courage, and sacrifice. He risks his life to bring hope to Johnsy. Both characters show that true goodness lies in helping others. The story teaches moral values like compassion, humanity, and the power of selfless deeds.

 

Q18. How did O. Henry make “The Last Leaf” emotional and realistic?

 

Ans. O. Henry made the story emotional by using realistic characters, simple settings, and powerful emotions. The fear of death, friendship, sacrifice, and hope are things everyone can relate to. His description of the cold weather, the ivy vine, and the small apartment creates a believable world. The sudden twist — Behrman’s death — adds emotional depth and surprise. The story feels real because it shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary acts out of love.

 

Q19. What lesson does Johnsy learn at the end of the story?

 

Ans. Johnsy learns that life is precious and should never be given up easily. She realizes that her belief in dying with the last leaf was foolish. Seeing the painted leaf that never fell gives her new strength and wisdom. She understands the importance of hope and human kindness. The story ends with her decision to live again, making her spiritually stronger and more mature.

 

Q20. Why is Behrman’s death called a sacrifice?

 

Ans. Behrman’s death is called a sacrifice because he gave his life to save Johnsy. Knowing she had lost hope, he went out on a stormy night to paint a leaf that would restore her faith. He caught pneumonia and died two days later. His action was selfless and full of compassion. He didn’t expect recognition; he simply wanted to save a young life. His death shows the power of love and sacrifice — making him the true hero of the story.