She knew that Johnsy was convinced that she would die when the last leaf fell

from the ivy vine outside her

window. To counteract Johnsy's pessimistic outlook and to give her a reason to hope, Sue decided to lie
about what the doctor said. She told Johnsy that the doctor believed that she would recover and get well.
Sue's intention was to lift Johnsy's spirits, boost her will to live, and help her maintain a positive outlook.
She believed that the power of hope and a positive mental attitude could contribute to Johnsy's recovery.
This lie is a compassionate and supportive act on Sue's part, as she was willing to do whatever it took to
help her friend face her illness with optimism and resilience.
What did Johnsy believe about the falling leaves? Did Sue believe the same thing?
Johnsy believed that the falling leaves from the ivy vine outside her window were a direct counter to her
own impending death. She was convinced that when the last leaf fell, she would also die. This belief was a
manifestation of her deep despair and sense of hopelessness as she battled a serious illness, pneumonia.
Sue, on the other hand, did not share Johnsy's belief. Sue was more optimistic and tried to reassure Johnsy
that the falling leaves had nothing to do with her survival. She believed that Johnsy's fixation on the leaves
was irrational and that her friend's recovery depended on medical treatment and a positive mental
outlook. Despite all the pressure and adversities, it was Sue who could think and act rationally.
Write a brief character sketch of old Behrman. Write a few sentences on the looks and personality of old
Behrman. Behrman is an elderly artist living in the same building as Johnsy and Sue. He is still dreaming of
creating a masterpiece and now works as a poser for budding artists. Behrman possesses a caring and
protective nature. He takes an interest in the well-being of Johnsy and Sue. As soon as he was informed
about Johnsy’s condition, he went immediately to see her. He is a logical person who did not believe in the
fanciful ideations of Johnsy. Behrman's most significant characteristic is his selflessness. He became a hero
in the story when he risked his own life to paint the last leaf on the vine outside Johnsy's window. He did
this in an effort to give Johnsy hope and the will to live, even at the cost of his own life. He is Modest and
Humble and didn’t seek recognition or praise for his actions. He quietly painted the leaf without telling
about it even to Sue. He was also a great artist with passion as it was his painting which looked like a real
leaf and could save someone’s life. He finally painted his masterpiece.
Justify the title of the story ‘The Last Leaf’. /How why the story is entitled ‘The Last Leaf’? The title "The
Last Leaf” is significant and symbolic, as it emphasizes its key themes. The "last leaf" represented hope.
Johnsy believed that she would die when the last leaf fell from the ivy vine outside her window. The
presence of this last leaf, despite harsh weather conditions, became a source of inspiration and hope for
Johnsy and transformed her decision to fight with illness. The last leaf's ability to withstand the storm and
cling to the vine highlights the themes of resilience and perseverance. The last leaf also serves as a symbol
of the power of art and creative expression. The real-looking leaf was the last painting by Behrman, a
struggling artist, and his act of creating this masterpiece had a profound impact on Johnsy. This
masterpiece could successfully save Johnsy’s life. Thus the leaf plays an important role in the story. So the
title of the story ‘The Last Leaf’ is justified.
Draw a brief character-sketch of Sue. She is one of the central character in the story ‘The Last Leaf. She is
an artist young woman sharing an apartment with Johnsy.
Sue is a deeply caring friend who took the role of caregiver when Johnsy fell seriously ill with pneumonia.
She is nurturing and attentive to Johnsy's needs, doing her best to ensure her friend's comfort. She
remained by Johnsy's side and offered her emotional support. She did so by talking to her on different
topics. Sue is optimistic and tried to motivate Johnsy to maintain a positive outlook even during
challenging times by telling her that she must live for friends and doctor has assured that her health is
improving. She is a girl with a practical approach and was a multitasker as she knew that doing work and
gaining money is also equally important for them to survive and she continued to complete her painting.
She could handle the pressure well. Sue is deeply concerned about Johnsy's deteriorating condition.
Despite her worries, she remains resilient and does not give up on Johnsy.
She is kind and noble at heart. She is proactive in calling the doctor in time and also sharing Johnsy’s whims
and fancies with Behrman at the right time. She is a loving and dedicated friend who, despite her own
concerns and fears, remains a pillar of strength for Johnsy throughout the story. Maturity, wisdom,
resourcefulness, concern, love and affection for a friend are the values that make Sue a true friend and a
good human being.
Behrman’s masterpiece helped Johnsy to survive. Explain how the last leaf influenced Johnsy? Behrman's
masterpiece, which is the last leaf he painted on the ivy vine, played a crucial role in influencing Johnsy's
outlook and ultimately helped her to survive.
The last leaf painted by Behrman became a powerful symbol of hope for Johnsy. She initially believed that
she would die when the last leaf fell from the vine outside her window. However, when she saw that the
leaf remained attached to the vine despite a severe storm, she interpreted it as a sign that there is still life
and hope in the world. This symbol of hope directly influenced her outlook on life. It served as a source of
inspiration and motivation for her. She realized that, just like the leaf, she could also defy the odds and
continue living despite her illness. She also realised her mistake of not cooperating with Sue who left no
stone unturned in making her happy and fit again. The last leaf caused a significant shift in Johnsy's
perspective. It transformed her from a person who had given up on life to one who was determined to
survive.
Johnsy felt her survival was related to the falling ivy leaves. Explain how blind beliefs can cause harm to
us? Johnsy was seriously ill with pneumonia. She was highly depressed and lay in bed looking vacantly out
of the window. She would keep watching for hours the creeper up the opposite wall shedding its leaves.
She would count the number of leaves left on the creeper. Johnsy's belief that her survival was related to
the falling ivy leaves is an example of a blind belief that ultimately causes harm to her and her loved ones.
Blind beliefs, especially those based on superstition or irrational fears, can have a negative psychological
impact. In Johnsy's case, her obsession with the falling leaves causes her immense distress and anxiety. Her
belief further isolates her from reality and practical solutions. This fanciful belief made medication less
effective and delayed her recovery It also negatively impacted her emotional and mental well-being.
This affected not just her but also those who deeply cared and loved her. It put an extra toll on her friend
Sue who worked day in and out to take care of her. Also, poor and old Behrman had lost his life in an effort
to rekindle hope and will to live in Johnsy.
Sue played a very important role in saving her friend Johnsy. Explain how she played the role of a trusted
friend? What qualities of her character impressed you? Without Sue’s efforts, Johnsy would not have
recovered. When Johnsy fell ill, Sue did everything for her recovery. When Sue realised Johnsy’s depression
and reluctance to live, she diverted her attention by talking about clothes, fashion, etc. Sue looked after
her like a mother. She tried to instil in her a desire to live a happy life. She kept whistling in order to make
her happy and break her calmness. She tried to convince her that falling leaves is a natural autumn
phenomenon and had nothing to do with her illness and her life. She was prompt in calling the doctor. She
also discussed the whims of Johnsy with Behrman who finally created the ivy leaf on the tree. Finally,
Johnsy was saved. Maturity, wisdom, resourcefulness, concern, love and affection for a friend are the
values that make Sue a true friend and a good human being.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Do you think the story “The Last Leaf” supports this statement? A
friend plays a very important role in one’s life. A true friend supports one in every step. A friend is a person
who stands with you in happiness or crises. A true friend is someone who shows loyalty, support, and care
when you are in need or facing adversity.
Sue is a prime example of a true friend in the story. When Johnsy fell seriously ill and became deeply
pessimistic, Sue was there giving her best to revive her friend. She took the role of caregiver and gave her
unwavering support. Sue's actions highlight her commitment and loyalty to Johnsy during her time of need,
exemplifying the concept of a true friend.
Behrman’s actions also underscore the idea of true friendship. He went to great lengths to help Johnsy
regain hope and the will to live. Behrman's act of painting the last leaf in a storm, despite his own health
vulnerabilities, exemplifies selflessness and friendship in the face of another's adversity.
Genuine friendships are tested and revealed during challenging times. Sue's unwavering support and
Behrman's selfless sacrifice emphasize the value of true friendship when someone is in need.
“You have to live for your friends.” How far do you agree with this advice given by Sue to her friend
Johnsy? / Why did Sue say so? Sue's statement, "You have to live for your friends," reflects her deep
concern for Johnsy's well-being and her attempt to motivate Johnsy to fight her illness.
Sue is aware of Johnsy's despair and hopelessness, which stem from her belief that she will die when the
last leaf falls from the vine outside her window. Sue is concerned that her friend's negative outlook is
impacting her health and that she may lose her will to live.
She is trying to provide Johnsy with motivation and emotional support. She understands that Johnsy needs
a reason to keep fighting her illness. By emphasizing the importance of living for their friends, Sue hopes to
remind Johnsy of the people who care about her and whose lives would be affected by her death.
Sue's statement implies a sense of responsibility and love. She is suggesting that Johnsy has an obligation
to herself and to her friends to continue living. Sue's message is a reminder of the emotional bonds and
responsibilities that exist within their friendship.
In essence, Sue's words are a heartfelt and well-intentioned plea to inspire Johnsy to overcome her despair
and fight for her life. Sue is trying to make Johnsy understand that her life matters not only to herself but
also to her friends who care about her deeply.
What is the need to maintain a positive attitude in life? Comment with reference to Johnsy’s attitude to
life? / Willingness to live is more important than medication. Comment. Johnsy's initial despair and lack
of will to live contributed to her deteriorating health, even though she was receiving medical treatment for
pneumonia. She became fixated on the falling leaves outside her window and believed that her life would
end when the last leaf fell. This is a metaphor for her hopelessness. It is only when she sees the last leaf,
painted by Behrman as a symbol of hope, that her attitude began to change. The presence of the leaf
instilled hope in her, which motivated her to fight her illness.
A positive mental attitude and the desire to live can have a significant impact on a person's psychological
well-being. Medication addresses the physical symptoms of an illness, but a patient's mental state and
emotional well-being also play a crucial role in the recovery process. Johnsy's change in attitude and
newfound will to live improved her emotional state and gave her the mental strength to continue fighting
her illness. While medication remains a vital component of treating illnesses, "The Last Leaf" highlights the
importance of the mind-body connection and how the will to live can be a powerful force in the healing
process. It underscores the idea that a positive attitude and hope can work alongside medical treatment to
improve a patient's chances of recovery.
The story ‘The Last Leaf is a story of supreme sacrifice. Do you agree? A message of the story is that
sacrifice is a great virtue. Johnsy, a young artist, falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes convinced
that she will die when the last ivy leaf outside her window falls. This belief is out of her fanciful imagination
due to her despair and hopelessness. But Behrman and Sue brought her out of this illogical idea and
convinced her that there was no relationship between her life and the falling of a leaf.
Sue, her close friend and roommate, is deeply concerned for Johnsy and does everything she can to help
her recover. She tries to change Johnsy's perspective and encourages her to fight the illness. However,
Johnsy's obsession with the falling ivy leaf continues, and her condition worsens. Sue tried her best to
make Johnsy take an interest in things around her by talking about clothes and fashions but Johnsy did not
respond. She exhibited the values of sincerity and commitment to her friend by calling the doctor. She
tried to lift Johnsy’s spirits by talking cheerfully to her and thus exemplifying the value of unwavering
support to a depressed friend. She would sit beside Johnsy’s bed and paint so that she could earn for
herself and Johnsy. She comforted Johnsy and dealt with her cranky behaviour very patiently. With her
cheerful disposition and her optimism, she tried her best to reassure Johnsy that the old ivy leaves had
nothing to do with her illness. Sensing the seriousness of Johnsy’s health and her state of mind, she at once
sought Behrman’s help. Sue proves to be a compassionate human being and a true friend who sacrificed a
lot and did all her bit to revive her friend.
The character of Behrman, an old painter who lives in the same building, is the one who ultimately
embodies the theme of supreme sacrifice. He cares about Johnsy and Sue. When he learns about Johnsy's
condition and her belief in the last leaf, he decides to paint a leaf without caring about the harsh winter
storm. This selfless act costs Behrman his life, as he contracts pneumonia and succumbs to the illness. He
sacrificed his own life so his friend wouldn’t lose hope and recover from her illness. He goes out of his way
to keep Johnsy’s hope alive. This sacrifice does not go in vain. Not only does Johnsy recover but Behrman
also manages to create the masterpiece that he had yearned for all his life.
Sometimes people have deceptive appearances and their gruff exteriors hide a generous heart. Find
traits in Behrman’s character to prove this point. Behrman certainly exemplifies the idea that people can
have deceptive appearances and that their gruff exteriors can hide a generous heart. He is depicted as an
old, struggling painter living in the same apartment building as Johnsy and Sue. He is a dreamer with a
dream to paint a masterpiece. He often shows a tough exterior to the world.
Despite his gruff demeanour, Behrman cares for Johnsy and Sue. He takes an interest in their well-being,
especially when he learns that Johnsy is seriously ill with pneumonia, he immediately goes to see Johnsy.
He is a dependable person as Sue poured out her worries to him when Johnsy’s health deteriorated. He is a
logical person who does not believe in the fanciful connection made by Johnsy between her life and falling
leaves. He goes to great lengths to try and help Johnsy through her illness. He understands the girth of the
situation and makes prompt decisions to meet Johnsy and then paint the last leaf to revive her faith.
Behrman's true character is revealed when he decides to paint the last leaf on the vine outside Johnsy's
window, even though he knows it might cost him his life. He makes this selfless sacrifice in an effort to give
Johnsy hope and the will to live. He paints the leaf in the midst of a storm, risking his own health. Behrman
doesn't seek recognition or praise for his actions. He quietly goes about his work, keeping it a secret from
Johnsy and Sue. He doesn't boast about his heroic act, further emphasizing his genuine and humble nature.
His generous spirit shines through despite his tough exterior. Due to his great sacrifice, his life became
immortal and his art became a masterpiece. His noble act is an example of extraordinary gesture of
humanity. His actions demonstrate the idea that appearances can be deceptive, and true character often
lies beneath the surface.
What were the financial conditions of Sue and Johnsy? How can you say so? The story mentions that Sue
and Johnsy share a small studio apartment at the top of an old building. This suggests that their living
conditions are modest and not luxurious. Sue takes on the role of caregiver to Johnsy, preparing her meals
and completing her sketches in order to earn money. This suggests that they are living on a tight budget
and cannot afford outside assistance. Sue also urges Johnsy to let the curtain be open so that she can
complete her artwork. This suggests that their financial condition is not sound and they cannot even afford
electricity bills and are utilising sunlight to the maximum.
Jonsy’s character sketch Johnsy is a young woman ar st living in a shared house. She was seriously ill due
to pneumonia and as an effect she has lost all hope to live believing that she will die when the last leaf falls
from the ivy vine outside her window. This also shows that she is a bit supers ous and believes in such
silly ideas. She is emo onally vulnerable whose emo ons got hit due to a curable disease and shows that
she does not remain tough in tough mes. She was also open to transforma ons and over the course of the
story, Johnsy shi s from a person who had given up on life to one who is determined to survive. The sight
of the last leaf outside her window plays a pivotal role in this transforma on. The story also shows that
Johnsy had such a great connec on with her friends that they were happily ready to help her beyond their
own limits.
Describe the colony where the ar sts lived.
Sue, Johnsy, and Behrman, lived in a small apartment. Since Sue and Johnsy lived on third floor, so it
suggests that it was a mul storey building. Their apartment seems to be a simple and modest place as their
house served both as home and working space. Also it is not a luxurious place as Sue insists Johnsy to keep
the curtain open so that she could complete her sketch indica ng that it was a house devoid of luxury. Sue
and Johnsy who were both budding ar sts lived with Behrman at ground floor suggests that it was the
colony of ar sts. Their neighbourhood must be conducive for the ar s c pursuits. And it seemed to be a
colony of like minded people sharing similar interests and struggles.
Why did behrman spend a night out in storm and rain?
Behrman spends a night out in the storm and rain to create his masterpiece, which is the last leaf he paints
on the ivy vine outside Johnsy's window. He does this for a very selfless and compassionate reason.
Behrman learns about Johnsy's belief that she will die when the last leaf falls from the vine. He understands
that Johnsy's convic on has le her in a state of despair, leading to a lack of will to live. Behrman is deeply
moved by Johnsy's condi on, and he wants to give her hope and inspire her to con nue figh ng her illness.
So, despite the inclement weather and the risks to his own health, Behrman decides to paint a leaf on the
vine. He is willing to endure the storm and rain to create this masterpiece, knowing that the sight of the last
leaf remaining on the vine will provide Johnsy with a symbol of hope and resilience. His inten on is to
encourage Johnsy to believe in life and to help her regain her will to live.
Behrman's selfless act of pain ng the last leaf is an act of great sacrifice, love, and compassion. It serves as
a turning point in the story and plays a crucial role in Johnsy's transforma on, as it inspires her to con nue
living and figh ng her illness.
The Last Leaf is a story that gives the message of courage, hope and op mism. Elaborate. "The Last Leaf"
by O. Henry is indeed a story that conveys powerful messages of courage, hope, and op mism. Johnsy had
fixated her remaining life directly to the number of leaves le on the ivy vine.
Sue - To handle the adverse condi ons of severely sick and depressed friend, Sue showed the ul mate
courage. She single handedly prepared all the meals, and provided other basic needs of Johnsy. She also
showed her courage in counterac ng Johnsy’s nega ve thoughts with her posi ve and hopeful outlook. In
such tough mes, she was bold enough to stay composed and take all decisions of talking to doctor and
Behrman well in me. She also tried hard to transfer her op mism to Johnsy as well by assuring her that
her health had no rela on with the falling leaves.
Behrman - Behrman learns about Johnsy's belief that she will die when the last leaf falls from the vine. He
understands that Johnsy's convic on has le her in a state of despair, leading to a lack of will to live.
Behrman is deeply moved by Johnsy's condi on, and he wants to give her hope and inspire her to con nue
figh ng her illness. So, despite the inclement weather and the risks to his own health, Behrman showed the
epitome of courage to go out in storm and paint a leaf on the vine. He is willing to endure the storm and
rain as he was op mis c in believing the sight of the last leaf remaining on the vine will provide Johnsy with
a symbol of hope and resilience. His inten on was to encourage Johnsy to believe in life and to help her
regain her will to live.
Johnsy – Earlier Johnsy showed lot of pessimism and despair but once she saw the unfallen last leaf, she
learnt from the resilience of leaf who could withstand the stormy weather. She gathered her lost courage
And understood the importance of her life. She was now very hopeful and regained her will to live. She was
now full of op mism as she hugged Sue, had her soup, combed her hair and smiled brightly.
How did Sue came to know about Behrman’s ill health? What did Sue tell Johnsy about Behrman next
day? A er looking at the unfallen leaf a er the stormy night, Johnsy regained her will to live. She was now
having her food and was smiling brightly. When doctor came to examine Johnsy he confirmed that now his
medica ons will work to their true poten al as Johnsy is now showing the signs of op mism. He also
informed Sue that he has to go downstairs for check up of Behrman who he is seriously ill with pneumonia
and there is only a feeble hope le for his survival.
Next morning Sue told Johnsy that Behrman was no more a er the short illness of just two days. First day
janitor of the building found him in drenched clothes and shoes, shivering. It proved that he must have
gone out in the stormy night. Next day they found a ladder and a lantern s ll lighted lying near his bed with
some brushes with green and yellow paints lying on the floor. Later she asked Johnsy to observe the last
leaf that was not flu ering even in the wind. She finally suggested that their dear Behrman painted his
much awaited masterpiece in the night when actually the last leaf fell.