The Bhavan’s Class 7 Annual Term 2025 syllabus features a diverse range of literary and informative texts that enhance students' knowledge, creativity, and analytical skills.

Here are the answers to the multiple-choice questions:

Mangalyaan

1. b) Mars Orbiter Mission

2. c) 5 November 2013

3. b) ISRO

4. b) To test India’s ability to conduct interplanetary missions

5. b) It was the cheapest successful Mars mission

Seven Ages of Man

6. c) Jacques

7. d) The infant

8. a) Sighing like a furnace

9. b) Old age and death

10. c) A stage

The Happy Man’s Shirt

11. c) He was always ill

12. b) To sleep in the shirt of a happy man

13. a) Everyone had some problem

14. c) Only a pair of trousers

15. b) Hard work and simple living bring happiness

The Last Leaf

16. b) Pneumonia

17. b) She would die

18. c) Behrman

19. b) To paint a masterpiece

20. b) He painted the last leaf and caught pneumonia

    
    

Long and Short Answer Questions from the Lessons

Mangalyaan

Short Answer Questions

1. When was Mangalyaan launched, and from where?

2. What was the main objective of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)?

3. How did Mangalyaan make India proud in the field of space exploration?

4. Why is Mangalyaan considered the cheapest Mars mission?

5. Name the scientific instruments onboard Mangalyaan.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the journey of Mangalyaan from its launch to entering the Martian orbit.

2. How did India achieve success in its first attempt at a Mars mission while many other countries failed?

3. Explain the significance of Mangalyaan for India's space research and future space missions.

4. What were the challenges faced during the Mangalyaan mission, and how did ISRO overcome them?

5. Compare Mangalyaan with other Mars missions launched by NASA or the European Space Agency.

Mangalyaan - Short and Long Answer Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. When was Mangalyaan launched, and from where?

Answer:

Mangalyaan, also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), was launched on 5th November 2013 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C25).

2. What was the main objective of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)?

Answer:

The primary objectives of Mangalyaan were:

• To demonstrate India's capability to conduct an interplanetary mission.

• To study the Martian surface, atmosphere, and mineral composition.

• To test India's space technology and communication systems for deep space exploration.

3. How did Mangalyaan make India proud in the field of space exploration?

Answer:

Mangalyaan made India proud because:

• It made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt.

• It was the most cost-effective Mars mission, with a budget of only ₹4.5 billion ($75 million).

• India became the fourth country after the USA, Russia, and the European Space Agency (ESA) to successfully reach Mars.

• It showcased India's indigenous technology and scientific expertise.

4. Why is Mangalyaan considered the cheapest Mars mission?

Answer:

Mangalyaan was the cheapest Mars mission because:

• Efficient planning and cost-saving strategies were used.

• Indigenous technology and low-cost manpower reduced expenses.

• The use of the PSLV-C25 rocket, which had been previously tested, saved development costs.

• The mission had a simplified design, reducing unnecessary complexities.

5. Name the scientific instruments onboard Mangalyaan.

Answer:

Mangalyaan carried five scientific instruments to study Mars:

1. Mars Color Camera (MCC) – Captured high-resolution images of Mars.

2. Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) – Studied the escape of hydrogen from the Martian atmosphere.

3. Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM) – Measured methane levels to check for possible biological activity.

4. Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) – Studied the temperature and mineral composition of Mars.

5. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer (MENCA) – Analyzed the composition of Mars’ upper atmosphere.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the journey of Mangalyaan from its launch to entering the Martian orbit.

Answer:

The journey of Mangalyaan consisted of several phases:

1. Launch and Earth Orbit (5 November 2013)

   • Mangalyaan was launched using PSLV-C25 from Sriharikota.

   • It was placed in a highly elliptical Earth orbit (perigee: 250 km, apogee: 23,500 km).

2. Earth Orbit Raising Maneuvers (November 2013)

   • ISRO conducted six orbit-raising maneuvers to gradually increase its speed and altitude.

   • The final maneuver helped Mangalyaan escape Earth's gravity on 1 December 2013.

3. Trans-Martian Trajectory (December 2013 - September 2014)

   • Mangalyaan traveled 225 million kilometers in deep space for 298 days towards Mars.

   • It maintained communication with ISRO’s Deep Space Network and NASA’s tracking stations.

4. Mars Orbit Insertion (24 September 2014)

   • On 24 September 2014, ISRO successfully fired the main liquid apogee motor for 24 minutes.

   • This reduced Mangalyaan's speed, allowing it to be captured into Mars’ orbit.

   • India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt.

2. How did India achieve success in its first attempt at a Mars mission while many other countries failed?

Answer:

India succeeded in its first Mars mission due to:

• Cost-effective planning – The mission cost only $75 million, much lower than NASA’s Mars missions.

• Use of proven technology – Instead of developing new technology, ISRO adapted existing satellite technology.

• Innovative fuel-efficient trajectory – Instead of a direct launch, ISRO used Earth’s gravity to slingshot Mangalyaan toward Mars.

• Thorough testing and simulations – Learning from past failures of other space agencies, ISRO ensured rigorous pre-launch testing.

• Dedicated team and leadership – The scientists, led by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, worked with precision and commitment.

3. Explain the significance of Mangalyaan for India's space research and future space missions.

Answer:

Mangalyaan was a landmark mission for India because:

1. Proved India’s Capability

   • Showed that India could conduct interplanetary missions independently.

   • Placed ISRO among the top space agencies in the world.

2. Boosted Cost-Effective Space Exploration

   • The mission’s low budget set a new benchmark for affordable space research.

   • Inspired global collaboration, with other countries seeking ISRO’s expertise.

3. Encouraged Future Indian Missions

   • Led to the development of Mangalyaan-2 (planned for 2024).

   • Paved the way for Chandrayaan-2 and 3 (lunar missions) and Gaganyaan (India’s first human spaceflight mission).

4. Contributed to Scientific Knowledge

   • Provided valuable data on Mars’ atmosphere, weather, and surface composition.

   • Helped scientists understand methane presence and climate changes on Mars.

4. What were the challenges faced during the Mangalyaan mission, and how did ISRO overcome them?

Answer:

Mangalyaan faced several challenges:

1. Limited Budget

   • The mission had to be completed within ₹4.5 billion ($75 million).

   • ISRO used indigenous technology and efficient engineering to cut costs.

2. Fuel Efficiency

   • The PSLV rocket was not powerful enough to send Mangalyaan directly to Mars.

   • Scientists used a gravity assist technique to build speed using Earth’s gravity.

3. Communication & Deep Space Tracking

   • Maintaining communication over 225 million km was difficult.

   • ISRO used NASA’s Deep Space Network and Indian tracking stations to ensure stable signals.

4. Mars Orbit Insertion

   • The spacecraft had to reduce speed precisely to be captured by Mars’ gravity.

   • ISRO executed a perfect burn of the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) to ensure a safe orbit entry.

     
     

5. Compare Mangalyaan with other Mars missions launched by NASA or the European Space Agency.

Answer:

Here’s a comparison of Mangalyaan with other major Mars missions:

Key Differences:

• Mangalyaan was the cheapest Mars mission.

• NASA’s MAVEN had advanced instruments but was much more expensive.

• ESA’s Mars Express focused on geological studies, whereas Mangalyaan tested India’s interplanetary capabilities.

  
  

Conclusion

Mangalyaan’s success established India as a leading space power. It demonstrated ISRO’s ingenuity, efficiency, and problem-solving ability, making it one of the most remarkable space missions in history. 🚀

Seven Ages of Man

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the speaker of the poem The Seven Ages of Man?

2. What is the metaphor used for life in the poem?

3. What are the seven stages of a man's life as described by Shakespeare?

4. How does the poet describe the schoolboy stage?

5. What happens in the final stage of life, according to the poem?

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain how Shakespeare compares life to a stage in The Seven Ages of Man.

2. Describe the characteristics of a soldier as portrayed in the poem.

3. Discuss the themes of inevitability and the cycle of life as presented in the poem.

4. Which stage of life do you find the most significant? Justify your answer.

5. What is the tone of the poem? Is it optimistic or pessimistic? Discuss with examples.

Seven Ages of Man - Short and Long Answer Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the speaker of the poem The Seven Ages of Man?

Answer:

The speaker of the poem is Jacques, a melancholic character from William Shakespeare's play As You Like It. He delivers the monologue in Act II, Scene VII, where he philosophically describes the seven stages of human life.

2. What is the metaphor used for life in the poem?

Answer:

Shakespeare compares life to a theatrical stage, where every human being is merely an actor playing different roles at different ages. The line "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players" suggests that life is a scripted performance, with people entering (birth) and exiting (death).

3. What are the seven stages of a man's life as described by Shakespeare?

Answer:

The seven stages of life according to Shakespeare are:

1. Infant – Helpless and dependent, crying in the nurse’s arms.

2. Schoolboy – Unwillingly goes to school, whining and creeping like a snail.

3. Lover – Full of emotions, sighing and composing ballads for his beloved.

4. Soldier – Aggressive, honour-seeking, and quick to fight.

5. Justice (Middle Age) – Wise, well-fed, and full of proverbs.

6. Old Age (Pantaloon) – Weak, physically declining, wearing loose clothing.

7. Second Childhood – Loss of senses, memory, and vitality, returning to a helpless state before death.

   
   

4. How does the poet describe the schoolboy stage?

Answer:

The schoolboy stage is depicted as reluctant and unwilling. Shakespeare describes the child as "whining" and "creeping like a snail unwillingly to school," emphasizing his lack of enthusiasm for learning.

5. What happens in the final stage of life, according to the poem?

Answer:

In the final stage, known as "Second Childhood," the man becomes weak, forgetful, and dependent, losing his senses and awareness. Shakespeare describes it as "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything," signifying total loss before death.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain how Shakespeare compares life to a stage in The Seven Ages of Man.

Answer:

Shakespeare compares life to a stage where every person is an actor, playing different roles at different points in life.

• The poem begins with "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players", emphasizing that humans are temporary performers in the grand drama of life.

• Each stage represents a specific role that a person must play, from infancy to old age.

• The entrance refers to birth, and the exit symbolizes death.

• The progression of life is inevitable, just like actors moving from one scene to the next.

Through this extended metaphor, Shakespeare highlights the predictability and fleeting nature of human existence.

2. Describe the characteristics of a soldier as portrayed in the poem.

Answer:

The soldier, representing youthful ambition and bravery, is described as:

• "Full of strange oaths" – He swears loyalty and honour.

• "Bearded like the pard" – He is strong and aggressive.

• "Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel" – He is eager to defend his reputation.

• "Seeking the bubble reputation, Even in the cannon’s mouth" – He is willing to risk his life for fleeting fame.

Shakespeare portrays the soldier as courageous but reckless, driven by pride and ambition, often without considering the true value of life.

3. Discuss the themes of inevitability and the cycle of life as presented in the poem.

Answer:

Shakespeare presents life as an inevitable cycle in The Seven Ages of Man:

1. Inevitability of Life’s Stages

   • Every person must go through the seven stages; no one can escape aging or death.

   • The journey from infancy to second childhood is unavoidable.

2. The Cycle of Birth and Death

   • The poem suggests that human life begins and ends in helplessness.

   • The infant stage and second childhood mirror each other, highlighting the repetitive nature of life.

3. The Temporary Nature of Roles

   • Each stage comes with its own responsibilities and challenges, which are played out like scenes in a play.

   • No role is permanent; time dictates transitions from one phase to another.

Through this theme, Shakespeare reminds us that life is short, and change is constant.

4. Which stage of life do you find the most significant? Justify your answer.

Answer:

The most significant stage in The Seven Ages of Man depends on individual perspectives. However, one could argue that the fifth stage (Justice or Middle Age) is the most important.

• At this stage, a person is mature, experienced, and wise.

• He has gained knowledge and stability, guiding others with proverbs and advice.

• Unlike the impulsive soldier, the justice has a balanced outlook on life.

• This phase represents accomplishment, leadership, and responsibility.

Alternatively, one could argue that the soldier’s stage is crucial because:

• It is the period of youthful energy, ambition, and achievement.

• The individual is strong and passionate, willing to fight for honour.

Each stage holds importance, but the justice’s stage stands out for its wisdom and contributions to society.

5. What is the tone of the poem? Is it optimistic or pessimistic? Discuss with examples.

Answer:

The tone of The Seven Ages of Man is largely pessimistic, though some parts may be interpreted as realistic.

1. Pessimistic Elements

   • Shakespeare highlights the inevitability of aging and death.

   • Infancy is helpless, schoolboy years are unpleasant, and old age is depressing.

   • The final stage is described as "second childishness and mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything," suggesting complete decline and insignificance.

2. Lack of Celebration for Life’s Achievements

   • While people experience love, honour, and wisdom, Shakespeare does not glorify any stage.

   • Even the ambitious soldier is portrayed as foolishly chasing a "bubble reputation."

3. Some Realistic and Neutral Aspects

   • The poem accurately describes life’s natural progression.

   • Some stages, like justice (middle age), depict a phase of stability and respect.

   • The use of a theatrical metaphor suggests that people simply fulfill their roles, neither entirely happy nor entirely sad.

   
   

Conclusion

Despite some realistic elements, the overall tone is pessimistic, as it emphasizes the loss of youth, strength, and dignity over time. Shakespeare’s portrayal of life as a brief and repetitive performance makes the reader reflect on the fleeting nature of human existence.

Final Thoughts

Shakespeare’s The Seven Ages of Man is a philosophical reflection on life’s journey, presenting a bleak yet truthful perspective on human existence. The poem reminds us that life follows a predetermined cycle, and no one can escape aging or death. However, it also encourages self-awareness, allowing individuals to make the most of their roles while they last.

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The Happy Man’s Shirt

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was the king unhappy despite having everything?

2. What solution did the old man suggest for the king’s illness?

3. Why did the messengers fail to find a happy man with a shirt?

4. How did the king finally understand the secret of happiness?

5. What moral does the story The Happy Man’s Shirt teach?

Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the significance of the happy man’s shirt in the story.

2. How does the story illustrate the difference between material wealth and true happiness?

3. What lessons does the king learn from his quest for happiness?

4. Describe the role of the old man in changing the king’s perspective.

5. If you were in the king’s place, how would you define happiness? Explain.

   
   

The Happy Man’s Shirt - Short and Long Answer Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was the king unhappy despite having everything?

Answer:

The king was unhappy despite having everything because he was always sick and dissatisfied. He had wealth, power, and comfort, yet he felt restless and miserable, which made him believe he was suffering from an illness.

2. What solution did the old man suggest for the king’s illness?

Answer:

The old man suggested that the king should wear the shirt of a truly happy man for one night. According to him, this was the only cure for the king’s unhappiness and poor health.

3. Why did the messengers fail to find a happy man with a shirt?

Answer:

The messengers failed to find a happy man with a shirt because:

• Everyone they met had some problem or worry.

• Some were rich but worried about losing their wealth.

• Others were poor and struggling to survive.

• Eventually, they found a truly happy man, but he did not own a shirt.

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4. How did the king finally understand the secret of happiness?

Answer:

The king realized that happiness does not come from wealth or possessions. He understood that the happy man had no material wealth but was content because he worked hard, lived simply, and did not worry about things beyond his control.

5. What moral does the story The Happy Man’s Shirt teach?

Answer:

The story teaches that true happiness comes from within. It is not dependent on wealth, power, or luxury but on contentment, simplicity, and inner peace. Hard work and a positive mindset are the real keys to happiness.

Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the significance of the happy man’s shirt in the story.

Answer:

The happy man’s shirt is a symbol of true happiness, but ironically, the happiest man does not own a shirt.

• The king believed that wearing the shirt of a happy man would magically cure him.

• However, the search for such a person revealed that no one with material wealth was truly happy.

• When they finally found a truly happy man, he did not even own a shirt, proving that happiness is not tied to material things.

Thus, the absence of the shirt itself conveys the message that happiness does not come from external possessions but from a simple, worry-free life.

2. How does the story illustrate the difference between material wealth and true happiness?

Answer:

The story clearly distinguishes between material wealth and true happiness through the experiences of the king and the people in his kingdom.

• The King’s Perspective

  • He has everything money can buy but is still unhappy and unwell.

  • He assumes that happiness comes from external sources like wealth and comfort.

• The People’s Perspective

  • The rich people the messengers meet are worried about their wealth.

  • The poor people struggle with hardships and basic needs.

  • No one with material wealth is completely happy.

• The Happy Man’s Perspective

  • He has no wealth, no servants, and not even a shirt, yet he is content and full of joy.

  • His happiness comes from hard work, simplicity, and acceptance of life as it is.

Conclusion:

The story teaches that true happiness is an internal state, not something that can be bought with money or possessions.

3. What lessons does the king learn from his quest for happiness?

Answer:

The king learns several valuable lessons:

1. Happiness is not dependent on wealth or power

   • Despite his riches and luxurious life, he remains unhappy and sick.

   • He realizes that money cannot buy inner peace.

2. Everyone has problems

   • The messengers find that no one is completely happy, proving that wealth and comfort do not remove worries.

3. True happiness comes from contentment

   • The only happy person they find does not even own a shirt.

   • This shows that happiness is a state of mind, not a result of possessions.

4. A simple life and hard work bring joy

   • The happy man lives a humble and hardworking life.

   • The king understands that working with purpose and living simply leads to peace and happiness.

Conclusion:

The king learns that he must focus on meaningful work, appreciate what he has, and stop searching for happiness in material things.

4. Describe the role of the old man in changing the king’s perspective.

Answer:

The old man acts as a wise guide who helps the king understand the true meaning of happiness.

1. He offers a unique solution

   • Instead of giving the king medicine or advice, he suggests a symbolic remedy—to wear the shirt of a happy man.

2. He forces the king to explore happiness

   • The search for a happy man leads the king to realize that happiness is rare and that wealth does not guarantee it.

3. He teaches an important lesson indirectly

   • When the messengers fail to find a happy man with a shirt, the king realizes that happiness is not about possessions but about contentment and inner peace.

4. He helps the king change his way of life

   • After understanding the truth, the king stops focusing on wealth and power and instead works hard, lives simply, and finds true happiness.

   
   

Conclusion:

The old man plays a crucial role in leading the king toward self-discovery, helping him realize that true happiness is not external but comes from within.

5. If you were in the king’s place, how would you define happiness? Explain.

Answer:

If I were in the king’s place, I would define happiness as a state of contentment, peace, and fulfilment, rather than material success.

• Happiness is not about wealth or luxury, but about having meaningful relationships, a purpose in life, and inner peace.

• Hard work and gratitude bring more happiness than simply owning possessions.

• True happiness is found in small moments of joy, like spending time with loved ones, helping others, and appreciating nature.

If I were the king, I would:

1. Focus on helping my people instead of only worrying about myself.

2. Find joy in simple things instead of always seeking more.

3. Work hard and stay engaged in meaningful activities.

   
   

Conclusion:

Happiness is not about what we have, but how we choose to live our lives. If we appreciate what we have and live with a positive attitude, we can find happiness anywhere.

Final Thoughts

The story The Happy Man’s Shirt teaches a valuable lesson about happiness and contentment. The king’s journey helps him realize that material wealth does not bring joy and that true happiness comes from simplicity, purpose, and a positive mindset. Through the wisdom of the old man and the happy man without a shirt, the story encourages readers to seek happiness within themselves rather than in external possessions.

The Last Leaf

Short Answer Questions

1. Who were Sue and Johnsy, and what was their profession?

2. What illness did Johnsy suffer from?

3. What belief did Johnsy have about the falling leaves?

4. Who was Behrman, and what was his dream?

5. How did Behrman’s sacrifice save Johnsy’s life?

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain how The Last Leaf portrays the power of hope and perseverance.

2. Describe the relationship between Sue and Johnsy. How did Sue take care of her friend?

3. What role does Behrman play in the story, and how is he the true hero?

4. How does O. Henry use irony in The Last Leaf?

5. Discuss the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and optimism in The Last Leaf.

The Last Leaf – Short and Long Answer Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. Who were Sue and Johnsy, and what was their profession?

Answer:

Sue and Johnsy were two young artists who lived together in a small apartment in New York City. They were close friends and worked as painters to earn a living.

2. What illness did Johnsy suffer from?

Answer:

Johnsy suffered from pneumonia, a serious lung infection that made her weak and hopeless.

3. What belief did Johnsy have about the falling leaves?

Answer:

Johnsy believed that when the last leaf of the ivy vine outside her window fell, she would also die. She had lost the will to live and connected her fate to the falling leaves.

4. Who was Behrman, and what was his dream?

Answer:

Behrman was an old artist who lived in the same building as Sue and Johnsy. His dream was to paint a great masterpiece that would bring him recognition.

5. How did Behrman’s sacrifice save Johnsy’s life?

Answer:

Behrman painted a realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night to give Johnsy hope. Believing that the last leaf had not fallen, Johnsy regained the will to live. However, Behrman caught pneumonia from working in the cold and died, making his painting his final masterpiece and ultimate sacrifice.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain how The Last Leaf portrays the power of hope and perseverance.

Answer:

O. Henry’s The Last Leaf strongly emphasizes the power of hope and perseverance through the characters of Johnsy, Sue, and Behrman.

• Johnsy’s Loss of Hope:

  • When she falls ill with pneumonia, she loses all desire to fight for her life.

  • She believes that her fate is linked to the falling leaves of the ivy creeper.

• Sue’s Efforts to Inspire Hope:

  • Sue, as a devoted friend, tries to uplift Johnsy’s spirits and urges her to think positively.

  • She takes care of Johnsy, calls the doctor, and constantly encourages her to fight the illness.

• Behrman’s Ultimate Act of Perseverance:

  • Behrman, seeing Johnsy’s despair, paints a realistic leaf on the wall, tricking Johnsy into believing that the last leaf had not fallen.

  • This simple act restores Johnsy’s hope and helps her regain her strength.

  • Unfortunately, Behrman sacrifices his life in the process, proving the strength of determination and selflessness.

Conclusion:

Through these events, the story teaches that hope can be the key to survival and that the human spirit can overcome adversity when encouraged by love and sacrifice.

2. Describe the relationship between Sue and Johnsy. How did Sue take care of her friend?

Answer:

Sue and Johnsy shared a strong bond of friendship that was evident throughout the story.

1. They Were Close Friends and Roommates:

   • They lived together and worked as artists to support themselves.

   • Sue was deeply concerned for Johnsy when she fell ill with pneumonia.

2. Sue Took Care of Johnsy:

   • She called the doctor to get medical help.

   • She sat beside Johnsy, talked to her, and tried to keep her cheerful.

   • Sue brought Johnsy food, blankets, and warmth even when Johnsy refused to eat.

3. Sue Encouraged Johnsy to Stay Positive:

   • She tried to distract Johnsy by talking about fashion and her art.

   • She begged Johnsy to stop believing in the superstition about the falling leaves.

4. Sue Asked Behrman for Help:

   • Realizing that Johnsy had lost hope, Sue told Behrman about her situation.

   • This led Behrman to paint the last leaf, ultimately saving Johnsy’s life.

Conclusion:

Sue’s selfless care and determination played a crucial role in helping Johnsy recover. Their friendship symbolizes love, support, and unwavering faith in one another.

 3. What role does Behrman play in the story, and how is he the true hero?

Answer:

Behrman, though a minor character, plays the most significant role in The Last Leaf.

• Behrman as a Guardian Figure:

  • He was an old, unsuccessful artist who dreamed of painting a masterpiece.

  • He cared deeply for Sue and Johnsy, even though he appeared grumpy and rough.

• Behrman’s Ultimate Sacrifice:

  • When he learns about Johnsy’s belief in the falling leaves, he takes a bold step.

  • In the freezing stormy night, he paints a realistic leaf on the wall to give Johnsy hope.

  • This act of sacrifice saves Johnsy’s life, but Behrman himself catches pneumonia and dies.

• Behrman’s Masterpiece:

  • His painted leaf becomes his true "masterpiece", not in terms of artistic fame, but in saving a life.

Conclusion:

Behrman is the true hero of the story because he proves that selfless love and sacrifice can bring hope and healing. His silent act of kindness transforms Johnsy’s fate and demonstrates the power of compassion.

4. How does O. Henry use irony in The Last Leaf?

Answer:O. Henry masterfully employs situational irony in The Last Leaf, where events unfold in an unexpected way.

1. The Irony of the Last Leaf:

   • Expectation: Johnsy believes she will die when the last leaf falls.

   • Reality: The last leaf never falls, because it is actually a painting by Behrman.

   • Irony: The leaf she believes will determine her fate is not real, but it ends up saving her life.

2. Behrman’s Masterpiece:

   • Expectation: Behrman always dreamed of painting a great masterpiece that would make him famous.

   • Reality: His masterpiece is a simple painted leaf, but it is more valuable than any famous painting because it saves a life.

   • Irony: Instead of bringing him success, his masterpiece leads to his death.

3. The Doctor’s Prediction vs. Reality:

   • Expectation: The doctor says that Johnsy might not survive, while Behrman is not at risk.

   • Reality: Johnsy recovers, but Behrman dies from pneumonia.

   • Irony: The one expected to die survives, and the one not expected to die sacrifices himself.

Conclusion:

O. Henry’s use of irony enhances the emotional impact of the story, showing how life is unpredictable and that true heroes often go unrecognized.

5. Discuss the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and optimism in The Last Leaf.

Answer:O. Henry’s The Last Leaf explores several important themes:

1. Friendship:

   • Sue and Johnsy share a deep friendship, where Sue selflessly cares for Johnsy.

   • She tries to keep Johnsy’s spirits up, proving the strength of true friendship in difficult times.

2. Sacrifice:

   • Behrman gives up his life to save Johnsy by painting the last leaf during a storm.

   • His act of selflessness shows that true sacrifice requires no recognition.

3. Optimism and Hope:

   • Johnsy regains her will to live when she sees the last leaf still standing.

   • Behrman’s painting becomes a symbol of hope, proving that belief and optimism can heal.

     
     

Conclusion:

The story beautifully highlights how love, friendship, and sacrifice can change a person’s destiny. Behrman’s ultimate act teaches that even the smallest gestures of kindness can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

The Last Leaf is a touching story that celebrates human kindness, resilience, and the power of hope. Through Sue’s friendship, Behrman’s sacrifice, and Johnsy’s transformation, O. Henry leaves readers with a message that even in the darkest times, a single act of love can bring light and life. 🌿✨