About the Lesson
The Last Leaf is a poignant short story by O. Henry that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. Set in a quaint, old building in New York City, the narrative revolves around two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who share a small flat. As winter sets in, Johnsy falls gravely ill with pneumonia, leading her to succumb to despair. She becomes fixated on the falling leaves of an ivy vine outside her window, believing that she will die when the last leaf falls.
Sue, deeply concerned for her friend, seeks the help of Behrman, an aging artist with unfulfilled dreams of creating a masterpiece. The story beautifully unfolds the bond of friendship and the profound impact of selfless love, culminating in a heartbreaking yet uplifting climax that reveals the lengths one would go to instill hope in another. O. Henry's masterful storytelling not only captivates readers but also offers a profound message about the power of art, resilience, and the will to live.
Text /Summary/Critical Analysis
Exploring The Last Leaf by O. Henry: Themes, Characters, and Life Lessons
Critical Analysis of The Last Leaf by O. Henry
O. Henry’s short story, The Last Leaf, is a poignant exploration of hope, sacrifice, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of despair. Through the narrative, O. Henry delves into themes of friendship, selflessness, and the life-giving power of art, as he weaves a simple yet emotionally charged tale of two friends, Sue and Johnsy, and their elderly neighbor, Mr. Behrman.
Plot Overview and Symbolism
The story centers on Johnsy, who falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes fixated on a belief that she will die when the last leaf of a creeper outside her window falls. This impending “last leaf” becomes a powerful symbol of her despair and declining will to live. Johnsy’s friend, Sue, tries tirelessly to uplift her spirits and even enlists the help of Mr. Behrman, an older, struggling artist whose lifelong ambition was to paint a masterpiece. Unknown to Johnsy, Mr. Behrman ultimately paints a single, immovable leaf on the wall during a stormy night, a gesture that inspires Johnsy to regain her will to live even as it leads to Mr. Behrman’s own demise.
Characterization and Psychological Depth
Each character in The Last Leaf embodies distinct traits that are critical to understanding the story’s thematic depth. Johnsy, initially fragile and pessimistic, appears vulnerable to the physical and psychological effects of her illness. Her attachment to the falling leaves underscores her loss of hope and her irrational conviction that her life is tied to something as transient as a leaf. Conversely, Sue, her friend and roommate, represents patience, optimism, and unwavering devotion. She is instrumental in keeping Johnsy from descending entirely into despair, though her efforts are largely psychological, limited by her inability to change Johnsy’s perspective directly.
Mr. Behrman, despite his minor role in the narrative, is the story’s pivotal character. He is portrayed as gruff yet caring, and his actions reveal a hidden nobility and selflessness that he never openly expresses. Though an unrecognized artist, Behrman’s decision to paint the leaf as a symbol of hope for Johnsy reveals his commitment to art’s transformative power. His final act, risking his health to inspire a stranger’s survival, elevates him as a figure of quiet heroism. His death transforms his unfulfilled artistic aspirations into a form of legacy—his “masterpiece” serves not only as a work of art but as an emblem of self-sacrifice.
Themes
1. Self-Sacrifice and the Human Spirit:Mr. Behrman’s sacrifice is central to the narrative, underscoring the theme of selflessness. He embodies the idea that true art and beauty often lie in the willingness to give unconditionally, even at great personal cost. Through his silent act of painting the leaf, Behrman demonstrates that the human spirit, in its purest form, finds meaning in acts of compassion and sacrifice.
2. The Power of Art and Imagination:Art is depicted as a life-sustaining force. The painted leaf symbolizes not only hope but also the ability of art to touch the soul, rekindling life in those who encounter it. Behrman’s “masterpiece” isn’t found in a traditional gallery but rather on a crumbling wall, and its power lies in its ability to instill hope rather than mere aesthetic pleasure. This suggests that art’s highest calling may be its ability to offer comfort, courage, and a sense of connection.
3. Friendship and Hope:Sue and Johnsy’s friendship is both genuine and layered, showing a blend of tenderness, patience, and concern. Sue’s persistent care reflects her emotional resilience and commitment to helping her friend overcome psychological as well as physical illness. This theme also illustrates how companionship can act as a remedy for despair, grounding us when we feel isolated or overwhelmed by life’s difficulties.
Style and Tone
O. Henry’s style in The Last Leaf is simple and conversational, which makes the story accessible and relatable while conveying deep emotional resonance. His narrative approach is empathetic, offering readers insight into Johnsy’s despair, Sue’s worry, and Behrman’s stoic resolve. The tone is melancholic yet hopeful, as O. Henry captures the bleakness of Johnsy’s struggle and contrasts it with the warmth and light of human connection. The ending is bittersweet—Johnsy recovers, but Behrman’s sacrifice lends the story a sense of tragic beauty that lingers.
Conclusion
In The Last Leaf, O. Henry masterfully illustrates the life-affirming power of art and the profound impact of selfless love. The story invites readers to consider the ways in which we find strength and meaning in seemingly small yet monumental acts of kindness. Mr. Behrman’s sacrifice transforms him into a silent hero whose life culminates in a powerful gesture of hope, capturing O. Henry’s enduring message: that even in our darkest moments, love, art, and friendship can help us find the will to endure.
Characters
Here’s a detailed character description for each main character in The Last Leaf by O. Henry.
1. Johnsy (Joanna)
Johnsy, whose full name is Joanna, is a young, struggling artist with a frail, sensitive personality. She lives with her friend Sue in a small, humble apartment in New York’s Greenwich Village. Her character is initially portrayed as vulnerable and impressionable, especially once she contracts pneumonia. Johnsy becomes psychologically affected by her illness, displaying a pessimistic outlook as her physical health deteriorates. She is obsessed with a strange belief that her life is tied to the last leaf on an ivy creeper outside her window; when the last leaf falls, she believes she too will die.
This superstition underscores Johnsy's vulnerability and lack of mental resilience, showing her inclination to seek meaning, albeit in morbid or irrational ways, from the world around her. Her initial hopelessness demonstrates her emotional frailty and fear of facing life’s unpredictability. However, as the story progresses, and especially when she realizes the symbolic strength of the last leaf, Johnsy undergoes an inner transformation. She becomes more aware of her friend’s sacrifices and begins to understand the value of life, ultimately realizing that her pessimism was unwarranted and that her life is worth living.
2. Sue
Sue is Johnsy’s close friend, roommate, and fellow artist. She is characterized by her kindness, compassion, and practicality. Sue is a devoted friend who assumes the role of caretaker during Johnsy’s illness, putting aside her own work and concerns to look after her friend. She spends much of her time by Johnsy’s bedside, trying to uplift her spirits, distract her from her grim fixation on the falling leaves, and encourage her to fight her illness. Sue’s perseverance is notable; she tries multiple ways to draw Johnsy’s attention away from her bleak thoughts, whether by talking about fashion or bringing her drawing board into Johnsy’s room.
Sue's resilience and optimism contrast with Johnsy’s fragility, and her strength provides a source of stability for Johnsy. Though Sue is also poor and struggling, she demonstrates remarkable generosity and resourcefulness, such as when she goes to Behrman for help. Sue’s love and devotion serve as a source of motivation for Johnsy to recover, showing that friendship and loyalty can be powerful forces for emotional healing.
3. Mr. Behrman
Mr. Behrman is a sixty-year-old painter who lives on the ground floor of the same building as Sue and Johnsy. He is described as a gruff, eccentric man who has been painting for many years but has yet to achieve recognition for his work. Despite his rough exterior, Behrman has a soft spot for Sue and Johnsy, especially since he sees himself as a protector for the young artists in the building. Behrman’s own life is marked by frustration, as he has yet to realize his dream of painting a “masterpiece.”
Behrman’s character becomes more complex as the story unfolds. While he is outwardly dismissive of Johnsy’s superstition, he deeply understands the emotional despair it represents. When Sue shares her concern about Johnsy’s obsession with the last leaf, Behrman is initially incredulous and calls her foolish, yet he is moved to take action for her well-being. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, Behrman braves a stormy night, risking his life to paint a single ivy leaf on the wall to give Johnsy hope. This act of heroism transforms Behrman into a tragic yet inspiring figure—his painted leaf is his “masterpiece,” the artwork that will save a life. Behrman’s sacrifice reveals his hidden compassion and his belief in the life-affirming power of art, making his character a symbol of selfless love and quiet courage.
4. The Doctor
The doctor in The Last Leaf is a minor but influential character who provides insights into Johnsy’s mental state and health condition. He is compassionate and diligent, visiting Johnsy daily to monitor her recovery. However, the doctor also recognizes the limitations of medicine, expressing concern to Sue that Johnsy’s mindset may be an obstacle to her healing. His statement that Johnsy’s recovery depends on her will to live shows his understanding of the connection between physical and mental health.
When he later examines Johnsy and notes her progress, the doctor is pleased, attributing her improvement to her renewed desire to live. He also informs Sue of Behrman’s pneumonia, unwittingly revealing the sacrifice Behrman made for Johnsy. His observations about both Johnsy and Behrman add layers to the narrative, reminding the reader of the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the doctor’s role as a mediator between life, death, and hope in the story.
Talk about it
Have you ever felt depressed and rejected? How did you overcome such feelings? Share your experience with your classmates.
Feeling depressed or rejected is something almost everyone experiences at some point. It’s a heavy and often isolating feeling, but sharing how we’ve managed to overcome it can be helpful for others going through something similar.
If you’ve ever felt this way, think about what helped you through it. Maybe you leaned on friends or family members for support, found comfort in a hobby, or even just took small steps to shift your perspective over time. For some, focusing on setting small, achievable goals helps make each day feel more manageable. For others, taking time for self-reflection through journaling or talking to a trusted person can ease those emotions.
When we talk about our own struggles and how we faced them, we not only gain strength from acknowledging our journey, but we also show others they’re not alone. It can make a big difference for someone else who might be feeling the same way.
Suggested Reading
• 'The Gift of the Magi' by O.Henry
• 'Dusk' by Saki (H.H. Munro)
• Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff: Compiled and edited by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger
Here are short descriptions for each of the suggested readings.
Each of these readings provides lessons on human nature, resilience, and the power of compassion in our everyday lives.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
This is a heartfelt story about love and sacrifice. A young couple, Della and Jim, each secretly sells their most prized possession to buy a special gift for the other. Della sells her beautiful hair to buy a chain for Jim’s beloved watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. The story emphasizes the selflessness and love between the two, reminding us that true gifts come from the heart, not from material wealth.
"Dusk" by Saki (H.H. Munro)
Set at dusk in a city park, this story revolves around Norman Gortsby, who observes people who seem defeated by life’s hardships. He encounters a young man with a hard-luck story about losing his hotel and wallet. Gortsby doubts him initially, but when he finds a bar of soap, he believes the story and offers money—only to later discover his error. The story is a clever exploration of trust, deception, and the assumptions we make about others.
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff: Compiled and edited by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger
This collection of stories is dedicated to helping teenagers cope with tough times, offering real-life experiences on topics like friendship, relationships, loss, and self-acceptance. Each story is designed to inspire, comfort, and remind readers that they aren’t alone in their struggles. It's a supportive read that encourages resilience and offers positive ways to deal with life’s challenges.
Delve into Details
Questions and Answers
Questions
1. What is Johnsy's illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
4. What is Behrman's masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Answers
What is Johnsy's illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia, a serious lung infection that is especially dangerous during cold weather and in poor living conditions. While medicine is important for treating the physical aspects of her illness, the story emphasizes that Johnsy’s recovery depends heavily on her will to live. The doctor explains to Sue that no medicine will help unless Johnsy truly believes she can get better. Ultimately, it’s her renewed sense of hope, sparked by the sight of the “last leaf” hanging on the vine, that drives her to want to survive and aids her recovery.
Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Yes, the feeling of depression or hopelessness that Johnsy experiences is common among teenagers and young adults. Adolescents often face intense emotional and social challenges that can lead to feelings of despair, isolation, or even hopelessness. This is similar to Johnsy’s reaction, as she becomes fixated on the idea of death and loses her will to live. O. Henry’s story highlights the importance of friendship, support, and emotional resilience in overcoming such mental challenges, themes that resonate with common experiences among teenagers today.
Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Behrman’s lifelong dream is to paint a “masterpiece,” a work of art that would capture his full potential as an artist. Although he has painted throughout his life, he has never achieved this dream, as he’s never created a work that has brought him recognition or fulfilled his aspirations. Ironically, his dream does come true in an unexpected way. The “masterpiece” he paints is the last leaf on the vine outside Johnsy’s window, a leaf that appears so realistic that it convinces Johnsy it has survived the storm, renewing her hope. His “masterpiece” becomes a symbol of hope and self-sacrifice, and it ultimately saves Johnsy’s life.
What is Behrman's masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Behrman’s masterpiece is the realistic painting of the last leaf on the ivy vine, which he creates on a stormy night to prevent Johnsy from giving up hope. Sue calls it his masterpiece because it serves a powerful purpose beyond aesthetic beauty; it instills hope in Johnsy and revives her will to live. Behrman’s painting is not displayed in a gallery, yet it fulfills his dream in a profound and unexpected way, embodying the highest purpose of art by saving a life and making a lasting impact.
Here are the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) questions with options included for each question:
________________________________________
1.
Assertion (A):
Johnsy believes she will die when the last leaf on the creeper falls.
Reason (R):
Johnsy has pneumonia, and her health is directly dependent on the number of leaves on the vine.
Options:
a. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
b. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
c. If 'A' is true but 'R' is false
d. If 'A' is false but 'R' is true
e. If Both 'A' and 'R' are false
Answer:
Option (c) – A is true, but R is false. Johnsy’s health is not actually dependent on the leaves; it is her belief that the falling leaves are a sign of her death.
________________________________________
2.
Assertion (A):
Mr. Behrman painted the last leaf on the wall.
Reason (R):
Mr. Behrman wanted to give Johnsy hope and prevent her from losing her will to live.
Options:
a. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
b. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
c. If 'A' is true but 'R' is false
d. If 'A' is false but 'R' is true
e. If Both 'A' and 'R' are false
Answer:
Option (a) – Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Mr. Behrman painted the leaf to inspire hope in Johnsy.
________________________________________
3.
Assertion (A):
Johnsy initially loses interest in life because she believes that her fate is tied to the falling leaves.
Reason (R):
Johnsy is convinced that her friend Sue cannot care for her while she is sick.
Options:
a. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
b. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
c. If 'A' is true but 'R' is false
d. If 'A' is false but 'R' is true
e. If Both 'A' and 'R' are false
Answer:
Option (c) – A is true, but R is false. Johnsy’s loss of hope is due to her fixation on the ivy leaves, not due to any doubts about Sue’s care.
________________________________________
4.
Assertion (A):
Mr. Behrman risked his life by going out in the storm to paint the last leaf on the wall.
Reason (R):
Mr. Behrman was an experienced artist who painted quickly to avoid exposure to the storm.
Options:
a. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
b. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
c. If 'A' is true but 'R' is false
d. If 'A' is false but 'R' is true
e. If Both 'A' and 'R' are false
Answer:
Option (c) – A is true, but R is false. Although Behrman was an artist, he took time to carefully paint the leaf and was exposed to the harsh weather, leading to his illness.
________________________________________
5.
Assertion (A):
Johnsy’s will to live returns when she sees that the last leaf has not fallen.
Reason (R):
The leaf’s resilience in the storm symbolizes hope, helping Johnsy regain her desire to survive.
Options:
a. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
b. If Both 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
c. If 'A' is true but 'R' is false
d. If 'A' is false but 'R' is true
e. If Both 'A' and 'R' are false
Answer:
Option (a) – Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. The sight of the leaf still clinging to the vine inspires Johnsy’s renewed hope and will to live.
Here are questions based on "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry:
Who are the main characters in the story, and what is their relationship?
Why did Johnsy fall seriously ill, and what was her condition?
How did Sue try to support and encourage Johnsy during her illness?
What did the doctor reveal to Sue about Johnsy’s mindset and its impact on her recovery?
Why did Johnsy start counting the leaves on the ivy creeper outside her window?
What belief did Johnsy have about the falling ivy leaves?
How did Sue react when Johnsy said she would die when the last leaf fell?
What did Sue do to distract Johnsy from her morbid thoughts?
Who was Behrman, and what was his dream?
What was Behrman’s reaction when Sue told him about Johnsy’s belief regarding the last leaf?
Describe the condition of the weather on the night Behrman created his "masterpiece."
What happened to Behrman after he went out into the stormy night?
How did Johnsy’s attitude change after seeing the leaf still clinging to the vine?
What realization did Johnsy come to after observing the last leaf?
How did the doctor feel about Johnsy’s chances of recovery after she regained the will to live?
What tragic news did Sue share with Johnsy regarding Behrman?
What items were found in Behrman’s room that hinted at his sacrifice?
Why did Sue refer to Behrman’s painting as his “masterpiece”?
What message does the story convey about hope and the will to live?
How does Behrman’s sacrifice affect Johnsy and her outlook on life?
These questions cover the main plot points, character motivations, and themes of the story, encouraging deeper reflection and understanding.
Here are the answers to the questions based on The Last Leaf by O. Henry:
Who are the main characters in the story, and what is their relationship?
The main characters are Sue, Johnsy (also known as Joanna), and Mr. Behrman. Sue and Johnsy are close friends and artists who share an apartment, while Behrman is an elderly artist living in the same building.
Why did Johnsy fall seriously ill, and what was her condition?
Johnsy fell seriously ill with pneumonia. Her condition was critical, and she became extremely weak and depressed, losing the will to live.
How did Sue try to support and encourage Johnsy during her illness?
Sue tried to cheer Johnsy up by talking about interesting topics like clothes and fashion, bringing her soup, and drawing in her room to keep her company. She also encouraged her not to look out the window at the ivy leaves falling.
What did the doctor reveal to Sue about Johnsy’s mindset and its impact on her recovery?
The doctor informed Sue that Johnsy’s mindset was preventing her from recovering, explaining that no medicine would help her if she lacked the will to live.
Why did Johnsy start counting the leaves on the ivy creeper outside her window?
Johnsy started counting the leaves because she believed that her life was linked to the ivy leaves; she thought she would die when the last leaf fell.
What belief did Johnsy have about the falling ivy leaves?
Johnsy believed that her life was fading away like the ivy leaves. She was convinced that when the last leaf fell, she too would die.
How did Sue react when Johnsy said she would die when the last leaf fell?
Sue tried to dismiss Johnsy’s belief as nonsense, encouraging her to keep hope alive and reassuring her that the doctor was confident she would recover.
What did Sue do to distract Johnsy from her morbid thoughts?
Sue tried to distract Johnsy by talking about her own painting and by making Johnsy promise not to look out the window while she worked.
Who was Behrman, and what was his dream?
Behrman was a sixty-year-old painter who lived on the ground floor of the same building as Sue and Johnsy. His lifelong dream was to paint a masterpiece, but he had never succeeded in creating one.
What was Behrman’s reaction when Sue told him about Johnsy’s belief regarding the last leaf?
Behrman was deeply concerned and found it foolish that Johnsy would believe such a thing. However, he sympathized with her situation and decided to do something about it.
Describe the condition of the weather on the night Behrman created his "masterpiece."
The weather was harsh, with heavy rain and an icy-cold wind blowing. It was a stormy and challenging night.
What happened to Behrman after he went out into the stormy night?
Behrman contracted pneumonia after staying out in the cold to paint the last leaf. He fell seriously ill and passed away a few days later.
How did Johnsy’s attitude change after seeing the leaf still clinging to the vine?
Seeing the last leaf still clinging to the vine gave Johnsy hope and a newfound will to live. She realized that her thoughts about death were misguided.
What realization did Johnsy come to after observing the last leaf?
Johnsy realized that it was wrong to give up hope and want to die, especially when she had a friend like Sue who cared for her. She felt remorseful for her gloomy outlook.
How did the doctor feel about Johnsy’s chances of recovery after she regained the will to live?
The doctor was confident that Johnsy would recover now that she had regained the will to live, as her mental attitude was essential to her recovery.
What tragic news did Sue share with Johnsy regarding Behrman?
Sue told Johnsy that Behrman had died of pneumonia after painting the last leaf on the ivy vine to give her hope.
What items were found in Behrman’s room that hinted at his sacrifice?
A ladder, a lantern, brushes, and green and yellow paints were found in his room, revealing that he had painted the last leaf on the vine.
Why did Sue refer to Behrman’s painting as his “masterpiece”?
Sue called it Behrman’s masterpiece because it was not only beautifully painted but also a profound act of love and sacrifice that saved Johnsy’s life.
What message does the story convey about hope and the will to live?
The story conveys that hope and the will to live are powerful forces that can help people overcome even the toughest challenges. It emphasizes the importance of friendship, compassion, and selflessness.
How does Behrman’s sacrifice affect Johnsy and her outlook on life?
Behrman’s sacrifice inspires Johnsy to embrace life and regain her strength. She realizes the value of hope and friendship and decides to live on for the sake of those who care for her.
These answers provide insight into the key aspects of the story, exploring character motivations, themes, and messages within the narrative.
Here are the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on The Last Leaf by O. Henry.
What illness does Johnsy suffer from?
a) Cold
b) Tuberculosis
c) Pneumonia
d) Influenza
Who is Johnsy's closest friend in the story?
a) Behrman
b) The doctor
c) Sue
d) The janitor
What does Johnsy believe will happen when the last leaf falls?
a) She will feel better
b) She will die
c) She will get a job
d) She will move away
What does Sue try to do to lift Johnsy’s spirits?
a) Read to her
b) Cook for her
c) Paint a picture
d) Talk about clothes and fashion
What does the doctor tell Sue about Johnsy’s condition?
a) She will recover soon
b) She needs more medicine
c) Her will to live is crucial for recovery
d) She should be moved to a hospital
What is Behrman’s dream?
a) To become famous
b) To paint a masterpiece
c) To open an art school
d) To travel the world
How does Sue attempt to distract Johnsy from her morbid thoughts?
a) By bringing her a book
b) By drawing a picture
c) By whistling while she paints
d) By playing music
What does Johnsy count while looking out the window?
a) The number of birds
b) The number of leaves on the ivy creeper
c) The cars passing by
d) The stars in the sky
What does Behrman do when he hears about Johnsy’s belief?
a) He ignores it
b) He scolds her
c) He offers to help her
d) He decides to paint the last leaf
What weather conditions exist when Behrman goes out to paint?
a) Clear skies
b) A snowstorm
c) Heavy rain and strong winds
d) A sunny day
What does Johnsy say she wants to see before she dies?
a) The first snow
b) The last leaf fall
c) A rainbow
d) A flower bloom
How does Johnsy’s attitude change after she sees the last leaf still on the vine?
a) She becomes more depressed
b) She is indifferent
c) She regains hope and the will to live
d) She decides to move away
What realization does Johnsy come to after observing the last leaf?
a) It is a sign to leave
b) She wants to travel
c) It is a sin to want to die
d) She wants to become an artist
What tragic news does Sue reveal to Johnsy about Behrman?
a) He is moving away
b) He has won an award
c) He has died of pneumonia
d) He is getting married
What items are found in Behrman’s room that hint at his sacrifice?
a) A painting of Johnsy
b) Brushes and wet clothes
c) Letters to his family
d) A diary
Why does Sue refer to Behrman’s painting as his “masterpiece”?
a) It is technically perfect
b) It was created under difficult circumstances
c) It is famous
d) It depicts a famous scene
What does the ivy leaf symbolize in the story?
a) Death
b) Hope and perseverance
c) Change of seasons
d) Isolation
How does the doctor feel about Johnsy’s chances of recovery after she regains hope?
a) He is indifferent
b) He is pessimistic
c) He is confident
d) He is worried
What role does friendship play in the story?
a) It is secondary to ambition
b) It is a source of strength and support
c) It causes conflict
d) It is irrelevant
What message does O. Henry convey through the story?
a) The futility of life
b) The importance of art
c) The power of sacrifice and hope
d) The inevitability of death
ANSWERS
Here are the main questions from The Last Leaf along with the correct answer options:
What illness does Johnsy suffer from?
c) Pneumonia
Who is Johnsy's closest friend in the story?
c) Sue
What does Johnsy believe will happen when the last leaf falls?
b) She will die
What does Sue try to do to lift Johnsy’s spirits?
d) Talk about clothes and fashion
What does the doctor tell Sue about Johnsy’s condition?
c) Her will to live is crucial for recovery
What is Behrman’s dream?
b) To paint a masterpiece
How does Sue attempt to distract Johnsy from her morbid thoughts?
c) By whistling while she paints
What does Johnsy count while looking out the window?
b) The number of leaves on the ivy creeper
What does Behrman do when he hears about Johnsy’s belief?
d) He decides to paint the last leaf
What weather conditions exist when Behrman goes out to paint?
c) Heavy rain and strong winds
What does Johnsy say she wants to see before she dies?
b) The last leaf fall
How does Johnsy’s attitude change after she sees the last leaf still on the vine?
c) She regains hope and the will to live
What realization does Johnsy come to after observing the last leaf?
c) It is a sin to want to die
What tragic news does Sue reveal to Johnsy about Behrman?
c) He has died of pneumonia
What items are found in Behrman’s room that hint at his sacrifice?
b) Brushes and wet clothes
Why does Sue refer to Behrman’s painting as his “masterpiece”?
b) It was created under difficult circumstances
What does the ivy leaf symbolize in the story?
b) Hope and perseverance
How does the doctor feel about Johnsy’s chances of recovery after she regains hope?
c) He is confident
What role does friendship play in the story?
b) It is a source of strength and support
What message does O. Henry convey through the story?
c) The power of sacrifice and hope
