Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions - The Last Leaf - NCERT Class 9, Chapter 7

Summary of The Last Leaf

'The Last Leaf' by O. Henry is a touching story about hope, friendship, and sacrifice. The story revolves around two young artists, Sue and Johnsy. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and loses her will to live, believing that she will die when the last leaf on the ivy creeper outside her window falls. Sue, worried for her friend, tries to cheer her up. However, it is Behrman, an old painter who lives downstairs, who creates a masterpiece by painting a leaf on the wall to give Johnsy the hope to live.

The Last Leaf in Hindi

'द लास्ट लीफ' ओ. हेनरी द्वारा लिखी गई एक मार्मिक कहानी है जो आशा, मित्रता और बलिदान के बारे में है। कहानी दो युवा कलाकारों, सू और जॉन्सी, के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है। जॉन्सी निमोनिया से गंभीर रूप से बीमार पड़ जाती है और जीने की इच्छा खो देती है, यह मानते हुए कि जब उसके कमरे के बाहर की दीवार पर आखिरी पत्ता गिर जाएगा, तो वह मर जाएगी। सू अपनी दोस्त को खुश करने की कोशिश करती है, लेकिन यह बेहरमन, एक बुजुर्ग चित्रकार, है जो दीवार पर एक पत्ता बनाकर जॉन्सी को जीने की उम्मीद देता है।

THINK ABOUT IT

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

Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia, but her real struggle is with her mental state. She has lost her will to live, and without this desire, medicine alone cannot cure her. Her willingness to live, sparked by the last leaf that Behrman paints, ultimately plays a key role in her recovery.

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

Yes, the feeling of depression and hopelessness that Johnsy experiences is common among teenagers. Many young people face mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression due to various pressures, and sometimes they lose hope or motivation. It's important to offer support and encourage them to talk about their feelings, just like Sue supported Johnsy.

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

Behrman’s lifelong dream is to paint a masterpiece. His dream comes true when he paints the last leaf on the ivy creeper, which gives Johnsy the will to live. Although Behrman sacrifices his own life in the process, the painted leaf becomes his true masterpiece.

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

Behrman’s masterpiece is the leaf he paints on the wall, which looks so real that it convinces Johnsy that the last leaf hasn’t fallen. This painted leaf gives Johnsy hope and restores her will to live. Sue calls it a masterpiece because it not only saves Johnsy’s life but also fulfills Behrman’s dream of creating a meaningful piece of art.

TALK ABOUT IT

Have you ever felt depressed and rejected? How did you overcome such feelings? Share your experience with your classmates.

Depression and feelings of rejection are common experiences. Sometimes, talking to a close friend or family member can help. Engaging in activities you enjoy, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional help can also be effective ways to overcome such feelings. Sharing personal stories about overcoming challenges can inspire others who may be going through difficult times.

About the Author

O. Henry, the pen name of William Sydney Porter, was an American short story writer known for his wit, wordplay, and surprise endings. 'The Last Leaf' is one of his most famous stories, demonstrating the power of sacrifice and how a small act of kindness can restore hope and save lives.