The Last Leaf (Moments)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

O. Henry, pseudonym of William Sydney Porter, original name William Sidney Porter, (born September 11, 1862 North Carolina U.S.—died June 5, 1910, New York), American short-story writer whose tales romanticized the commonplace—in particular the life of ordinary people in New York City. His stories expressed the effect of coincidence on character through humour, grim or irony and often had surprise endings, a device that became identified with his name. 

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

Johnsy fell very seriously ill in November. She had pneumonia. She would lie in her bed without moving, just gazing out of the window. The doctor gave his opinion that it seems, Johnsy has made up her mind that she was not going to get well. If she doesn’t want to live, medicines will not help her. She must have the will to get well. 

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

The feeling of depression that johnsy had is common among teenagers. They get tense and depressed because of various factors. Studies, not scoring well in the examinations, expectations of parents, and peer pressure are some of the factors that have led to the growing problem of depression among teenagers. Bullying and ragging by other children at school may also cause depression among teenagers 

3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Behrman was a sixty-year-old painter. His lifelong dream was to paint a masterpiece but that had remained a dream. It does come true when he paints a leaf such that it looks extremely natural.
4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?

Berhman's masterpiece is the last leaf on the ivy creeper. Sue calls it a masterpiece because this painting rekindled the willingness to live in Johnsy's heart and she was able to recover from her illness. Johnsy had eventually developed a fear that she would die when the last leaf fell from the ivy creeper 

5. What happened to Behrman after he painted the master piece?

Behrman had worked through the snow to paint the leaf outside Johnsy's window. He died from pneumonia. He sacrificed his own life to save Johnsy's life. Thus, the last leaf painted on the wall became his masterpiece. 

6. How did the master piece save Johnsy’s life?

Behrman saved Johnsy's life by sacrificing himself at the altar of art. The readiness with which he gave up his life shows art unparalleled commitment to talent. He painted the leaf with such passion that it revived the sinking breath of Johnsy. He thus saved Johnsy's life by sacrificing his own.