Class 9 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Supplementary: The Last Leaf
Supplementary: The Last Leaf by O. Henry is a touching Class 9 English story set in Greenwich Village, New York. It revolves around two young artists, Johnsy and Sue, and an old, failed painter named Behrman. When Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and connects her fading life to the falling ivy leaves outside her window, hope seems lost. Behrman sacrifices his life to paint a masterpiece—a single, unchanging leaf on the wall—that saves Johnsy. This chapter matters for Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) board exams as it tests narrative comprehension, character analysis, and themes of selflessness and hope.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Friendship and Care
Sue deeply cares for her sick friend Johnsy, showing how true friends support each other during difficult times.
The Power of Hope
Johnsy's psychological state directly affects her physical health; losing the will to live makes her recovery harder.
Behrman's Masterpiece
The last ivy leaf painted on the wall by Behrman in the freezing rain is his ultimate artwork because it saves a human life.
Ultimate Sacrifice
Behrman dies of pneumonia after painting the leaf in the storm, illustrating the noble selflessness of an artist.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 9 English examinations, questions from supplementary readers like 'The Last Leaf' typically carry around 5 to 10 marks. Common question types include paragraph-answer questions, character sketches of Behrman or Johnsy, and value-based or analytical questions testing comprehension of the story's message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Johnsy counting the falling ivy leaves?
Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia and had developed a delusion that she would die when the last ivy leaf fell from the creeper outside her window.
What was Behrman's lifelong dream?
Behrman's lifelong dream was to paint a masterpiece, which he finally fulfilled by painting the last leaf that saved Johnsy's life.
Why did the last leaf never fall?
The last leaf never fell because it was not a real leaf, but a realistic painting created by old Behrman on the brick wall during a stormy night.
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