Class 9 English - CBSE
Supplementary: The Last Leaf
Supplementary: The Last Leaf by O. Henry is a touching story set in Greenwich Village, New York, about a young artist named Johnsy who falls seriously ill with pneumonia during a cold winter. She loses the will to live, believing she will die when the last ivy leaf outside her window falls. Her friend Sue and an aging, unsuccessful painter named Behrman try to save her. Behrman sacrifices his own life to paint a hyper-realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night, giving Johnsy back her hope and will to live. This chapter matters for CBSE board exams as it tests emotional comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding of sacrifice, hope, and art.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting and Atmosphere
The story is set in Greenwich Village during November, a bleak winter that mirrors the physical illness and depression of the characters.
Psychological Illness
Johnsy's recovery depends entirely on her mental state; her belief that she will die with the last leaf demonstrates the powerful connection between the mind and physical health.
Behrman's Masterpiece
Behrman, a frustrated old artist who always dreamed of painting a masterpiece, finally creates his greatest work by painting a single leaf that withstands wind and rain, ultimately saving Johnsy's life.
Theme of Sacrifice and Love
Behrman sacrifices his life by painting the leaf in freezing, wet conditions, showing the ultimate act of selfless love and friendship.
Irony
The story contains situational irony when Behrman dies of pneumonia after catching a cold while painting the fake leaf in the storm, saving Johnsy while sacrificing himself.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions testing character traits of Behrman or Johnsy, and long answer questions focusing on the theme of hope, sacrifice, and the significance of the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Johnsy associate her life with the falling ivy leaves?
How did Behrman save Johnsy's life?
Why is the story titled 'The Last Leaf'?
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