Class 9 English - MAHARASHTRA
Supplementary: The Last Leaf
Supplementary chapter 'The Last Leaf' by O. Henry, prescribed for Class 9 Maharashtra State Board students, is a touching story about friendship, hope, and the power of positive thinking. Set in Greenwich Village, it follows a young artist named Johnsy who falls seriously ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live, believing she will die when the ivy vine outside her window drops its last leaf. Her roommate Sue and an aging, struggling painter named Behrman help her survive. Behrman sacrifices his life to paint a realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night, giving Johnsy the will to live. For board exams, questions focus on character analysis, theme interpretation, and textual comprehension.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting and Atmosphere
The story is set in an artists' colony in Greenwich Village during November, symbolizing cold, gloom, and Johnsy's fading health.
Symbolism of the Ivy Leaf
The ivy vine represents Johnsy's life force; as the leaves fall in the autumn wind, she mistakenly links her survival to the very last leaf.
The Role of Sue
Sue is a loyal and caring friend who works hard to distract Johnsy from her gloomy thoughts and seeks help from Behrman.
Behrman's Masterpiece
Behrman, an old unsuccessful artist, finally paints his masterpiece—a single, unchanging ivy leaf—saving Johnsy's life while losing his own to pneumonia.
Theme of Hope and Self-Sacrifice
The chapter highlights how mental strength, emotional support, and selfless sacrifice can conquer deadly illnesses.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) Class 9 English paper, supplementary reader chapters usually carry 4 to 6 marks. Questions typically include personal response questions, character sketches of Behrman or Sue, appreciation of the story's theme, and passage-based comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Johnsy count the falling leaves of the ivy vine?
Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia and had become extremely depressed, convincing herself that she would die when the very last leaf fell from the vine.
What was Behrman's lifelong dream?
Behrman's lifelong dream was to paint a masterpiece, which he finally achieved by painting the last leaf on the wall during a stormy night.
How did Behrman save Johnsy's life?
Behrman braved the freezing rain and wind to paint a realistic green-and-yellow ivy leaf on the brick wall. When Johnsy saw it clinging stubbornly through the storm, she regained her hope and desire to live, though Behrman caught pneumonia and passed away.
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