Class 9 English - UP
Supplementary: The Last Leaf
Supplementary: The Last Leaf by O. Henry is a touching Class 9 English chapter from the UPMSP curriculum that explores themes of hope, friendship, and self-sacrifice. Set in a Greenwich Village art district, the story follows Johnsy, a young artist suffering from pneumonia, who ties her will to live to the falling leaves of an ivy vine outside her window. Her neighbor, an old struggling painter named Behrman, saves her life by painting a remarkably realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night, sacrificing his own life in the process. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests reading comprehension, character analysis, and value-based questioning.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting the Scene
The story is set in a quaint art district in Greenwich Village, New York, where young artists Sue and Johnsy share a small studio apartment.
Johnsy's Illness and Depression
Johnsy falls severely ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live, convincing herself that she will die when the last ivy leaf falls from the wall.
Sue's Concern
Sue desperately tries to cheer Johnsy up and seeks help from their downstairs neighbor, an aging, unsuccessful artist named Behrman.
Behrman's Masterpiece
To save Johnsy, Behrman paints a single, perfect ivy leaf on the brick wall during a freezing, rainy night, enduring the harsh weather.
The Climax and Twist
The painted leaf never falls despite heavy winds, restoring Johnsy's hope and will to live, while Behrman tragically dies of pneumonia contracted while painting it.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 9 English examinations, this supplementary chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions commonly include short-answer questions about plot details, character sketches of Behrman or Sue, and long-answer value-based questions regarding the importance of hope and friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Johnsy count the falling leaves of the ivy creeper?
Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia and had become extremely depressed, falsely believing that she would die as soon as the last ivy 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 incredibly realistic last ivy leaf on the wall.
Why is the story titled 'The Last Leaf'?
The title is central because the last ivy leaf serves as a symbol of hope that restores Johnsy's will to live and represents Behrman's ultimate sacrifice.
Learn Supplementary: The Last Leaf with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards