Class 9 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: The Last Leaf
Supplementary: The Last Leaf by O. Henry is a touching story set in Greenwich Village, New York, focusing on two young artists, Sue and Johnsy. When Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and links her will to live with the falling ivy leaves outside her window, an old failed artist named Behrman saves her life by painting a masterpiece on the wall—the last leaf that never falls. This chapter is vital for WBBSE board exams as it tests students' understanding of sacrifice, hope, and emotional resilience through analytical and textual comprehension questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Friendship and Care
The deep bond and emotional support between Sue and Johnsy highlight how true friends stand by each other during life-threatening crises.
The Power of Hope
Johnsy's psychological state directly affects her physical health; losing hope makes her give up, while a renewed sense of hope helps her recover.
Behrman's Masterpiece
The painted ivy leaf acts as a symbol of sacrifice, created by old Behrman who braves a freezing storm to save Johnsy, ultimately losing his own life.
Irony and Sacrifice
The story employs situational irony when Behrman dies of pneumonia after painting the leaf in the cold rain, achieving his lifelong artistic dream.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal (WBBSE) Class 9 English board examinations, supplementary chapters like 'The Last Leaf' typically carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions often include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short descriptive answers (VSA/SA type), and long analytical questions focusing on character sketches (like Behrman or Sue) and the central theme of sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Johnsy associate her life with the ivy leaves?
What was Behrman's lifelong dream?
Behrman's lifelong ambition was to paint a masterpiece, which he finally accomplished by painting the incredibly realistic last leaf on the wall.
How did Behrman die?
Behrman caught pneumonia while painting the ivy leaf outside on a freezing, wet night, exposing himself to the storm to save Johnsy's life.
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