3.3 The Last Leaf - Std 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: O. Henry (adapted)

Genre: Short Story / Inspirational Tale

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The Last Leaf is a touching story about hope, sacrifice, and friendship. Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a flat in New York. Johnsy fell seriously ill with pneumonia and lost her will to live. She believed that when the last ivy leaf outside her window fell, she too would die. Sue tried her best to cheer her up but nothing worked. Their neighbour, old Behrman, a failed but kind-hearted artist, decided to save Johnsy by painting a realistic leaf on the wall during a stormy night. The next morning, Johnsy saw the leaf still clinging to the vine and regained her hope to live. Sadly, Behrman caught pneumonia while painting in the cold and died. His painted leaf became his greatest masterpiece, symbolizing courage and sacrifice.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights that hope and courage can cure despair. It also shows that true love and sacrifice for others give meaning to life.

Character Sketches

Johnsy

• A young, weak artist suffering from pneumonia.

• Lost hope and linked her life with the falling ivy leaves.

• Emotional, imaginative, and superstitious.

• Realised her mistake when she regained hope after seeing the last leaf.

  
  

Sue

• Johnsy’s loyal friend and caretaker.

• Encouraging, supportive, and optimistic.

• Worked hard to keep Johnsy cheerful and cared deeply for her well-being.

• Strong-willed and practical in handling difficulties.

  
  

Behrman

• An old artist living in the same building.

• Had long dreamed of creating a masterpiece.

• Grumpy in nature but very kind-hearted.

• Sacrificed his own life to give hope to Johnsy, making the last leaf his masterpiece.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Johnsy wanted to see the last leaf fall.”

   Infinitive: to see shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Behrman painted the last leaf.

   Passive: The last leaf was painted by Behrman.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “One must never lose hope in life.”

   Must expresses necessity and advice.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Sue said, “Johnsy is very ill.”

   Indirect: Sue said that Johnsy was very ill.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Johnsy linked her life with the falling leaves.

   Question: With what did Johnsy link her life?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What lesson do you learn from Johnsy’s belief in the ivy leaves?

   Johnsy’s belief in the ivy leaves teaches that hopelessness weakens the will to live. Linking life with superstitions can be harmful. Her experience shows that faith and courage are necessary for recovery. The lesson inspires us to avoid negative thoughts and stay strong.

   
   

2. How does Behrman’s sacrifice inspire you?

   Behrman’s sacrifice inspires me to value selflessness and kindness. Even though he was old and unsuccessful, he gave his life to save Johnsy. His masterpiece was not a painting for fame but an act of courage. It shows that helping others is the greatest achievement.

   
   

3. Why is Sue’s role important in the story?

   Sue’s role is important because she never gave up on her friend. She cared for Johnsy, encouraged her, and sought help from Behrman. Her loyalty and dedication kept Johnsy alive until hope returned. She represents the strength of true friendship.

   
   

4. Do you think imagination can affect our health? How?

   Imagination can affect health because negative beliefs may weaken the mind. Johnsy’s imagination that she would die with the last leaf worsened her illness. Positive imagination, on the other hand, strengthens hope. Thus, the mind strongly influences recovery.

   
   

5. What qualities make The Last Leaf a memorable story?

   The Last Leaf is memorable because of its simple yet powerful message. It combines friendship, sacrifice, and hope in a touching way. The imagery of the last leaf gives a strong symbol of courage. Its emotional impact makes it unforgettable.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia. → True

   
   

2. Sue ignored Johnsy completely. → False (She cared for her sincerely.)

   
   

3. Behrman was a rich and famous painter. → False (He was poor and unsuccessful.)

   
   

4. The last ivy leaf never fluttered in the wind. → True

   
   

5. Behrman’s masterpiece saved Johnsy’s life. → True

Probable Exam Questions (5)

1. What role did the ivy vine play in Johnsy’s illness?

   The ivy vine became a symbol of Johnsy’s belief that her life would end with the last leaf. Her imagination turned the vine into a measure of her fate. It shows how despair can create false connections.

   
   

2. How did Sue try to help her friend Johnsy?Sue tried to help Johnsy by encouraging her with hope and positivity. She worked hard to keep her cheerful and cared for her daily needs. She also sought Behrman’s help to break Johnsy’s false belief. Her efforts reflect true friendship.

   
   

3. What makes Behrman’s last painting a true masterpiece?Behrman’s last painting is a masterpiece because it saved a life. Though he was a failed artist all his life, his painted leaf was the greatest act of courage and sacrifice. It combined skill, love, and humanity.

   
   

4. What change occurred in Johnsy after seeing the last leaf?After seeing the last leaf survive the storm, Johnsy regained her courage. She realized it was wrong to lose hope and wish for death. She accepted food and began to recover. Her attitude changed from despair to hope.

   
   

5. What moral lesson does the story teach us?The story teaches that hope and courage are vital in life. It also shows that sacrifice and compassion for others are the highest forms of greatness. Behrman’s act proves that true masterpieces are made of humanity, not fame.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Last Leaf by O. Henry is an inspiring short story that combines realism with deep moral values. The touching friendship between Sue and Johnsy and the sacrifice of Behrman create a lasting impression. The imagery of the ivy vine and the painted leaf adds symbolism and suspense. The story’s climax, where Johnsy regains hope, is both emotional and powerful. It remains memorable for its message that service, sacrifice, and faith give true meaning to life.

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