Class 9 Moments Supplementary Reader Chapter 7 Question Answers - The Last Leaf

Q1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her – the medicine or her willingness to live?
Ans: Johnsy suffered from pneumonia during the cold winter month of November. Her illness left her physically weak and mentally depressed. She would lie in bed, gazing out the window, watching the autumn leaves fall. She began associating her death with the falling leaves, believing that when the last leaf fell, she would die. This negative mindset worsened her condition. She refused to eat and lost all hope, making the medicines ineffective. According to the doctor, her recovery depended on her will to live. Without the desire to get better, even the best medicine could not work.

Q2. Sue is a true and faithful friend. Comment.
Ans: Sue exemplifies the qualities of a true and loyal friend. She and Johnsy, both young artists, shared a flat. When Johnsy fell ill, Sue devoted herself to taking care of her. She called the doctor daily, earning money by painting beside Johnsy's bed, all while maintaining a cheerful demeanor to uplift her friend. Sue was patient with Johnsy's gloomy outlook and reassured her that the falling ivy leaves had no connection to her illness. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, she sought help from Behrman. Sue’s compassion and support reflect her loyalty and genuine concern for Johnsy's well-being.

Q3. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Ans: Yes, Johnsy’s feeling of depression is common among teenagers. Like Johnsy, teenagers often lack emotional maturity and struggle to handle unpredictable and challenging situations. They tend to develop negative thoughts and fears, leading to a cycle of pessimism and anxiety. This emotional instability can affect their health and weaken their willpower. Additionally, teenagers can be difficult to counsel, often testing the patience of those around them. A lack of a healthy lifestyle can exacerbate their depression. To combat this, teenagers should focus on positive habits like meditation, exercise, and cultivating optimism to maintain a balanced mental state.

Q4. How did Behrman save Johnsy’s life?
Ans: Behrman saved Johnsy’s life through an extraordinary act of sacrifice. Despite being a sixty-year-old unsuccessful artist, Behrman took it upon himself to save Johnsy when she believed she would die as the last leaf on the ivy vine fell. On a stormy night, when the last leaf was about to fall, Behrman braved the cold and rain to paint a realistic green leaf on the wall. This gave Johnsy the hope and will to live. However, Behrman caught pneumonia from the exposure and died soon after, making his painting of the last leaf his ultimate masterpiece and a testament to his dedication to art and compassion for Johnsy.

Q5. Imagine Behrman survives the attack of pneumonia. His family takes him back to his native countryside to nurse him back to health. As Johnsy, write a letter to Behrman expressing your gratitude.
Ans: 
(Date)
2-111 Floor Ivy Apartments
London

Dear Mr. Behrman,

I hope this letter finds you in better health. Sue and I think of you often and miss your presence in the neighborhood. You have always been a kind and talented gentleman, and words cannot express my gratitude for your extraordinary help during my darkest moments. I shudder when I remember how you risked your life for me—a foolish girl, blinded by hopelessness. Your courage and dedication have taught me the true value of life and art.

Your masterpiece has not only saved my life but also inspired me to cherish each day. I promise never to let despair cloud my thoughts again. Sue and I wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you create more masterpieces.

With warm regards,
Johnsy

Q6. Describe briefly how Behrman saved Johnsy’s life.
Ans: Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia and had convinced herself that she would die when the last leaf on the ivy creeper fell. The doctor said her recovery depended on her will to live. Behrman, an old painter, lived in the same building. When he learned about Johnsy’s belief, he decided to help. On a stormy night, when the last leaf fell, Behrman painted a realistic leaf on the wall. The next morning, Johnsy saw the leaf and regained her will to live. Unfortunately, Behrman caught pneumonia while painting and died, but his act of sacrifice saved Johnsy’s life.

Q7. In “The Last Leaf” why did Sue cry bitterly when the doctor had gone? Later she walked into Johnsy’s room whistling a cheerful tune. Why?
Ans: Sue was heartbroken after the doctor told her that Johnsy’s chances of survival were slim unless she regained the will to live. She cried bitterly after the doctor left, overwhelmed by the situation. However, Sue knew that showing her sadness to Johnsy would only worsen her condition, so she walked into Johnsy’s room whistling a cheerful tune, trying to lift her friend’s spirits and give her hope.

Q8. What did Johnsy believe about the falling leaves? Did Sue believe the same thing?
Ans: Johnsy believed that her life was connected to the falling ivy leaves. She thought that when the last leaf fell, she would die. However, Sue did not believe in this superstition. She tried her best to convince Johnsy that the falling leaves had no connection with her life and nursed her with love and care. Sue also sought Behrman’s help, and his painted leaf saved Johnsy’s life.

Q9. Write a brief character sketch of old Behrman.
Ans: Old Behrman was an unsuccessful artist in his sixties who had long dreamed of painting a masterpiece but never started one. He lived below Johnsy and Sue’s flat and considered himself their protector. Though he often appeared gruff, he was kind and caring at heart. When Johnsy believed she would die with the fall of the last leaf, Behrman painted a leaf on the wall during a stormy night, sacrificing his own life in the process. His act of painting the last leaf was a testament to his kindness and selflessness, and it became his long-awaited masterpiece.

Q10. Justify the title of the story ‘The Last Leaf ‘.
Ans: The title ‘The Last Leaf’ is central to the story’s theme and plot. Johnsy, a young artist, believed that her life was linked to the leaves of the ivy creeper outside her window. She was convinced she would die when the last leaf fell. However, Behrman, an old painter, painted a leaf on the wall when the last leaf actually fell. This act gave Johnsy hope and the will to live. The last leaf, though artificial, played a pivotal role in saving her life, making the title fitting for the story.

Q11. Draw a brief character sketch of Sue.
Ans: Sue is a pivotal character in the story The Last Leaf. She is an artist who shares a studio with her friend Johnsy in an artists' colony. Sue is portrayed as kind-hearted, selfless, and a devoted friend. When Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia, Sue becomes her caregiver, tending to her with love and dedication. She works tirelessly, both day and night, to earn enough money for Johnsy's medicine and proper nutrition. Despite feeling distressed when the doctor mentions Johnsy’s slim chances of recovery, Sue remains hopeful. She tries to lift Johnsy’s spirits by dismissing her belief that she will die when the last leaf on the vine falls. Sue’s compassion, loyalty, and determination to save her friend define her as a true friend and a noble individual.

Q12. Behrman’s masterpiece helped Johnsy survive. Explain how the last leaf influenced Johnsy.
Ans: Behrman’s masterpiece is central to Johnsy’s survival. Behrman, an elderly artist, longed to create a masterpiece. When he learned that Johnsy, who was gravely ill, had tied her fate to the falling leaves of a vine, he took it upon himself to help her. On a stormy night, Behrman painted a leaf on the wall that perfectly resembled the last leaf of the creeper. Johnsy believed that the leaf's refusal to fall gave her a renewed sense of hope, which ultimately helped her fight her illness. Behrman, however, caught pneumonia while painting in the cold and passed away shortly after. His sacrifice and selfless act gave Johnsy the will to live, making his final painting his true masterpiece.

Q13. Johnsy felt her survival was related to the falling ivy leaves. Explain how blind beliefs can harm us.
Ans: Johnsy’s belief that her life was tied to the falling leaves of a vine illustrates how dangerous superstitions can be. Suffering from pneumonia, Johnsy became obsessed with the idea that she would die when the last leaf fell. Her depression worsened as her irrational belief took hold, making her lose the will to live. Even though the doctor pointed out that her recovery depended on her desire to live, Johnsy remained fixated on her superstition. This mindset highlights how blind beliefs, when taken seriously, can prevent individuals from fighting their challenges and can even jeopardize their lives.

Q14. Sue played a very important role in saving her friend Johnsy. Explain how she acted as a trusted friend.
Ans: Sue's role as a true and trusted friend is evident throughout the story. When Johnsy fell ill, Sue took on the responsibility of nursing her back to health. She comforted Johnsy and worked tirelessly to cheer her up, refusing to let her friend succumb to despair. Sue kept Johnsy company, tried to distract her from her negative thoughts, and even sought help from Behrman when Johnsy's condition worsened. Her care, concern, and persistence made all the difference in Johnsy's recovery. Sue’s actions embody the qualities of a devoted and loyal friend, willing to go to great lengths to support someone she cares about.

Q15. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Do you think the story The Last Leaf supports this statement?
Ans: Yes, The Last Leaf strongly supports the idea that “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” When Johnsy was critically ill, her friend Sue stayed by her side, offering comfort and support. Johnsy’s belief that she would die when the last leaf fell led her to despair, but Sue remained hopeful. She did everything possible to encourage Johnsy and sought Behrman’s help when she feared for her friend's life. Behrman, too, showed true friendship by painting a leaf on the vine to restore Johnsy’s hope. Both Sue and Behrman’s actions demonstrate the strength of friendship during difficult times.

Q16. “You have to live for your friends.” How far do you agree with this advice given by Sue to Johnsy?
Ans: Sue’s advice to Johnsy, “You have to live for your friends,” reflects the deep bond between them. The doctor had mentioned that Johnsy would not recover unless she found the will to live. Sue understood that sometimes, love for others can give someone the strength to keep going. In Johnsy’s case, her depression had taken away her desire to live, and no medicine could heal her. Sue’s words reminded Johnsy that she was not alone and that her life mattered to others. Ultimately, Sue’s compassionate advice helped Johnsy find the strength to survive.

Q17. What is the need to maintain a positive attitude in life? Comment with reference to Johnsy’s attitude.
Ans: Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial in life, as it can determine our ability to overcome challenges. In Johnsy’s case, her negative attitude severely impacted her health. She became so fixated on her belief that she would die with the fall of the last leaf that she lost the will to fight her illness. Despite the doctor’s efforts, Johnsy’s condition worsened because of her depression and lack of hope. It was only when her perception changed—when she saw that the last leaf had not fallen—that she began to recover. Johnsy’s experience illustrates how a positive attitude can play a pivotal role in one's survival and well-being.

Q18. The Last Leaf is a story of supreme sacrifice by an old artist. Do you agree?
Ans: Yes, The Last Leaf is indeed a story of supreme sacrifice. Behrman, an old artist, had always dreamed of painting a masterpiece. When he learned that Johnsy’s life was in danger due to her belief that she would die when the last leaf fell, he selflessly decided to paint a leaf on the wall to save her. Braving the cold on a stormy night, he created a lifelike image of a leaf, giving Johnsy the hope she needed to survive. Tragically, Behrman contracted pneumonia and passed away shortly afterward. His ultimate sacrifice—giving his life to save another—makes this a story of profound selflessness.