The Last Leaf Summary Class 7 Buzzword Chapter 7

Key Points of the Story

• Sue and Joanna, two friends living in a colony for poor artists, face a harsh winter.
• Joanna falls ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live.
• Joanna believes she will die when the last ivy leaf falls outside their window.
• Behrman, an old failed artist, plays a significant role in the unfolding events.
• Despite the harsh weather, the last ivy leaf remains, giving Joanna hope and will to live.
• Behrman's final act of painting the leaf saves Joanna from despair.

Detailed Summary

Sue, her friend, is puzzled by this belief and urges Joanna to eat and regain strength, dismissing the idea that the falling leaves are connected to her health. Despite Sue's efforts, Joanna remains fixated on the falling leaves and her impending death. She refuses food and rest, insisting on watching the last leaf fall. Sue, worried about Joanna's state of mind, leaves her momentarily to fetch Behrman, an elderly failed artist living downstairs, to act as a model for her artwork. Behrman, although a failed artist himself, cares deeply for Sue and Joanna. 

When Sue explains Joanna's fixation on the falling leaves, Behrman is quick to denounce the idea as foolish. He becomes emotional at the thought of Joanna's beliefs. The next morning, to everyone's surprise, the last leaf on the ivy vine remains steadfast against the harsh weather. Joanna takes this as a sign and decides to fight for her life. She asks for broth and milk, showing a renewed interest in life. When the doctor visits, he declares Joanna out of immediate danger, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and care in her recovery. He mentions another patient, Behrman, an elderly man with pneumonia, who is beyond hope but being made comfortable in the hospital. 

Days later, Sue reveals to Joanna that Behrman has passed away in the hospital. She recounts the caretaker's discovery of Behrman in pain with wet, cold clothes, and the mysterious scene of a painted ivy leaf outside the window. Sue reveals that Behrman, in his final act, painted that leaf to give Joanna hope and save her life. 

This touching tale showcases themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the power of art. It illustrates how a simple act of kindness and creativity can bring hope and healing in the darkest of times. The story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of selfless gestures on the lives of others.

Theme/Message

Themes:

• The fragility of life and the power of hope in the face of despair.
• The role of art and selfless acts in bringing meaning and purpose to life.
• The interconnectedness of individuals and the impact of one's actions on others.

Message:

• Through hope, art, and selflessness, even in the darkest times, one can find reasons to live and persevere.
• Small acts of kindness and creativity can have profound impacts on individuals and their outlook on life.
• Community support and empathy play a vital role in overcoming challenges and finding strength in adversity.

Difficult Words

1. Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
2. Despair: The complete loss or absence of hope.
3. Fierce: Showing a heartfelt and powerful intensity.
4. Colony: A group of people who settle in a new place but remain under the political jurisdiction of their native land.
5. Caretaker: A person employed to look after a public building or a house.
6. Acute: Present or experienced to a severe or intense degree.
7. Interconnectedness: The state of being connected with each other.
8. Persevere: Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success.
9. Selflessness: Concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.
10. Profound: Very great or intense.