NCERT Solutions - The Last Leaf

Page No. 48
Think About It

Q1. What is Johnsy's illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Ans: Johnsy, a young artist, was suffering from pneumonia. She became convinced that she would die when the last leaf on the ivy creeper fell. Despite receiving medicine, it had little effect on her condition. Ultimately, it was her willingness to live that held the potential to cure her, rather than the medication alone.

Q2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Ans: Yes, such feelings of depression can be common among teenagers. Like Johnsy, teenagers may sometimes feel hopeless, lonely, or emotionally weak, especially during illness, failure, or emotional stress. They may begin to believe that life has no meaning and lose interest in living.
Johnsy's depression makes her isolate herself and reject food and care. This shows that teenagers need emotional support, encouragement, and understanding, just as Johnsy needed Sue's care and Behrman's silent sacrifice to regain hope.

Q3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Ans: Behrman dreamed of painting a true masterpiece in his lifetime. He realised this dream at the end of his life when he painted the life like ivy leaf on the wall. That painted leaf restored Johnsy's hope and saved her life; in that sense, his dream did come true, although he paid for it with his own health and life.

Q4. What is Behrman's masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Ans: Behrman's masterpiece is the ivy leaf painted on the wall outside Johnsy's window. It looks so real that Johnsy believes it is a natural leaf that has survived the storm.
Sue calls it a masterpiece because it saves Johnsy's life by restoring her hope and desire to live. Behrman painted it during a cold, stormy night at the cost of his own life. The leaf is not just a painting-it is a symbol of selfless love, courage, and sacrifice, which makes it Behrman's true masterpiece.

Talk About It

Q1. Have you ever felt depressed and rejected? How did you overcome such feelings? Share your experience with your classmates.
Ans: (Sample)
Yes, I have felt depressed and rejected at times, especially after failure or misunderstanding. I overcame these feelings by talking to my family and friends, staying positive, and focusing on my strengths. Their support and self-belief helped me regain confidence and move forward.

Word - meaning

• Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs
• Masterpiece - a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. 
• Ivy - a woody evergreen climbing plant, typically having shiny, dark green five-pointed leaves.
• Vine - a climbing or trailing woody-stemmed plant related to the grapevine.