NCERT English Class 9th — The Last Leaf Detailed Summary
The Last Leaf is a touching short story written by O. Henry. The story teaches us about hope, friendship, sacrifice, and the power of positive thinking.
Introduction
The story is set in a small area called Greenwich Village in New York. Two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, live together in a small flat. They are very close friends and support each other. During winter, a dangerous disease called pneumonia spreads in the city. Johnsy falls seriously ill and loses all hope of living.
An old painter named Behrman, who lives downstairs, later makes a great sacrifice to save her life.
Detailed Summary
Sue and Johnsy
Sue and Johnsy were young artists. Sue was from Maine, and Johnsy was from California. They met in a restaurant and became good friends because they had similar interests in art. After that, they decided to live together in a small studio.
They were happy and worked hard on their paintings.
Johnsy Falls Ill
One winter, pneumonia spread through the city. The disease attacked many people. Unfortunately, Johnsy also became ill. She became very weak and lay in bed all day without speaking much.
The doctor visited her and told Sue that Johnsy had very little chance of survival because she had lost the desire to live. He said that medicines would not work unless she wanted to get better.
Sue became worried and tried her best to encourage her friend.
Johnsy’s Strange Belief
From her bed, Johnsy could see an old ivy creeper growing on the wall of the building outside the window. The leaves were falling because of the strong cold wind.
Johnsy started counting the falling leaves. She believed that when the last leaf fell, she would also die.
Sue tried to explain that the leaves had nothing to do with her illness, but Johnsy continued to believe this strange idea.
Day by day, the number of leaves became smaller.
Behrman, the Old Painter
Downstairs lived old Behrman. He was a sixty-year-old painter with a rough appearance. He always talked about painting a great masterpiece, but he had never painted one.
Although he appeared strict and rude, he had a kind heart. He cared deeply for Sue and Johnsy.
Sue told him about Johnsy’s foolish belief regarding the last leaf. Behrman became upset and angry because Johnsy had lost hope so easily.
The Stormy Night
That night, there was heavy rain and a strong wind. Sue was sure that the last ivy leaf would fall by morning.
But when Johnsy looked out of the window the next morning, she saw that one leaf was still hanging on the wall.
The leaf remained there all day and even during another stormy night.
Johnsy was surprised. Slowly, she began to feel ashamed of her negative thoughts. She realized that if the leaf could fight against the storm and survive, she too should not give up.
Her desire to live returned, and her health started improving.
The Truth About the Last Leaf
Soon the doctor announced that Johnsy was now out of danger.
Then Sue told Johnsy the truth. The last leaf had not been a real leaf. Old Behrman had painted it on the wall during the stormy night so that Johnsy would not lose hope.
While painting the leaf in the cold rain, Behrman caught pneumonia himself. He became seriously ill and died after two days.
The painted leaf was Behrman’s long-awaited masterpiece because it saved Johnsy’s life.
Themes of the Story
1. Power of Hope
The story shows that hope and positive thinking are very important in life.
2. Friendship and Care
Sue takes great care of Johnsy and supports her during illness.
3. Sacrifice
Behrman sacrifices his own life to save Johnsy.
4. Art and Inspiration
Behrman’s painting becomes a true masterpiece because it gives life and hope to someone.
Character Sketch
Johnsy
Sue
Behrman
Moral of the Story
Never lose hope in difficult times.
Positive thinking can save lives.
True friendship and sacrifice are priceless.
Important One-Line Points for Exam
The story is written by O. Henry.
Johnsy suffered from pneumonia.
She believed she would die when the last ivy leaf fell.
Sue was Johnsy’s close friend.
Behrman painted the last leaf on the wall.
Behrman died of pneumonia after painting the leaf.
The painted leaf became Behrman’s masterpiece.
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