O. Henry's The Last Leaf

Questions and Answers

What illness did Mr. Behrman succumb to?

Pneumonia (correct)

Influenza

Bronchitis

Tuberculosis

What was Mr. Behrman's significant contribution before his death?

He built a hospital for the sick.

He taught art classes to students.

He wrote a novel.

He painted a masterpiece. (correct)

What did Sue comfort Johnsy with in the hospital?

The arrival of new medicine.

The change in the weather.

The news of her recovery.

The story of Mr. Behrman's life. (correct)

What did the doctor say about Johnsy’s condition?

She was safe and just needed care. Signup and view all the answers

What event caused the change in the lives of Sue and Johnsy during the winter?

They were affected by a sickness called Pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What condition was Mr. Behrman in when he was found?

He was helpless with pain and cold. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sue and Johnsy initially meet?

At a restaurant on Eighth Street. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a unique characteristic of the streets in Greenwich Village?

They can run into themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What profession did the painter mentioned in the passage have?

An artist. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe Sue and Johnsy's living arrangement?

They each had their own separate apartments. Signup and view all the answers

What illness is personified as a 'cold stranger' in the passage?

Mr. Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What seasonal change is happening as the story develops?

The transition from spring to winter. Signup and view all the answers

What did the doctor do when he spoke to Sue?

He informed her about Johnsy's illness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctor indicate is necessary for a patient to recover?

A desire to live Signup and view all the answers

What does Johnsy appear to be counting from her room?

Falling leaves from a tree Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue bring into Johnsy's room to lift her spirits?

Painting materials Signup and view all the answers

How does Johnsy react to counting the leaves on the tree?

She becomes increasingly upset Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctor suggest Sue talk to Johnsy about?

Buying new winter clothes Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of her life does Sue suggest Johnsy should focus on to improve her chances?

Future plans and interests Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about Johnsy's overall condition when she is described as 'very thin and very quiet'?

She is struggling with her health Signup and view all the answers

What is Sue’s emotional state when she enters Johnsy’s room?

Overwhelmed with sadness Signup and view all the answers

What condition does Johnsy associate with the falling leaves?

Her health and recovery Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue want Johnsy to do while she works on her painting?

Promise to keep her eyes closed Signup and view all the answers

What is Behrman's aspiration as a painter?

To create a masterful piece Signup and view all the answers

How does Johnsy react to Sue's reassurances about her health?

She shows indifference and despair Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue aim to achieve by finishing her painting?

To earn enough money for more food Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is Johnsy most focused on during her conversation with Sue?

Watching the leaves fall Signup and view all the answers

What role does Behrman play in the narrative?

He is a struggling painter Signup and view all the answers

What does Johnsy wish for before she feels she can leave?

To witness the last leaf fall Signup and view all the answers

What was Behrman's perception of the idea that Johnsy might die because leaves fell from a tree?

He thought it was foolish. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Behrman to agree to help Sue?

His appreciation for Johnsy's character. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sue react to Behrman's refusal to accompany her initially?

She expressed disappointment in him. Signup and view all the answers

What major activity was Behrman known for but had not yet completed?

Completing his masterpiece. Signup and view all the answers

What condition affected Johnsy's mindset regarding her illness?

Strange ideas brought on by her sickness. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sue do the night she worked with Behrman?

Worked through most of the night painting. Signup and view all the answers

What was the weather like when Sue and Behrman looked out the window?

Cold rain mixed with snow. Signup and view all the answers

How did Johnsy express her desire when she woke up?

She wanted to see the vine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Background

Takes place in Greenwich Village, a quirky part of New York City characterized by winding streets and unique architecture.
Depicts the lives of two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, living together in a small apartment during the changing seasons.

Characters

Sue: One of the main characters, an artist from Maine who cares deeply for her friend Johnsy.
Johnsy: Sue's ill friend from California, suffering from pneumonia and obsessed with the leaves of a tree outside their window.
Mr. Behrman: An older painter living in the same building, known for his lack of success but harbors dreams of creating a masterpiece.

Plot Overview

Johnsy becomes gravely ill with pneumonia and fixates on the last leaf of a vine on the wall, believing that when it falls, she will die.
The doctor expresses concern that Johnsy has given up on life, which severely affects her chances of recovery.
Sue attempts to motivate Johnsy to live by discussing future plans and art, but Johnsy remains despondent.

Themes

The power of hope and determination: Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls symbolizes her loss of hope.
Friendship and sacrifice: Sue’s dedication to Johnsy highlights the deep bond between friends, often leading to selfless acts.
Art as a form of redemption: Behrman's painting of the last leaf symbolizes hope and the transformative power of art.

Climax

Behrman, moved by Johnsy's plight, decides to help. He paints a realistic last leaf on the wall during a stormy night, risking his health to provide Johnsy with hope.
His act of creating the leaf represents his long-awaited masterpiece, showcasing his love and sacrifice for the two young women.

Resolution

Johnsy survives when she sees the painted leaf still clinging to the branch despite harsh weather, prompting her recovery.
Tragically, Behrman dies from pneumonia shortly after his act of creation, illustrating the themes of sacrifice and the complexity of life.

Symbolism

The last leaf: Represents hope, resilience, and the power of human connection; it serves as the turning point in Johnsy’s recovery.
Mr. Behrman’s unfinished masterpiece: Represents unrealized dreams and the transformative impact of care and sacrifice.

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Description

This quiz explores the themes and characters in O. Henry's short story, 'The Last Leaf'. Delve into the unique storytelling techniques and emotional depth presented in this poignant tale set in a quirky neighborhood. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students studying this classic work.