The Last Leaf by O. Henry: Story Summary

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What is the doctor's prognosis for Johnsy if she doesn't find the will to live?

Little chance of survival

What is Sue working on to earn money to buy food and wine for Johnsy?

A picture for a magazine story

What becomes an obsession for Johnsy as she lies in bed?

The leaves falling from a vine outside her window

What is the unfulfilled ambition that Sue mentions to the doctor?

To paint the Bay of Naples Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of Behrman, according to Sue?

He has died of pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the last leaf falling from the vine?

Johnsy believes it will coincide with her own death Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of hope for the artists in 'The Last Leaf'?

Fulfilling their life's purpose by painting a masterpiece. Signup and view all the answers

How do Sue and Johnsy challenge traditional gender roles in the early twentieth-century New York?

By pursuing independent lives and careers in art, rather than marrying and devoting themselves to domestic work. Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude of the doctor towards Johnsy's artistic aspirations?

Dismissive and belittling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sue's response to the doctor's question about Johnsy's sadness?

It reveals Johnsy's unfulfilled aspiration to paint the Bay of Naples, which is seen as insignificant by the doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of friendship in the lives of Sue and Johnsy?

It provides solace and support in the face of societal disapproval. Signup and view all the answers

How do the male characters in the story view Sue and Johnsy?

They dismiss and belittle them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the turning point in Johnsy's recovery from her illness, and what does it signify?

The turning point is when Johnsy realizes she was wrong to lose hope and sits up to eat again, signifying her rediscovery of hope for her future. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Johnsy to recover from her illness, and what is her long-held dream?

The prospect of painting again and her dream of visiting Italy to paint the Bay of Naples motivate Johnsy to recover. Signup and view all the answers

What gives Johnsy hope, and what does it symbolize?

Behrman's masterpiece, the illusionistic painting of the last leaf, gives Johnsy hope, symbolizing the transfer of hope from one person to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Behrman's death after painting his masterpiece?

Behrman's death suggests that he no longer has the will to live, as he has achieved his life's work and believes his best work is behind him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme suggested by O. Henry in this story?

O. Henry suggests that physical health is strongly related to hope for the future. Signup and view all the answers

How does art play a role in the story, particularly in the lives of Johnsy and Behrman?

Art serves as a source of hope, inspiration, and motivation for both Johnsy and Behrman, giving them the courage and strength to overcome their struggles. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sue's response to Behrman's inquiry about the symbolic value of the old ivy leaves?

Sue responds with 'magnificent scorn' and asks 'What have old ivy leaves to do with you getting well?' Signup and view all the answers

What does the leaf represent in the context of Johnsy's story?

The leaf represents Johnsy and the effects of symbolism, as its trajectory parallels hers and Behrman's symbolic gesture saves her life. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does Behrman's painting of the last leaf hold, according to Sue?

Sue declares that the leaf Behrman paints is his masterpiece. Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying motivation behind Johnsy's desire to get well, according to Sue?

Johnsy wants to paint the Bay of Naples some day. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Doctor's question about Johnsy's mental state relate to the themes of the story?

The Doctor asks if Johnsy has anything on her mind worth thinking about twice, suggesting that her mental state is crucial to her recovery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the characters' origins in the story?

One character is from Maine, and the other is from California. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the doctor leave the women's apartment?

The doctor has to visit another patient, Behrman, who has caught pneumonia and needs to be taken to the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What does the janitor find in Behrman's room?

The janitor finds Behrman sick in his room, dressed in cold, wet clothes, and discovers a ladder and painting materials, indicating that he had stayed out all night to paint the image of a leaf on the wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'last leaf' in the story?

The 'last leaf' is actually a painting by Behrman, which symbolizes the rekindling of Johnsy's hope and will to live. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Behrman's sacrifice?

Behrman's sacrifice is not in vain, as it gives Johnsy the will to live, despite his own death. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue mean by calling Behrman's painting his 'masterpiece'?

Sue is referring to both the quality of the painting, which is extraordinarily realistic, and the love and generosity of the act itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall message of the story 'The Last Leaf'?

The story suggests that it's not the physical survival of something that matters, but the hope and will to live that it gives to others. Signup and view all the answers