Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Sue speaking to?
Who is Sue speaking to?
Sue is speaking to Johnsy.
What does Johnsy want to see?
What does Johnsy want to see?
Johnsy wants to see the last leaf fall.
What does Sue need to deliver tomorrow?
What does Sue need to deliver tomorrow?
Sue needs to deliver drawings tomorrow.
Where does Sue need to go downstairs to get?
Where does Sue need to go downstairs to get?
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What does Sue ask Johnsy to promise?
What does Sue ask Johnsy to promise?
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Who does Sue need to go downstairs to get?
Who does Sue need to go downstairs to get?
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What does Johnsy want to see?
What does Johnsy want to see?
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What does Sue ask Johnsy to promise?
What does Sue ask Johnsy to promise?
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Study Notes
Character Interactions
- Sue cares deeply for Johnsy, urging her to keep her eyes closed and avoid looking out the window to shield her from despair.
- Johnsy's cold demeanor hints at her emotional state, showing frustration and resignation regarding her illness.
- Sue prefers to stay close to Johnsy while working, indicating their close friendship and Sue's dedication.
Themes of Despair and Creativity
- Johnsy expresses a longing to witness the fall of the last ivy leaf, symbolizing her loss of hope and desire to give up.
- Sue's need for light to complete her work contrasts with Johnsy's dark thoughts, representing the struggle between creativity and despair.
Symbolism
- Ivy leaves serve as a metaphor for life and hope, with Johnsy equating their fall to her own impending fate.
- The act of drawing signifies Sue's effort to maintain artistry amidst challenging situations, emphasizing the power of creativity.
Plot Development
- Sue's commitment to her artwork is evident through her plans to utilize Mr. Behrman as a model, highlighting her determination despite the circumstances.
- The passage foreshadows potential conflict between life and death through Johnsy's fixation on the ivy leaves and Sue’s attempts to distract her.
Emotional Tone
- The atmosphere is tense, filled with anxiety as Johnsy waits for events to unfold, reflecting her fragile state of mind.
- Sue’s care juxtaposes Johnsy’s detachment, creating a sense of urgency in their friendship amid Johnsy’s health crisis.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your comprehension of O. Henry's short story "The Last Leaf" with this quiz. Explore the themes, characters, and plot elements through a series of questions.
