Notes Class 8 Chapter 3.3 Balbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Last Leaf

1. Characters:

Sue – Artist, kind-hearted, practical, and caring friend.

Johnsy – Sue’s roommate, artist, emotionally weak, falls seriously ill.

Mr. Behrman – Old artist, poor, alcoholic, always spoke of painting a “masterpiece”.

2. Setting:

• Location: Poor artist colony in New York City
• Time: Cold autumn and winter season
• Environment: Small studio apartment, sickroom with window facing a wall with an ivy vine

3. Johnsy’s Illness:

• Catches pneumonia, becomes very weak.
• Mentally affected – loses the will to live.
• Believes she will die when the last ivy leaf falls from the vine outside the window.

4. Sue’s Role:

• Takes care of Johnsy day and night.
• Tries to cheer her up and encourage her.
• Continues working as an artist to make money and manage household duties.
• Consults Dr. and Behrman for help.

5. Ivy Leaf Belief:

• Johnsy counts the falling leaves daily.
• She strongly believes her life is tied to the last leaf.
• She says: “When the last leaf falls, I must go too.”

6. Behrman’s Sacrifice:

• Learns about Johnsy’s belief from Sue.
• Shocked and upset at the idea.
• In the middle of a cold night, paints a realistic leaf on the wall after the last one has fallen.
• Gets soaked in the rain, catches pneumonia, and dies two days later.
• His painting becomes his true masterpiece.

7. Turning Point / Climax:

• The painted leaf never falls.
• Johnsy regains hope and the will to live.
• She starts recovering after realizing how foolish her belief was.

8. The Last Leaf (Painting):

• Painted by Behrman to give hope to Johnsy.
• Symbol of courage, hope, and sacrifice.
• Doesn’t move in storm or wind – convinces Johnsy that it’s a real leaf.
• Becomes Behrman’s first and final masterpiece.

9. Moral of the Story:

• Never give up on life.
• Even one act of kindness or sacrifice can save a life.
• True art inspires and transforms.
• Caring and compassion are stronger than medicine.