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.
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