Answers and solutions to the lesson “The Last Leaf” textbook exercises arebeing given here.
THINK ABOUT IT
1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live? s
Ans. Johnsy’s illnes is pneumonia, a sort of chest infection. But she has developed a thought that she is going to die with the last leaf falling. As per the doctor, Johnsy is feeling depressed and has lost all hope. Both can cure her, the medicine and the willingness to live. But what is first needed is the willingness to live. Only then the medicine will prove to be effective. If one does not want to live, no medicine can work.
2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Ans. Johnsy is depressed. One of the reasons for depression may be big dreams and their unfulfillment. Today it is the era of competition and everyone including artists is struggling to establish themselves. Johnsy must be one of them. The feeling of depression Johnsy has is quite common among teenagers. Teenagers are very emotional. They take everything to heart. Slight failures in life are very big for them and they are worried about what people would say. Sometimes they are so much pressurized by their peers that they are unable to cope with academic failures and take fatal steps in life. Sometimes they are depressed like Johnsy and feel frustrated with life or their surroundings. Besides, teenagers like Johnsy are not easily convinced nor can they be counseled. The absence of a healthy lifestyle leads them towards negativity and depression becomes deep-rooted. So, since childhood positive values like optimism and strong will-power should be inculcated. The need of the hour is to recognize the things in their correct perspective. Nothing is greater than life. Life is not based on one’s moods and whims. So it must be taken seriously and one should try one’s best to stay away from depression as every time a Behrman is not there to help and sacrifice.
3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Ans. Behrman’s dream is the creation of a masterpiece. He has been nurturing his dream for a long time but has not been successful. His dream comes true when he paints a life-like leaf which does not flutter in strong winds and Johnsy mistakes it for the last leaf which saved her life.
4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Ans. Behrman was an old painter. He died while painting the last leaf in heavy rain. He became wet and caught pneumonia. Finally, he died. Sue calls it a masterpiece because it motivated Johnsy to live her life and give up depression. That masterpiece proved to be more effective than the medicine.