Themes and Characters in 'The Last Leaf'

The story 'The Last Leaf' by O. Henry revolves around two young artists, Sue and Johnsy. Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live, believing she will die when the last leaf on a creeper outside her window falls. Sue tries to help her friend regain hope. Bearman, an elderly painter, sacrifices his life to paint a realistic leaf on the creeper during a stormy night, giving Johnsy the hope she needs to recover. The story highlights themes of hope, sacrifice, and the power of art.

Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of the story?

• Behrman and the Doctor

• Sue and Behrman

• Sue and Johnsy

• Johnsy and the Doctor

What illness does Johnsy suffer from?

• Flu

• Pneumonia

• Cold

• Fever

What does the doctor suggest is the real issue with Johnsy's health?

• Lack of will to live

• Lack of medicine

• Lack of food

• Lack of sleep

What does Sue do to try and cheer up Johnsy?

• Sings to her

• Talks about fashion

• Takes her for a walk

• Reads her a book

What does Johnsy believe will happen when the last leaf falls?

• She will die

• She will recover

• She will feel happy

• She will get better

What does Sue do to try and distract Johnsy from her thoughts?

• Reads her a story

• Takes her outside

• Talks about clothes

• Sings to her

What does Johnsy refuse to do because she believes she will die?

• Sleep

• Talk

• Paint

• Eat

What does Sue need to finish her painting?

• More time

• More light

• More paint

• More inspiration

Who is Behrman?

• A janitor

• A young artist

• A doctor

• An old painter

What is Behrman's dream?

• To travel the world

• To paint a masterpiece

• To become famous

• To teach art