Summary
The story highlights the power of the human mind and its ability to affect physical health. Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls on the ivy creeper outside her window has a profound impact on her condition, despite the doctor’s assurances and Sue’s constant care. The story also touches on the themes of friendship and the importance of hope. Sue, as a devoted friend, tries her best to distract and change Johnsy’s mind, but her efforts are in vain. The story ends with the last leaf falling and leaving the reader to wonder about Johnsy’s fate, highlighting the power of hope and how it can change fate.
Summary
The story is about two young artists, SUE and Johnsy, who share a small flat. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf on an ivy creeper outside their window falls. Despite the doctor’s assurances that she will recover, Johnsy refuses to eat or drink and continues to gaze out of the window. SUE, her friend, becomes worried and brings in a drawing board to try to distract Johnsy. However, Johnsy remains convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls. SUE brings in another painter, Behrman, to try to help, but even he is unable to change Johnsy’s mind. The story ends with SUE reluctantly drawing back the curtains to reveal that the last leaf has fallen, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen to Johnsy.
Summary in 300 words
The story is about two young artists, SUE and Johnsy, who share a small flat. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf on an ivy creeper outside their window falls. Despite the doctor’s assurances that she will recover, Johnsy refuses to eat or drink and continues to gaze out of the window. SUE, her friend, becomes worried and brings in a drawing board to try to distract Johnsy. However, Johnsy remains convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls. SUE brings in another painter, Behrman, to try to help, but even he is unable to change Johnsy’s mind. The story ends with SUE reluctantly drawing back the curtains to reveal that the last leaf has fallen, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen to Johnsy.
The story is a story about the power of the human mind and the impact it has on the body. Johnsy is convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls, and this belief has a profound effect on her physical health. Despite the doctor’s best efforts and SUE’s constant care, Johnsy’s condition deteriorates. The reader can see how Johnsy’s mind is affecting her physical health and how difficult it is to change her mind.
The story also touches on the themes of friendship and the importance of hope. SUE is a devoted friend to Johnsy and does everything in her power to help her, including bringing in Behrman to try to change her mind. Despite her efforts, Johnsy remains convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls. The story highlights the importance of hope and how it can be the difference between life and death.
In summary, the story is about two young artists, SUE and Johnsy, who share a small flat. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf on an ivy creeper outside their window falls. Despite the doctor’s assurances that she will recover, Johnsy refuses to eat or drink and continues to gaze out of the window. SUE, her friend, becomes worried and brings in a drawing board to try to distract Johnsy. However, Johnsy remains convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls. SUE brings in another painter, Behrman, to try to help, but even he is unable to change Johnsy’s mind. The story ends with SUE reluctantly drawing back the curtains to reveal that the last leaf has fallen, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen to Johnsy. The story is a powerful reminder of the impact of the human mind on physical health, the importance of friendship, and the power of hope.
Multi-choice Question And Answers;
Q1. Who is the main protagonist of the story?
a. SUE
b. Johnsy
c. The doctor
d. Behrman
Answer: b. Johnsy
Q2. What is Johnsy’s illness?
a. Cancer
b. Pneumonia
c. Influenza
d. Depression
Answer: b. Pneumonia
Q3. What is Johnsy’s belief that is causing her to refuse treatment?
a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
b. That she is not going to get well
c. That the medicine will not help her
d. That SUE is not a true friend
Answer: a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
Q4.Who does SUE bring in to try to help Johnsy?
a. A therapist
b. A nurse
c. A painter
d. A priest
Answer: c. A painter
Q5. What is Behrman’s dream?
a. To become a doctor
b. To paint a masterpiece
c. To open a gallery
d. To travel the world
Answer: b. To paint a masterpiece
Q6. How does SUE try to distract Johnsy from her illness?
a. By talking about clothes and fashions
b. By playing music
c. By bringing in her drawing board
d. By reading to her
Answer: c. By bringing in her drawing board
Q7. What does SUE do when she hears Johnsy whispering?
a. She calls the doctor
b. She rushes to the bed
c. She opens the window
d. She leaves the room
Answer: b. She rushes to the bed
Q8. What does Johnsy say when she sees the last leaf fall?
a. “I can’t believe it”
b. “I’m tired of waiting”
c. “I’m ready to go”
d. “I’m feeling better”
Answer: c. “I’m ready to go”
Q9. What is SUE’s reaction when she sees the last leaf fall?
a. She is relieved
b. She is happy
c. She is nervous
d. She is angry
Answer: c. She is nervous
Q10. What is the theme of the story?
a. Friendship
b. Illness
c. Power of the mind
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Q11. How does Johnsy’s mind affect her physical health?
a. It improves it
b. It has no effect
c. It deteriorates it
d. It causes her to recover faster
Answer: c. It deteriorates it
Q12. What is the significance of the ivy creeper in the story?
a. It symbolizes death
b. It symbolizes hope
c. It symbolizes the passage of time
d. It symbolizes the characters’ relationship
Answer: a. It symbolizes death
Q13. Who does Sue tell about Johnsy’s condition?
a. The doctor
b. Behrman
c. Johnsy’s family
d. The neighbors
Answer: b. Behrman
Q14. What does Sue want to do before drawing the curtains?
a. To finish her painting
b. To call the doctor
c. To call Johnsy’s family
d. To open the window
Answer: a. To finish her painting
Q15. Why does Sue need to light to paint?
a. She is working on a portrait
b. She is working on a landscape
c. She wants to see the last leaf fall
d. She wants to get some money for them
Answer: d. She wants to get some money for them
Q16. Why does Sue bring Behrman to see Johnsy?
a. To be a model for her painting
b. To change Johnsy’s mind
c. To give Johnsy company
d. To help Johnsy eat
Answer: b. To change Johnsy’s mind
Q17. How does Johnsy feel when she wakes up the next morning?
a. Excited
b. Confused
c. In a feeble voice
d. Happy
Answer: c. In a feeble voice
Q18. How does Sue feel when she draws back the curtains?
a. Relieved
b. Nervous
c. Happy
d. Angry
Answer: b. Nervous
Q19. What is the main message of the story?
a. The power of the mind can affect the body
b. The power of friendship can save lives
c. The power of hope can change fate
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Q20. How does the story end?
a. Johnsy dies
b. Johnsy recovers
c. The story ends with the last leaf falling
d. The story does not have a definite ending
Answer: c. The story ends with the last leaf falling
Prose Passage
SUE and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat. The flat was on the third storey of an old house. Johnsy fell very seriously ill in November. She had pneumonia. She would lie in her bed without moving, just gazing out of the window. Sue, her friend, became very worried. She sent for the doctor. Although he came every day there was no change in Johnsy’s condition. One day the doctor took Sue aside and asked her, ”Is anything worrying Johnsy?” “No,” replied Sue. “But why do you ask?” The doctor said “Johnsy, it seems, has made up her mind that she is not going to get well. If she doesn’t want to live, medicines will not help her.” Sue tried her best to make Johnsy take an interest in things around her. She talked about clothes and fashions, but Johnsy did not respond. Johnsy continued to lie still on her bed. Sue brought her drawing-board into Johnsy’s room and started painting. To take Johnsy’s mind off her illness, she whistled while working. Suddenly Sue heard Johnsy whisper something. She quickly rushed to the bed and heard Johnsy counting backwards. She was looking out of the window and was saying, “Twelve!” After sometime she whispered “eleven”, then “ten”, then “nine”, “eight”, “seven”. Sue anxiously looked out of the window. She saw an old ivy creeper climbing half-way up the brick wall opposite their window. In the strong wind outside, the creeper was shedding its leaves.“What is it, dear?” Sue asked. “Six,” whispered Johnsy. “They are falling faster now. Three days ago there were almost a hundred leaves. There are only five left now.” “It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.” “When the last leaf falls, I will die,” said Johnsy with finality. “I have known this for the last three days.” “Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “What have old ivy leaves to do with your getting well? The doctor is confident that you will get better.” Johnsy did not say anything. Sue went and brought her a bowl of soup. “I don’t want any soup,” said Johnsy. “I am not hungry… Now there are only four leaves left. I want to see the last one fall before it gets dark. Then I will sleep forever.”
Q1. What is the main protagonist’s name?
a. SUE
b. Johnsy
c. The doctor
d. Behrman
Answer: b. Johnsy
Q2. What is Johnsy’s illness?
a. Cancer
b. Pneumonia
c. Influenza
d. Depression
Answer: b. Pneumonia
Q3. What is Johnsy’s belief that is causing her to refuse treatment?
a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
b. That she is not going to get well
c. That the medicine will not help her
d. That SUE is not a true friend
Answer: a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
Q4. Who is the protagonist’s friend that is worried?
a. SUE
b. Johnsy
c. The doctor
d. Behrman
Answer: a. SUE
Q5. What does Sue do to distract Johnsy from her illness?
a. Talks about clothes and fashions
b. Plays music
c. Brings in her drawing board
d. Reads to her
Answer: c. Brings in her drawing board
Prose Passage
SUE and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat. Johnsy fell very seriously ill with pneumonia and became convinced that she would die when the last leaf on an ivy creeper outside their window falls. Despite the doctor’s assurances that she will recover, Johnsy refuses to eat or drink and continues to gaze out of the window. SUE, her friend, becomes worried and brings in a drawing board to try to distract Johnsy. However, Johnsy remains convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls. In an effort to change Johnsy’s mind, SUE brings in another painter, Behrman, but even he is unable to change her mind. The story ends with SUE reluctantly drawing back the curtains to reveal that the last leaf has fallen, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen to Johnsy.
The story highlights the power of the human mind and the impact it has on the body. Johnsy’s belief that she will die when the last leaf falls on the ivy creeper outside her window has a profound effect on her physical health. Despite the doctor’s best efforts and SUE’s constant care, Johnsy’s condition deteriorates. The reader can see how Johnsy’s mind is affecting her physical health and how difficult it is to change her mind.
The story also touches on the themes of friendship and the importance of hope. SUE, as a devoted friend, tries her best to distract and change Johnsy’s mind, but her efforts are in vain. Even the introduction of another painter, Behrman, is unable to change Johnsy’s mind. The ending leaves the reader wondering about Johnsy’s fate, highlighting the power of hope and how it can change fate.
Q1. What is Johnsy’s illness?
a. Cancer
b. Pneumonia
c. Influenza
d. Depression
Answer: b. Pneumonia
Q2. What is Johnsy’s belief that is causing her to refuse treatment?
a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
b. That she is not going to get well
c. That the medicine will not help her
d. That SUE is not a true friend
Answer: a. That she will die when the last leaf falls
Q3. What does SUE try to do to distract Johnsy from her illness?
a. Talks about clothes and fashions
b. Plays music
c. Brings in her drawing board
d. Reads to her
Answer: c. Brings in her drawing board
Q4. Who does SUE bring in to try to change Johnsy’s mind?
a. A therapist
b. A nurse
c. A painter
d. A priest
Answer: c. A painter
Q5. What is the main message of the story?
a. The power of the mind can affect the body
b. The power of friendship can save lives
c. The power of hope can change fate
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Question And Answers;
Q1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Ans; Johnsy’s illness is pneumonia. The doctor suggests that it is Johnsy’s willingness to live that will ultimately cure her, rather than just medicine alone.
Answers in 30 words; Johnsy’s illness is pneumonia, which is an infection that inflames the lung’s small air sacs, which can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever. The doctor suggests that it is Johnsy’s willingness to live that will ultimately cure her, rather than just medicine alone. This highlights the powerful connection between the mind and body, and how one’s mindset can greatly impact one’s physical health.
Q2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Ans; It is possible that the feeling of depression that Johnsy experiences in the story is common among teenagers, as depression can affect people of all ages.
Answers in 30 words; It is possible that the feeling of depression that Johnsy experiences in the story is common among teenagers, as depression can affect people of all ages. Adolescence is a time of significant change and transition, which can be stressful and overwhelming for many individuals.
Q3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Ans; Behrman’s dream is to paint a masterpiece. It is not specified in the text whether or not this dream comes true.
Answers in 30 words; Behrman’s dream is to paint a masterpiece, a painting that would be considered a great work of art. The text does not specify whether or not this dream comes true, leaving it to the interpretation of the reader.
Q4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Ans; It is not specified in the text what Behrman’s masterpiece is or what makes Sue believe it is one.
Answers in 30 words; It is not specified in the text what Behrman’s masterpiece is or what makes Sue believe it is one. It can be assumed that Sue believes that Behrman’s painting is a masterpiece because of her trust in his painting skills and her admiration for his work.
Difficult Words
- Pneumonia – an infection that inflames the lung’s small air sacs
- Convinced – firmly persuaded
- Assurances – a statement that gives one confidence
- Distract – draw someone’s attention away from something
- Gaze – look steadily and intently
- Reluctantly – unwillingly
- Determine – come to a decision
- Unfounded – not based on facts or evidence
- Proximity – the state of being close to something
- Persistence – the quality of continuing to exist or occur
- Inevitability – the quality of being certain to happen
- Resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations
- Perplexed – confused and unsure about what to do
- Resignation – acceptance of something unwelcome
- Inconsolable – unable to be comforted
- Despondency – a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage
- Pessimism – a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen
- Futility – the quality of being unable to achieve a desired result
- Adversity – a difficult or unpleasant situation
- Inevitable – certain to happen
- Prognosis – a prediction about the likely outcome of a medical condition
- Perseverance – persistent determination
- Melancholy – a feeling of pensive sadness
- Resignation – the acceptance of something unwelcome
- Resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations
- Inevitability – the quality of being certain to happen
- Persistence – the quality of continuing to exist or occur
- Proximity – the state of being close to something
- Unfounded – not based on facts or evidence
- Determine – come to a decision