The Last Leaf
NCERT Solution
Question 1: What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Answer: Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia. Pneumonia is a type of chest infection. Even in modern days if not treated on time it can prove fatal. Medicines have a certain role to play and apart from them body’s defense mechanism plays an important role in fighting a disease. Moreover, research has proved that patient’s mental condition also has a role in curing or worsening a disease.
As per the doctor, Johnsy is feeling depressed and has lost all hopes. Doctor is giving her the required treatment but her condition is not improving. It would be a combination of medicine and a willingness to live which is going to cure her.
Question 2: Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Answer: Teenagers are full of energy. Because of hormonal changes going in the body they do experience mood swings. A slight pep talk can work wonders for their motivation. Similarly, a little bit of set back can create a blue mood for them. It is the way in which adults view teenagers which make them believe that teenagers are more prone to depression. Proper guidance and a caring upbringing can result in less depressed teenagers which will help them realize their potential.
Question 3: Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Answer: Behrman always dreamt of creating a masterpiece. A masterpiece is a creation which withstands the test of time and people appreciate it for years to come. For example, Mona Lisa, the famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci was made in 15th century and people still get awestruck after seeing it.
Behrman dream comes true because the painting of leaf he made helped save Johnsy’s life.
Question 4: What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Answer: The painting of leaf which Behrman made after the last leaf fell was really a masterpiece. Sue has every reason to say so because it was able to inspire Johnsy to live her life. Quality or execution of painting can be debatable but inspirational value of the painting can be vouched for because of the desired end result.