The Last Leaf Class 9 English Moments Summary

Chapter 7: "The Last Leaf"

Summary: "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry is a heartwarming story about friendship, hope, and sacrifice. The story is set in Greenwich Village, New York, and revolves around two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, who share a small apartment. Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia, and her condition deteriorates rapidly. She becomes hopeless and believes that she will die when the last leaf of the ivy vine outside her window falls.

Sue, worried about her friend’s health, tries to cheer her up and encourages her to fight the illness. However, Johnsy remains convinced that her life is tied to the last leaf on the vine. Their neighbor, an old artist named Behrman, hears about Johnsy’s condition and her belief in the last leaf.

Behrman, who has always dreamed of painting a masterpiece, decides to help Johnsy in his own way. On a stormy night, he paints a realistic leaf on the wall where the ivy vine is growing. The next morning, Johnsy is surprised to see that the last leaf has not fallen, despite the strong wind and rain. Her hope is rekindled, and she begins to recover.

Later, Sue learns that Behrman has died of pneumonia after being out in the cold, painting the leaf. The leaf that Johnsy thought was real was actually Behrman’s masterpiece, created to save her life.

The story highlights the themes of hope, friendship, and the sacrifices people make for the ones they care about. Behrman’s final act of love and kindness becomes his legacy and leaves a lasting impact on Johnsy and Sue.