THE LAST LEAF

 1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?

 Johnsy's illness is pneumonia. According to the doctor, her cure depends not just on medicine but on her willingness to live. She has lost all interest in life and has decided she is not going to get well, which means medicines alone would not work for her. Her recovery requires her desire to fight the illness and live.

2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers? 

 Yes, the feeling of depression that Johnsy experiences is quite common among teenagers. Many young people today feel lonely, hopeless, or discouraged when they face failure, illness, or emotional stress. Like Johnsy, they may lose interest in life and need care, understanding, and encouragement from others. With love and support, they can regain hope and find strength to overcome their struggles.

3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true? 

 Behrman’s dream is to paint a masterpiece someday. He wants to create a painting that will make him famous and give meaning to his life. His dream finally comes true when he paints the last leaf on the wall during a stormy night to save Johnsy’s life. Though he dies of pneumonia soon after, the painted leaf becomes his masterpiece — a symbol of hope and sacrifice.

4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so? 

 Behrman’s masterpiece is the last leaf he painted on the wall during the stormy night to give Johnsy hope and save her life. Sue calls it his masterpiece because it looked so real that Johnsy believed it was an actual leaf and regained her will to live. Behrman sacrificed his life to paint it, and thus this act of courage, love, and selflessness made the painting truly his greatest work.