CBSE Class 9 English NCERT Solutions: The Last Leaf

Johnsy was suffering from a serious illness called pneumonia. The doctor indicated that the medicine alone would not be sufficient to cure her. The critical factor for her recovery was her own mental state and her desire to live. If Johnsy lost the will to fight her illness and decided not to get well, then no amount of medical treatment would be effective.

Yes, the feeling of depression that Johnsy experiences is indeed quite common among teenagers. Adolescence is a period of significant physical, emotional, and social changes, which can lead to various pressures. Teenagers often face intense stress related to academic performance, such as the pressure to achieve good grades or succeed in examinations. Parental expectations, peer pressure, social anxieties, and uncertainty about the future can also contribute to feelings of tension, sadness, and depression. These factors can sometimes overwhelm teenagers, making them feel isolated or hopeless, similar to Johnsy's state.

Behrman, an elderly painter who had lived in the colony for many years, harbored a lifelong dream: to paint a masterpiece. He longed to create a work of art that would be recognized for its exceptional quality and artistic merit. This dream does come true in a profound and unexpected way. Although he may not have consciously intended it as such initially, his final act of painting an ivy leaf on the wall, to give Johnsy hope, becomes his masterpiece. It is a testament to his artistic skill and his deep compassion, ultimately saving a life.

Behrman's masterpiece is the painting of a single ivy leaf on the wall outside Johnsy's window. Sue considers it his masterpiece because it was painted with immense dedication and sacrifice, and it directly led to saving Johnsy's life. Behrman, who was himself ill with pneumonia, went out on a stormy, cold night to paint this leaf. He was found the next morning with his clothes wet and shivering, indicating he had been out in the harsh weather. Lying near his bed were a lantern, brushes, and paints, confirming he had worked through the night. This leaf, painted to look incredibly real, gave Johnsy the hope and will to live she had lost. Sue explains to Johnsy that the leaf did not fall even in the fierce wind and rain, implying it was painted. She recognizes that Behrman's selfless act of creating this artwork, which gave Johnsy the strength to recover, was his ultimate artistic achievement and a profound expression of his humanity.