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(b) He paints a masterpiece that revives Johnsy’s hope.

(c) He abandons his artistic dreams to support Johnsy.

5. What does the painted leaf symbolize in the story?

(a) Mr. Behrman’s desire to become a famous artist.
(b) Johnsy’s strong belief in the power of art.

(c) The fleeting nature of life and the beauty of nature.

B. Answer the questions briefly.

1. What causes Johnsy’s illness, and how does it affect her?

2. How does Johnsy’s belief about the falling leaves impact her outlook on life?
3. How does Sue react when the doctor tells her about Johnsy’s condition?

4. How does Mr. Behrman contribute to the story’s resolution?

5. What does the last leaf on the tree symbolize?

Critical & Analytical
Think Well Thinking

C. Think and Answer.

1. How does the character of Mr. Behrman represent the theme of selflessness
and sacrifice in the story?

2. Compare and contrast the attitudes and actions of Johnsy and Sue in dealing
with challenges and adversity. How does their relationship and mutual support
contribute to the central message of the story about the power of friendship
in difficult times?

D. Answer these questions with reference to context.

1. Three days ago there were almost a hundred. It hurt my head to count them.
But now it’s easy. There goes another one. There are only five now.”

(a) What change has occurred in the number of leaves on the tree over the
past three days ?

(b) How does the decreasing number of leaves on the tree impact Johnsy’s
emotional state and perspective on her own condition?
2. “His shoes and his clothes were wet and as cold as ice. Everyone wondered
where he had been. The night had been so cold and wild.

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