CBSE Class 9 English Moments Chapter 7: The Last Leaf NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English (Moments) Chapter 7, 'The Last Leaf', presents a poignant narrative exploring themes of illness, despair, hope, and ultimate sacrifice. The story centers on Johnsy, who falls critically ill and loses the will to live, believing she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine outside her window. Her friend, Sue, and their elderly neighbor, the artist Behrman, grapple with Johnsy's declining health and her morbid obsession. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter offer a comprehensive analysis, dissecting the psychological impact of Johnsy's illness and the profound, selfless act of Behrman. These solutions illuminate how a simple, painted leaf becomes a powerful symbol of life and resilience, ultimately inspiring Johnsy's recovery. They aim to deepen students' understanding of the characters' motivations, the story's underlying messages, and equip them for academic success.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectMoments
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter7. The Last Leaf

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Last Leaf' (Chapter 7, Moments) cover the narrative of Johnsy, who is critically ill with pneumonia and has lost the will to live, believing she will die when the last leaf falls from an ivy vine. The solutions explain her condition, the psychological factors contributing to her depression, and the role of her friend Sue and the painter Behrman. They highlight Behrman's ultimate sacrifice in painting a realistic leaf to give Johnsy hope, which ultimately saves her life, and discuss the significance of this act as his masterpiece.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the psychological impact of serious illness and depression.
  • Analyze the themes of hope, sacrifice, and the will to live.
  • Identify the significance of Behrman's painting as a masterpiece.
  • Explain how external factors can influence a patient's recovery.
  • Appreciate the power of art and human connection in overcoming adversity.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Pneumonia
  • Depression in teenagers
  • Will to live
  • Sacrifice
  • Art as a healing force
  • Masterpiece
  • Symbolism of the last leaf
  • Friendship and care

Important topics

  • The psychological impact of illness
  • Behrman's sacrifice and masterpiece
  • The theme of hope versus despair
  • Symbolism of the last leaf

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Questions and Solutions

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

What is Johnsy's illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Solution: Johnsy is suffering from a severe illness, specifically pneumonia. The story strongly suggests that while medicine can treat the physical symptoms, it is Johnsy's own desire to live that is the true cure. She had become deeply despondent and had convinced herself that she would not recover. The doctor explicitly stated that if Johnsy lost the will to live, no amount of medicine would be effective in saving her life.

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

Do you think, the feeling of depression Johnsy has, is common among teenagers?
Solution: Yes, the feeling of depression that Johnsy experiences is indeed quite common among teenagers today. Adolescence is a period often marked by intense pressure to excel academically and in various other fields. Teenagers frequently face significant stress related to their studies, anxieties about their future prospects, and considerable pressure from both parents and peers. Additionally, societal expectations regarding behavior and conduct can add to this burden. When faced with such overwhelming stress, many teenagers find it difficult to cope, which can lead to feelings of depression.

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

Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Solution: Behrman, an elderly painter of sixty, harbored a lifelong dream of creating a true masterpiece. This dream is fulfilled in the story through his selfless act. He paints a single ivy leaf on the brick wall outside Johnsy's window, making it look so real that it is indistinguishable from a natural leaf. This painted leaf, created under challenging conditions, ultimately saves Johnsy's life by giving her the hope and will to recover, thus becoming his masterpiece.

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

Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Solution: Behrman's masterpiece is the incredibly realistic painting of the last ivy leaf on the creeper. Sue considers it a masterpiece because this painting had a profound impact on Johnsy's recovery. Johnsy had developed a morbid fear that she would die as soon as the last leaf fell from the ivy vine. In a display of immense compassion and dedication, Behrman braved a cold, stormy night to paint a fresh green leaf onto the wall. The next morning, seeing the leaf still clinging to the vine, Johnsy believed it was real. This illusion gave her renewed self-belief and the determination to live, helping her overcome her illness. Tragically, Behrman contracted pneumonia from being exposed to the harsh weather while painting and eventually passed away, but his final artwork served its life-saving purpose.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the cause of Behrman's illness with Johnsy's.
  • Underestimating the psychological aspect of Johnsy's illness.
  • Viewing Behrman's painting as just a picture, not a life-saving act.
  • Failing to connect the falling leaves to Johnsy's declining hope.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the emotional journey of Johnsy and Behrman.
  • Analyze the symbolism of the last leaf.
  • Understand the doctor's and Sue's perspectives on Johnsy's condition.
  • Consider the moral and ethical implications of Behrman's actions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What illness is Johnsy suffering from?

Q2. What does Johnsy believe will happen when the last leaf falls?

Q3. Who is Behrman?

Q4. What is Behrman's dream?

Q5. What makes Sue call Behrman's painting a masterpiece?

Frequently asked questions

What is Johnsy's illness in 'The Last Leaf'?

Johnsy is suffering from pneumonia. The story emphasizes that her mental state and loss of the will to live are as critical as the physical illness itself.

What is Behrman's masterpiece in the story?

Behrman's masterpiece is the realistically painted ivy leaf he created on the wall during a stormy night. This act of sacrifice gave Johnsy the hope she needed to recover.

How does the story 'The Last Leaf' suggest that the willingness to live is important for recovery?

The story shows that Johnsy's depression and her belief that she would die when the last leaf fell were hindering her recovery. When she saw the painted leaf, she regained her will to live, which was crucial for her healing.

Why is Behrman's painting considered a masterpiece?

It is considered a masterpiece because it was painted out of deep empathy and sacrifice, ultimately saving a life. Its artistic merit lies in its power to inspire hope and the will to live.

Are the feelings of depression common among teenagers, as suggested in the solutions?

Yes, the solutions indicate that feelings of depression are common among teenagers due to pressures from studies, future anxieties, parental expectations, and societal norms.

Important links

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