Class 9 English Moments Chapter 7 Summary Notes PDF Download
Vedantu’s CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 7, The Last Leaf from Moments Reader helps students understand this gritty tale by O. Henry. These notes are made to explain the story's meanings, themes, and emotions the author wants to convey. By giving a summary and revision notes, Vedantu makes it easier for students to see the lessons and ideas in the tale. Students can find the CBSE Class 9 English Notes across all subjects and chapters on Vedantu.
Table of Content
The Last Leaf is a sad, yet motivating tale that contrasts the life of a struggling artist and his neighbour, who is a severely ill woman suffering from pneumonia. The tale takes us through both their stories and draws how one can impact other’s lives in unheard ways. You can find all the important outlines as well as the story content in Vedantu’s revision notes for the chapter. Similarly, you can find all the revision notes of all subjects of the CBSE Class 9 Syllabus on Vedantu.
FAQs on The Last Leaf Class 9 English Moments Chapter 7 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is a quick summary of O. Henry's story, "The Last Leaf" for revision?
"The Last Leaf" is a short story about Johnsy, a young artist who falls gravely ill with pneumonia. Losing hope, she believes she will die when the last leaf on an ivy vine outside her window falls. Her friend Sue and an elderly painter, Behrman, try to help her. Behrman secretly paints a leaf onto the wall during a stormy night. Seeing the painted leaf persist gives Johnsy the will to live. Tragically, Behrman catches pneumonia from being out in the storm and dies, making his painted leaf his one and only masterpiece.
2. Who are the main characters in "The Last Leaf" and what are their key roles for a quick recap?
For a quick revision, it is essential to remember the three main characters and their roles in the story:
- Johnsy: A young artist who is sick with pneumonia and has lost the will to live, linking her fate to the last ivy leaf.
- Sue: Johnsy's loyal friend and roommate who cares for her tirelessly and tries to restore her hope.
- Behrman: An old, seemingly unsuccessful painter who lives downstairs. He performs the ultimate act of sacrifice by painting the last leaf, which saves Johnsy's life at the cost of his own.
3. What are the central themes a student should focus on when revising "The Last Leaf"?
When revising Chapter 7 of the Class 9 English syllabus for 2025-26, focus on these core themes:
- Hope vs. Despair: The story contrasts Johnsy's initial hopelessness with the renewed will to live that the last leaf inspires.
- Sacrifice: Behrman's selfless act of painting the leaf in a storm, which leads to his death, is the ultimate example of sacrifice for another's well-being.
- Friendship and Loyalty: Sue’s unwavering support for Johnsy showcases the power of true friendship.
- The Power of Art: Art is portrayed not just as a profession but as a life-saving force, as Behrman's masterpiece gives Johnsy hope.
4. What does the last ivy leaf symbolise in the story?
The last ivy leaf is a powerful symbol in the story. Initially, for Johnsy, it symbolises her own fragile hold on life; she believes that when it falls, she will also die. However, after Behrman paints a replica, the leaf transforms into a symbol of resilience, hope, and the will to survive. It represents the enduring strength that can be found even in the face of despair and highlights the idea that hope can be a powerful anchor.
5. What is the significance of Behrman’s masterpiece in the story?
The significance of Behrman's masterpiece lies in its profound irony and purpose. Throughout his life, Behrman dreamed of painting a great masterpiece but never started it. His final act—painting a simple leaf on a wall—becomes his true masterpiece. It is significant because it wasn't created for fame or glory but out of pure compassion. It achieves the ultimate purpose of art: to give life and hope, thereby making it far greater than any painting hanging in a gallery.
6. How does Johnsy's perspective change after seeing the last leaf survive the storm?
Seeing the last leaf still clinging to the vine after the fierce storm marks a crucial turning point for Johnsy. She realises how foolish and sinful it was to want to die. The leaf's tenacity makes her see her own despair as a weakness. It reignites her will to live, and she starts to recover by taking broth and having a renewed interest in her surroundings and future, like painting the Bay of Naples.
7. Why is Behrman initially dismissive of Johnsy's 'fancy' but ultimately sacrifices himself for her?
Behrman is initially dismissive of Johnsy's belief because, as an old and experienced artist, he sees it as a foolish and irrational idea ('fancy'). His gruff exterior hides a deeply caring heart. Despite his complaints, he sees the real danger not in the falling leaf itself, but in Johnsy's loss of hope. His sacrifice demonstrates that his love for the young artists was profound, and he was willing to do whatever it took, even risk his own life, to save her from her despair. His actions show that true compassion often lies beneath a rough exterior.
8. What is an effective way to structure a revision of "The Last Leaf" for exams?
For an effective revision, structure your study in the following sequence:
- Start with a quick plot summary to refresh the story's events.
- Create brief notes on the three main characters: Sue, Johnsy, and Behrman, focusing on their motivations and relationships.
- Identify and understand the key symbols, especially the ivy leaf and Behrman's masterpiece.
- List the major themes like hope, sacrifice, and friendship, and find examples for each from the text.
- Finally, reflect on O. Henry’s use of a twist ending and how it delivers the story’s emotional impact.
9. How does O. Henry's signature "twist ending" contribute to the story's main message?
O. Henry's twist ending, where it is revealed that the last leaf was a painting and Behrman has died, is crucial to the story's message. It transforms the narrative from a simple story of recovery into a profound tale of sacrifice. The twist forces the reader to re-evaluate Behrman's character, revealing his hidden heroism. This sudden revelation powerfully underscores the theme that the greatest acts of love and sacrifice are often quiet and unrecognised, and that true art is measured by its impact on human life, not by its fame.
