ENGLISH [NCERT] S.R QUE [3M]

Behrman’s artwork, had uplifted Johnsy’s spirit and given her the urge to enjoy living. Outwardly, the painting was routine, but in depth that work had served the purpose of uplifting human emotions and giving a zest to the life of the viewer, as is expected on seeing a masterpiece.

Sue kept Johnsy feeling upbeat, by discussing clothes and fashions, and whistled while working. She dismissed Johnsy’s idea of the last leaf’s fall coinciding with Johnsy’s death and coaxed her to sleep. When Johnsy was willing to believe in her recovery, Sue in her elation gave her a nutritious diet to hasten the process.

Behrman was an old artist of sixty years. While painting the leaf on the wall, he was completely drenched. He caught pneumonia and died. But before his death, he was successful in fulfiling his dream of making a masterpiece.

Behrman was an old artist. He knew that the last leaf was sure to fall that night. He decided to paint a leaf on the wall. It was a stormy night. It was raining heavily. But Behrman completed the job. He caught pneumonia and died.

When Behrman came to know about Johnsy’s belief regarding the fall of leaves, he saw the creeper and realised that the last leaf was sure to fall. He said nothing and went out. He decided to do something to save her life. It was his masterpiece that saved Johnsy.

Johnsy was emotionally disturbed. She developed a belief that she would die with the fall of the last leaf on the creeper. She started counting the leaves. In fact, she had an attack of depression too.

Johnsy had pneumonia. Due to some financial crisis, she got depressed and lost faith in life. The doctor said that she would not recover unless she had a wish to live. Her willingness to live could save her.

Sue and Johnsy were two young artists. Their economic condition was not good. They were strugglers. They lived in the artist colony. They shared a small flat. They both were good friends.