NOTES PREPARED BY
W . M . BHAT
TEACHER SCHOOL
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Lesson No. 21
THE LAST LEAF
(O’Henry)
About the Author: O’Henry pseudonym of William Sydney Porter (1862-1910) was an American writer of short stories, best known for his ironic plot twists and surprise endings. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1894 he founded a short lived weekly humor magazine, “The Rolling Store”. He has written more than 500 short stories. His style of storytelling not just inspired fiction writers but also broadcasters of television programmes and film makers of motion pictures.
THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Q.1 What was the cause of Johnsy’s illness? How could the illness be Treated?
Ans. Johnsy fell seriously ill and was bedridden because of Pneumonia. She had lost all interest in her life so her problem was more psychological than physical.Her illness could be treated by bringing back hope in her life.
Q.2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has, is common among teenagers?
Ans. Yes, teenagers somehow fantasize the basic reality of life. They want to see the life through coloured glasses but as soon as reality strikes on it, the teenager looses the hope.
Q.3. What was Behraman’s dream ? Did it come true?
Ans. Behrman’s dream was to create a masterpiece in painting that could move heart and soul. In real sense his dream came true by sacrificing his own life for that of other’s.
Q.4. How is 'the last leaf’ the artists’ masterpiece ? what makes you say so ?
Ans. Indeed it was a masterpiece as both the girls take it as natural and more importantly by virtue of it the depressed and dejected girl is restored to life and new hope.
LANGUAGE WORK
Explain the meaning of the following idiomatic expressions and frame sentences of your own:
1. Make up one’s mind: Prepared in every sense.
You should make up your mind to crack the I.A.S exam.
2. Out of work: Without work.
The winners leave many people out of work.
3. By Leaps and Bounds: Without limits.
Our school has progressed by leaps and bounds.
4. Pour out worries: To share worries.
We usually pour out our worries to our close friends.
5. Shed Leaves: To drop the leaves.
They shed leaves which symbolized the loss of hope.
6. Look after: To take care of somebody.
She looked after him like her own son.
7. Take after: Look similar to someone
My sister takes after her mother nicely.
8. Tiptoe into: (to walk carefully quietly on tiptoe
She tiptoed into her sister’s room.
9. Draw the Curtain: (to hide something)
The government decided to draw the curtains on the enquiry pertaining to recent killings.
10. Raise the Curtain (to reveal something)
The fresh inquiry has raised the curtains from their fishy deals.
VERB / TENSES USED
(i) Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat… (Past simple)
(ii) Johnsy fell very ill… (Past simple)
(iii) They are falling… (Present continuous)
(iv) The last leaf falls… (Present simple).
(v) I don’t want any soup… (Present simple)
(vi) She is running… (Present continuous)
(vii) I will come... (Future simple)
Idiomatic expressions: Idiomatic expressions are a type of informal
English language that have a meaning different from the meaning of the words in the expression. E.g, Hold your tongue. This idiom doesn’t actually mean that you should stick your fingers in your mouth and grab a hold of your tongue. It means that you should not talk.
:- It means that you shouldn’t talk.
:-She was tickled pink by the good news. (Made very happy).
:-I have been feeling pretty down in the dumps. (Sad or depressed).
:- I have been feeling under the weather. (Not well).
:-Rise and shine! (Wake up and be happy).
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