The Last Leaf
1. This story shows the power of the mind. Discuss.
Answer: Yes, the story reveals the power of one's thoughts and the mind in making us believe in
something. In this story, we see that one of the characters, Johnsy, is suffering from pneumonia.
She believes that she will not survive, and as a result even medicines have no effect on her.
Even her doctor was worried about her chances of recovery. Later, we see the power of the
mind once again when she recovers.
At this point, her belief was that she would only live as long as the last leaf stayed on the
creeper. When she sees that the leaf does not fall off despite the wind and stormy conditions, it
makes her believe that even she might be able to survive. Even though it is not a real leaf, and
was just painted by Behrman, Johnsy draws inspiration from it, and slowly gains the will to live.
Therefore, the story clearly expresses the power of the mind in changing the course of our lives.
2. What was Behrman's masterpiece? Why was it called so?
Answer: The leaf that he painted on the creeper was his masterpiece, because it was realistic
that Johnsy did not realise that it had been painted. As a result, she recovered from her illness.
Even though it was not a famous painting, it was one that saved a life, and thus, it was a
masterpiece.
A House is not a Home
1. What are the changes observed in the writer's attitude from the time her house is burnt,
till it is rebuilt?
Answer: In the beginning, before her house was burnt, the writer was unhappy in her new
school. She felt awkward and lonely starting as a freshman after having been a senior in junior
high. She found it difficult to relate to her classmates and teachers, and continued to visit her old
teachers, who she missed terribly.
After the fire, she was deeply touched by the generosity and kindness shown by her new school
mates and teachers. She was overwhelmed, and started opening up to them, making new
friends. The tragedy thus helped her to mature and become more open and accepting of the
changes that were taking place. She was no longer insecure.
2. Why was the cat so important to the author?
The cat was important to the author because it symbolized comfort, companionship, and a
connection to her past life. Its presence provided emotional support during tough times,
especially after the fire, when she felt lost and alone.
The Beggar
1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice? What reasons does he
give Sergei for lying?
Answer: He has become a beggar both by circumstance and by choice. He had lost his position
in the Russian choir due to his drunkenness. As he did not have the motivation to work hard or
the skills to find another job, begging was the easiest option. According to him, he has to lie to
survive, as no one was willing to help him if he told them the truth.
2. Discuss the title of the story. Is it appropriate?
Answer: The Beggar is an appropriate title for the story, as it revolves around the transformation
that takes place in the life of a beggar. He was a wastrel and did not do any work. It was only
due to the compassion shown by the cook at the narrator's house that was he able to change
his outlook.
When he was too drunk and weak to perform any of the odd jobs he was supposed to do, the
cook did all the work for him, feeling sorry for him and worrying about his sorry state. This
kindness on her part had a tremendous effect on the beggar, who changed his ways, stopped
drinking and slowly over the years got a steady job as a notary, earning thirty five roubles as
salary.
