Q. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Ans. Johnsy, a young artist, was ill. She was suffering from Pneumonia. But later on she suffered from a misconception that she would die as soon as the last leaf on the creeper fell. The medicine had no effect on her. It was her willingness to live that could cure her.
Q. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?
Ans. Life has two aspects i.e. positive and negative. It depends upon us how we take it. Nowadays it is very common that teenagers are getting depressed because of cut-throat competition. On the other hand, a majority of teenagers who take life positively and faces difficulties boldly never lose hope and proceed further.
Q. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?
Ans. Behrman had a dream to paint a masterpiece in his life. He kept waiting for the opportunity to give it a practical shape. Yes, he could materialize his dream when he painted the last leaf of the ivy creeper.
Q. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?
Ans. Behrman was a 60-year old artist who had a dream to paint a masterpiece. His painting of an ivy leaf was his masterpiece which saved the life of Johnsy. It was such a painting that it was not easy to make out whether the leaf was real or it was just a painting. When Behrman died painting this-life saving painting, Sue called it a masterpiece.
Q. Have you ever felt depressed and rejected? How did you overcome such feelings? Share your experience with your classmates.
Ans. Our life is full of troubles. To move ahead we have to face the troubles boldly. Sometimes because of troublesome conditions we get depressed and dejected. We lose interest in the world around us. Pessimism surrounds us. In this state of mind, we should try to think positively and get rid of this condition. Our faithful friends can also be helpful in this regard. I felt depressed and dejected when I was not selected as an engineer. I was a meritorious student. The committee selected a candidate who had some political approach. In that condition I lost my interest and thought of committing suicide. In the meantime, one of my friends consoled me. He advised me to move ahead without going into the past. I got more confident and prepared for competitive exams. By God’s grace I topped the IAS Exam and presently I have been working as Deputy commissioner in Orissa. I am very much thankful to God and my friend who provided me this opportunity.