AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -It becomes a symbol of hope, because Johnsy becomes convinced that God wants her to survive just like He wanted the leaf to survive the storm. Since the leaf had been painted, it becomes a permanent piece of art, which further signifies that hope is also a permanent part of human existence.

Detailed explanation-2: -Behrman sacrifices his own life in order to give some hope to Johnsy. He is aware that Johnsy thinks when the last leaf falls, she will die. So, he sacrifices his own life to paint the last masterpiece of his life. The ivy leaf on the tree was painted by him so that Johnsy could live her life and have hope.

Detailed explanation-3: -While GREEN leaves depict hope, renewal, and revival, dead leaves represent decay and sadness.

Detailed explanation-4: -The last leaf left on the tree acts as a symbol of life and death. While it is attached to the tree, it symbolizes holding onto life, and the idea of it falling, as Johnsy explains, symbolizes death-specifically Johnsy’s death.