AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Symbolism. The story uses the symbolism of leaf as the last surviving hope so as to encourage people to not despair. Earlier falling leaves signified decay for Johnsy but the painted leaf became her cure. The streets symbolize the unpredictable nature of human emotions and relationships as they are rough and damaged.

Detailed explanation-2: -The green leaves of spring and summer depict hope, renewal and revival. Blazing yellow, orange and red leaves of fall represent the change of season. Ultimately, fallen leaves complete the circle of life with the final stages: decline and death.

Detailed explanation-3: -For many people, autumn symbolizes change. Like the falling leaves from the trees, life must take a new course by shedding off the old to usher in the new.

Detailed explanation-4: -When the last leaf falls, she tells her roommate Sue, she will die. Johnsy sees the last leaf as a symbol of her hold on life; when it falls to the ground she thinks that she too will “go sailing down, down, just like one of those poor tired leaves.” By contrast, both Sue and their downstairs neighbor Mr.

Detailed explanation-5: -Leaves mean many things in different cultures, but the most common symbolism they are used for are related to fertility, hope, abundance, growth, peace, victory, death, and rebirth.