Answer the following questions based on the text you have read in class: a) Who is the author of "The Story of My Life"? [1] b) What is the central theme of the story "The Last Leaf"? [2] c) Why did…

a) The author of "The Story of My Life" is Helen Keller.

b) The central theme of "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry revolves around sacrifice, hope, and the power of human resilience in the face of despair. The story explores how Joanna’s unwavering belief in the last ivy leaf symbolizes life and hope, even when death seems inevitable. The old beggar, Sue, sacrifices his own life to paint the leaf, demonstrating the selfless act of giving hope to others. The theme also highlights the fragility of life and how art and imagination can sustain people during their darkest moments.

c) The old beggar, Sue, climbed the ivy-covered wall to paint the last leaf that had fallen from the ivy vine. Joanna, a young artist suffering from pneumonia, had told her friend Johnsy that she would die when the last leaf fell. To save Johnsy’s life and restore her will to live, Sue climbed the treacherous wall in the cold and painted a leaf to mimic the real one. His selfless act was driven by compassion and a desire to bring hope to the dying girl. Unfortunately, Sue succumbed to the cold while climbing, but his sacrifice ultimately saved Johnsy’s life.