Putting the pieces of the story together what did they realise that Behrman had tried to do? Why did he do such a strange thing?
From putting the pieces of the story together, it can be realized that Behrman had attempted to paint a masterpiece on the blank wall. He did such a strange thing because he saw the immense dedication and hope in Sue and Johnsy's belief that the last leaf on the vine would save Johnsy's life. Behrman wanted to give them the inspiration and hope they desperately needed, even if it meant sacrificing his own life to do so. He wanted to prove to them that there was still beauty and strength in the world, even in the face of death.
In the story "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry, when putting the pieces together, it is realized that Behrman, an old artist in the story, had tried to paint a leaf on the wall to save the life of his young friend, Johnsy. Behrman painted the leaf to give Johnsy hope and the will to live.
Johnsy, one of the main characters, was suffering from pneumonia and had lost her will to live. She believed that when the last leaf fell from the ivy vine outside her window, she would also die. As the story progresses, all the leaves fall from the vine except for a single leaf.
Behrman, who lived in the same building, knew about Johnsy's belief and her worsening condition. He decided to take matters into his own hands and paint a leaf on the wall, mirroring the real leaf outside, to make Johnsy believe that the last leaf was still there. By doing this strange act, Behrman hoped to give Johnsy the hope and inspiration to keep fighting for her life.
Behrman's act demonstrates his selfless love and care for his young friend. His dedication and sacrifice in attempting to save Johnsy's life through art depicts his character as a true friend who would go to any lengths to help someone in need.