"What is it, dear?" asked Sue.
"Six," said Johnsy, in a voice still lower. "They're falling faster now. Three days ago there were almost a hundred. It hurt my head to count them. But now it's easy. There goes another one. There are only five now."
"Five what, dear? Tell your Sue."
"Leaves. On the tree. When the last one falls, I must go, too. I've known that for three days. Didn't the doctor tell you?"
"Oh, I never heard of such a thing," said Sue. "It doesn't have any sense in it. What does an old tree have to do with you? Or with your getting well? And you used to love that tree so much. Don't be a little fool. The doctor told me your chances for getting well. He told me this morning. He said you had very good chances! Try to eat a little now. And then I'll go back to work. And then I can sell my picture, and then I can buy something more for you to eat to make you strong."
Question 1: What does Johnsy count while looking out the window, and how many were there initially?
Answer: Johnsy counts the leaves on the tree outside the window. Initially, there were almost a hundred leaves.
Question 2: What does Johnsy's counting of the leaves indicate about her condition and mindset?
Answer: Johnsy's counting of the leaves suggests that she is preoccupied with her mortality and believes that her life is linked to the falling leaves. It reflects her pessimistic outlook and resignation towards her fate.
Question 3: How does Sue respond to Johnsy's counting, and what does it reveal about their relationship?
Answer: Sue responds with concern and disbelief, trying to reassure Johnsy about her chances of recovery. Her reaction reveals a caring and supportive relationship between the two friends.
Question 4: What belief does Johnsy hold regarding her life and the falling leaves, and how does Sue counter it?
Answer: Johnsy believes that when the last leaf falls from the tree, she must also die. Sue counters this belief by dismissing it as nonsensical and urging Johnsy to focus on her recovery and the positive prognosis given by the doctor.
Question 5: Why does Johnsy find it easier to count the falling leaves now compared to three days ago?
Answer: Johnsy finds it easier to count the leaves now because their numbers have decreased, making it less burdensome for her. This suggests that as the leaves fall, she perceives her condition as worsening, reinforcing her belief about her mortality.
Question 6: How does Sue attempt to lift Johnsy's spirits and encourage her to eat?
Answer: Sue tries to motivate Johnsy by reminding her of the positive prognosis given by the doctor and by offering her food to regain strength. Additionally, she mentions her own efforts to sell a painting to provide better food for Johnsy.