Old Behrman was a painter who lived on the first floor of their house. He was past sixty. He had had no success as a painter. For forty years he had painted, without ever painting a good picture. He had always talked of painting a great picture, a masterpiece, but he had never yet started it.
He got a little money by letting others paint pictures of him. He still talked of his great masterpiece. And he believed that it was his special duty to do everything possible to help Sue and Johnsy.
Sue found him in his dark room. She told him about Johnsy and the leaves on the vine. She said that she was afraid that Johnsy would indeed sail down, down like the leaf. Her hold on the world was growing weaker.
Old Behrman shouted his anger over such an idea.
"What!" he cried. "Are there such fools? Do people die because leaves drop off a tree? I have not heard of such a thing. No, I will not come up and sit while you make a picture of me. Why do you allow her to think such a thing? That poor little Johnsy!" "She is very sick and weak," said Sue. "The sickness has put these strange ideas into her mind. Mr. Behrman, if you won't come, you won't. But I don't think you're very nice."
Question 1: How would you describe Old Behrman's career as a painter, and what does it reveal about his character?
Answer: Old Behrman's painting career spans forty years without success, indicating his persistence despite failure and his dedication to his artistic aspirations.
Question 2: What role does Old Behrman believe he has regarding Sue and Johnsy, and how does he demonstrate this belief?
Answer: Old Behrman sees it as his duty to assist Sue and Johnsy, as evidenced by his willingness to support them emotionally and intervene in Johnsy's negative thoughts.
Question 3: How does Sue describe Johnsy's condition to Old Behrman, and what does it suggest about Johnsy's mental state?
Answer: Sue expresses concern to Old Behrman about Johnsy's weakening grip on life, implying that her mental state is fragile and influenced by her illness.
Question 4: What is Old Behrman's reaction to Sue's description of Johnsy's belief about the falling leaves, and what does it reveal about his attitude towards superstition?
Answer: Old Behrman reacts angrily to the idea that people die because leaves fall off a tree, showing his dismissal of superstition and his practical mindset.
Question 5: How does Sue respond to Old Behrman's refusal to participate, and what does it reveal about her character?
Answer: Sue expresses disappointment in Old Behrman's refusal but remains empathetic towards Johnsy's condition, showcasing her caring nature and concern for her friend's well-being.
Question 6: Based on the passage, what might be inferred about the relationship between Sue, Johnsy, and Old Behrman?
Answer: The passage suggests a close-knit relationship between Sue, Johnsy, and Old Behrman, characterized by mutual support and concern for one another's welfare.