Why does Johnsy count the leaves?
She counts the leaves to keep herself entertained in
bed, since she can't paint while she is sick.
She counts the leaves to annoy Sue, who is doting on
her too much and won't let her rest.
She compares herself to the falling leaves: she believes
that when she counts none left, she will die.
She counts the leaves to measure when winter will
arrive; when it does, she will die.