CLASS XII ENGLISH

Chapter 1
The Last Lesson

Author: Alphonse Daudet

Setting: A small village in Alsace, France during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)

Summary:
The Last Lesson is a poignant short story that explores themes of patriotism, language, and
cultural identity. The narrative is told from the perspective of a young boy named Franz, who
lives in Alsace — a region that has just been annexed by the Prussians.
1. Franz's Indifference to Learning French
At the beginning of the story, Franz is reluctant to go to school. He is unprepared for a test on
participles and fears being scolded by his teacher, M. Hamel. Franz often takes school lightly and
prefers spending time outdoors or skipping lessons altogether. However, this day is different.
2. A Strange Atmosphere
As Franz walks to school, he notices something unusual. The streets are quieter than usual, and
people are gathered silently around the bulletin board — a place where important news is posted.
He suspects that something serious has happened.
When Franz reaches the school, he is surprised to find the classroom unusually silent. Instead of
the usual bustle and noise, everything is calm and solemn. What shocks him the most is that M.
Hamel is dressed in his formal green coat and frilled shirt — clothes he wears only on special
occasions.
3. The Announcement
M. Hamel announces that this will be the last French lesson. A new order from Berlin states that
only German will be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This revelation hits the students
and villagers hard. Many of the villagers, including old Hauser and former mayors, have come to
attend the class — as a gesture of respect and sorrow.
4. A Changed Perspective
Franz is overwhelmed with guilt. He realizes how much he has taken his language and teacher for
granted. The idea of losing the right to learn his own mother tongue awakens a deep sense of
patriotism and regret. Even the smallest words and rules of French grammar now seem precious.
5. M. Hamel’s Passionate Farewell

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CLASS XII ENGLISH

M. Hamel uses this final lesson to express his love for the French language. He calls it the most
beautiful language in the world, a symbol of their identity and culture. He scolds parents for not
encouraging their children to learn and blames himself for giving students time off. His words
reflect the pain of losing not just a language, but a part of their nation.
As the lesson ends, M. Hamel is too emotional to speak. He writes on the blackboard, "Vive La
France!" (Long Live France!) — a silent but powerful protest against the suppression of their
culture.

Themes:
• Loss and Regret: The story shows how people often value things only when they are
about to lose them.
• Language and Identity: It highlights the strong connection between language and
national identity.
• Patriotism: Despite being a simple school lesson, the story becomes a symbol of love for
one’s country.
• Change and Oppression: The Prussian rule and the imposition of German reflect the
impact of war and colonization.

1. “This is your last French lesson.”

Said by M. Hamel
Importance: This line marks the turning point of the story. It reflects the sorrow of losing one's
language and signals the end of an era for the people of Alsace.
Theme: Loss, regret, patriotism.

2. “I never knew before how beautiful our language is.”

Thought by Franz
Importance: This shows Franz’s realization of the importance of his mother tongue. It highlights
how we often take things for granted until they are taken away.
Theme: Language and identity.

3. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.”

Said by M. Hamel
Importance: M. Hamel blames himself and others for not being serious about preserving their

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CLASS XII ENGLISH

language earlier. It shows shared responsibility for cultural neglect.

Theme: Self-blame, guilt, cultural loss.

4. “Your parents were not anxious enough to have you learn.”

Said by M. Hamel to Franz

Importance: He indirectly criticizes the community for not valuing education. It reflects the
general indifference towards learning French before the order came.
Theme: Education, negligence.

5. “When people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the
key to their prison.”

Said by M. Hamel
Importance: A powerful quote that shows how language is tied to freedom and identity. Losing
one's language is like losing a part of oneself.
Theme: Language as power and resistance.

6. “Vive La France!”

Written by M. Hamel on the blackboard

Importance: The last emotional and patriotic expression of M. Hamel. It is a silent protest and a
heartfelt goodbye to French culture and language.
Theme: Patriotism, love for one’s country.

Conclusion:
The Last Lesson is a touching tribute to the power of language and the pain of cultural loss. Through
Franz’s awakening and M. Hamel’s farewell, Alphonse Daudet reminds us that language is more
than just words — it’s the soul of a nation.
Absolutely! Here's a comprehensive exercise based on The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet —
perfect for revision, practice, or classroom discussion. It includes various types of questions
commonly asked in board exams.

Exercise: The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

A. Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)
Answer the following in one sentence.

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CLASS XII ENGLISH

1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with that day?

2. Why was the school unusually quiet that morning?
3. Who occupied the last benches in the classroom?
4. What did M. Hamel wear on the day of the last lesson?
5. What did M. Hamel write on the blackboard at the end of the lesson?

B. Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 marks each)

Answer in 30-40 words.
6. Why did M. Hamel blame parents and himself for the students’ poor learning?
7. Describe Franz’s feelings as he headed to school that morning.
8. How did Franz's attitude towards French and M. Hamel change by the end of the story?
9. What does the presence of villagers in the classroom signify?
10. What does the quote "Your language is the key to your prison" mean in the context of the
story?

C. Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks each)

Answer in 100–120 words.
11. Discuss how the story highlights the theme of patriotism. Use examples from the text.
12. "We realise the value of something only when we are about to lose it." Explain this statement
in the context of The Last Lesson.
13. Describe the character of M. Hamel. What does he represent in the story?
14. How does The Last Lesson show the emotional impact of war on ordinary people?

D. Vocabulary & Grammar Practice

15. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the chapter:
a) Franz was scared to go to school because he had not prepared the rules of ________.
b) M. Hamel said French was the most _______ language in the world.
c) The villagers came to school that day to show their _______ for M. Hamel.

16. Match the characters/terms with their descriptions:

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CLASS XII ENGLISH

A (Character/Term) B (Description)

Franz a) Symbol of patriotism

M. Hamel b) Narrator of the story

Prussian Order c) Announcement of language ban

Villagers in classroom d) Realization of language’s importance

E. Reference to Context (RTC)

17. Read the following line and answer the questions that follow:
"Vive La France!"
a) Who wrote these words and where?
b) Why couldn’t he speak before writing this?
c) What do these words symbolize?

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Jaipur ( Raj.) – 302019 FRENCH CLASSES / SPOKEN ENGLISH
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