THE LAST LESSON

LEARNING TARGETS
• I can analyze and explain why Language is important to any community.
• I can infer the importance of a native language.
• I can formulate well-structured answers for the questions asked.

THEME
Procrastination
In The Last Lesson, Alphonse Daudet highlights the theme of procrastination through the
character of Franz, who constantly postpones learning French, assuming he has plenty of
time. He prefers playing outdoors to studying, only to realize his mistake when it is too late.
His teacher, M. Hamel, also admits to procrastination, having occasionally given students a
holiday instead of teaching. The villagers, too, neglected education, prioritizing work over
schooling. This collective delay in valuing language and learning results in deep regret when
the opportunity is lost forever. The story serves as a powerful reminder that postponing
important tasks can lead to irreversible consequences.

Linguistic Chauvinism
Another major theme in the story is linguistic chauvinism, seen in the Prussian government's
imposition of German over French in Alsace and Lorraine. The forced removal of French
from schools symbolizes the suppression of the region’s cultural identity. M. Hamel’s
emotional farewell emphasizes that language is not just a means of communication but also a
representation of one’s heritage and freedom. By taking away their native language, the
Prussians attempt to erase their identity and impose their dominance. Through this, Daudet
portrays how language can be used as a tool of oppression and highlights the importance of
preserving one’s linguistic and cultural roots.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?
On that particular day, Franz was expected to be prepared with participles as M. Hamel had
announced his intention to quiz the class on them. However, Franz lacked any knowledge
regarding participles.
Q2. What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?
Typically, at the start of school, there would be a flurry of activity audible even from the
street. However, on that day, an unusual calm prevailed. It was as tranquil as a Sunday
morning. There were no sounds of desks being opened or closed. His classmates were already
seated. Instead of tapping on the table, M. Hamel held his large ruler under his arm.
Q3. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
Over the past two years, all the troubling updates had come from the bulletin-board. A
directive had been issued from Berlin mandating the exclusive teaching of German in the
schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This notice had been posted on the bulletin-board by the
Germans
Q4. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?
M. Hamel had adorned himself in his finest attire—a stunning green coat, a frilled shirt, and a
small black silk cap, all intricately embroidered. The whole school seemed so strange and
solemn. Even on the back benches, usually vacant, elderly villagers sat silently, resembling
the students.
Q5. How did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school change?
Franz realized that the current French lesson would be the final one taught by M. Hamel.
Starting the next day, they would only receive instruction in German. This realization filled
him with regret for not having paid closer attention to his studies. Suddenly, his textbooks,
once seen as bothersome and heavy, became cherished companions. His perspective on M.
Hamel also shifted; he forgot all about the teacher's strictness and irritable demeanor.
Q6. The people? in this story suddenly realise how precious their language is to them.
What shows you this? Why does this happen?
M. Hamel announced to both the students and villagers that going forward, only German
would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He lamented that those who identified
as French would soon be unable to speak or write their own language. Despite this, he
passionately extolled French as the most beautiful, clear, and logical language in the world.
He emphasized that for oppressed people, their language served as the key to their
confinement. This realization stirred a deep appreciation among the people for the value of
their language. It underscored their profound attachment to their culture, traditions, and
homeland. Demonstrating pride in one's language echoed a deeper sense of pride in one's
country.
Q7. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeonsT’ What
could this mean?
Franz's remark illustrates the typical response of a French individual towards the imposition
of learning German, the language of the conquerors. Deprivation of the opportunity to learn
one's mother tongue signifies severing ties with the homeland. The idea of teaching pigeons
to sing in German symbolizes the extent to which the Germans would push their linguistic
dominance, reflecting their extreme linguistic chauvinism.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. What is the significance of the historical context in which "The Last Lesson" is set?
"The Last Lesson" is set during or immediately following the Franco-Prussian War, which
lasted for six months from July 1870 to January 1871. Among many significant historical
consequences of the conflict was the annexation of the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France
within the boundaries of the newly established German Empire. The historical context is
significant because Daudet uses the story to illustrate how the geopolitical conflict affected
humble civilians living in the disputed region. Franz is just one example of hundreds of
schoolchildren who were forced to adopt German as the official language of instruction.
Because Franz has only rudimentary knowledge of French grammar and history, he also
stands as an example of how susceptible people in Alsace and Lorraine would have been to
having German culture imposed on them through language.
Q2. How does the idiom "you don't know what you have until it's gone" apply to "The
Last Lesson"?
"The Last Lesson" begins with Franz, the story's protagonist and narrator, dreading school
and considering skipping. Beyond running late, Franz hasn't prepared for a grammar quiz on
participles, and he expects a scolding from M. Hamel. However, Franz's concerns prove
inconsequential when he learns that French will no longer be taught in the regions of Alsace
and Lorraine. Immediately, Franz's apathetic attitude toward his education shifts: his books,
once considered heavy, burdensome adversaries, suddenly seem like old friends; he regrets
having skipped school to frolic and to search for bird's eggs; he comprehends Hamel's lesson
with a proficiency Franz has never known himself to possess. With Franz's appreciation of
the French language only revealing itself to him once he knows the language is under threat,
"The Last Lesson" illustrates the concept of only appreciating what you have when that thing
is gone.
Q3. What is linguistic chauvinism? Explain the statement in reference to M Hamel's
views about his language.
‘Linguistic chauvinism’ refers to the aggressive and irrational notion that one's own language
is superior to all others. This demonstrates a zealous or prejudiced devotion to one's own
language. Furthermore, this means carrying pride in one's language too far.
However, the love of Hamel and the village elders for French doesn't amount to this. Rather
they are victims of it. On the other hand, the order from Berlin is an example of linguistic
chauvinism. The Germans imposed their language on the people of Alsace and Lorraine.
They did not think how cruel it was as they were blinded by linguistic chauvinism.
M. Hamel feels genuinely proud of French language. He urges others never to forget such a
beautiful language. M. Hamel went on to talk of French language. He told that it was the
most beautiful , clearest and the most logical of all languages. He asked the people to guard it
among themselves and never forget it. As long as people 'hold fast to the' language' they have
the key to freedom.
Q4. The theme of linguistic and cultural loss is central to 'The Last Lesson'. Discuss how
the story highlights the importance of one's language and identity.
Alphonse Daudet’s The Last Lesson shows the strong connection between language and
cultural identity through the story of Franz and his teacher, M. Hamel. The story takes place
in Alsace, where French is being replaced by German after Prussia takes control. It highlights
the sadness of losing one’s language. Franz, who never cared about learning French, realizes
its true importance only when he finds out this is his last lesson. This shows that language is
not just for speaking—it is a part of who we are.

M. Hamel explains that a nation’s language is its heart and soul. Losing it means losing one’s
identity. He feels sad that the people of Alsace did not value their language before. The
villagers attending the lesson in silence show how deeply they regret this loss.

Through this story, Daudet reminds us that language is an important part of our culture. The
Last Lesson teaches us to respect and protect our mother tongue before it is taken away.

Q5. How does M. Hamel’s attitude towards teaching and his students change on the day
of the last lesson? What message does the author convey through this transformation?

On the day of The Last Lesson, M. Hamel’s attitude undergoes a profound change.
Previously, he was known to be strict and often scolded his students for their mistakes.
However, on this final day, he is patient and kind, showing deep regret that his students and
the villagers had neglected their language. Instead of reprimanding Franz for not learning his
lessons, he speaks gently, making the boy realize the importance of his mother tongue.

M. Hamel also expresses his own remorse, acknowledging that he, too, had been careless at
times, giving students holidays or asking them to water his plants instead of focusing on
lessons. His transformation from a harsh teacher to a compassionate mentor reflects his deep
love for his language and country.

Through this change, Daudet conveys the message that we often realize the value of
something only when it is about to be lost, urging people to respect and preserve their cultural
heritage.

Q6. The story is narrated from Franz’s perspective. How does his attitude towards
school and his mother tongue change throughout the story?

At the beginning of The Last Lesson, Franz is indifferent towards school and his French
lessons. He dreads attending class, fearing punishment for not learning his grammar rules. He
prefers to play outdoors rather than study, reflecting his casual attitude towards education.

However, when he learns that this is his final French lesson, his perspective undergoes a
drastic transformation. He feels a deep regret for not valuing his language earlier. As he
listens to M. Hamel’s passionate words about the importance of their mother tongue, he
realizes that language is an essential part of his identity. He suddenly finds French beautiful
and meaningful, wishing he had studied it more diligently.

By the end of the story, Franz’s feelings shift from indifference to a profound sense of loss
and patriotism. Through his transformation, Daudet highlights how people often fail to
appreciate their language and heritage until they are at risk of losing them.
Q7. The Last Lesson is a powerful critique of war and oppression. How does Alphonse
Daudet use the setting and characters to express this idea?

Alphonse Daudet’s The Last Lesson strongly criticizes war and oppression by showing how the
people of Alsace lose their language under Prussian rule. The school, usually a place of learning,
becomes a place of sadness as French is banned and replaced by German. This shows that war is not
just about taking land but also about controlling people by taking away their culture and identity.

M. Hamel, the teacher, represents love for one’s language and the pain of losing it. Franz, the
young student, represents people who do not realize the importance of their culture until it is
taken away. The villagers, who sit silently in the classroom, show the deep sorrow of losing
their language and freedom.

Through this story, Daudet shows that war does not just destroy countries—it also destroys
people’s way of life. He reminds us to respect and protect our language and culture before it
is too late.