Preparation Notes: "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet
About the Author
Alphonse Daudet (1840–1897) was a French novelist and short-story writer known for his simple yet
poignant narratives.
"The Last Lesson" reflects his concerns about language, culture, and identity during a period of political and
social upheaval.
Background and Context
The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
France lost the war, and Alsace and Lorraine, two French-speaking provinces, were annexed by Prussia.
The German authorities banned the teaching of French in schools in these regions, mandating German as the
official language.
Summary
1. Introduction:
o The protagonist, Franz, a young boy from Alsace, is reluctant to attend school because he hasn't
prepared his lesson on participles.
o He notices an unusual silence in the school, contrasting the usual bustling atmosphere.
2. The Last Lesson:
o Franz learns from his teacher, M. Hamel, that this is the last French lesson because German will
replace French in schools.
o The news shocks Franz, and he realizes the importance of his mother tongue.
3. M. Hamel's Speech:
o M. Hamel delivers a heartfelt speech about the significance of the French language and the need to
preserve one's cultural identity.
o He blames the people of Alsace for neglecting their education and not valuing their language.
4. Emotional Impact:
o The classroom is filled with an atmosphere of regret and nostalgia.
o Even the village elders attend the lesson to show their respect and solidarity.
5. The Conclusion:
o M. Hamel writes "Vive La France!" (Long Live France!) on the blackboard, marking the emotional
end of his teaching career.
Themes
1. Patriotism and Love for One's Language:
o The story emphasizes the emotional and cultural value of one's mother tongue.
o M. Hamel highlights language as a key aspect of identity.
2. Loss and Regret:
o Franz regrets not taking his studies seriously earlier.
o The villagers regret their indifference to education.
3. Colonialism and Oppression:
o The imposition of German illustrates the cultural domination of the conquerors over the vanquished.
4. The Role of Education:
o Education is portrayed as essential for preserving one's heritage and identity.
Tone and Mood:
- Nostalgic
- Patriotic
- Melancholic
Characters
1. Franz:
oA young and carefree boy who undergoes a transformation, realizing the importance of language and
education.
2. M. Hamel:
o A dedicated and passionate teacher who deeply loves his language.
o He symbolizes the struggle to preserve cultural identity under foreign domination.
3. The Villagers:
o Represent the collective regret of a community for not valuing education and their language earlier.
Important Symbols
1. The French Language:
o Symbolizes freedom, identity, and cultural pride.
2. The Blacksmith and Bulletin Board:
o The blacksmith signifies simplicity, while the bulletin board represents political control and bad
news.
3. "Vive La France!":
o Represents resilience, hope, and patriotism.
Key Takeaways
1. Language is a powerful tool for cultural preservation.
2. Education plays a critical role in shaping individuals and communities.
3. There’s a sense of urgency to cherish one's heritage before it is too late.
4. "I shall never forget this last lesson!"
5. 2. "When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, they hold fast to their liberty."
Possible Questions
1. What does the story reveal about the role of language in shaping identity?
2. How does Franz's perspective change throughout the story?
3. Why does M. Hamel blame the people of Alsace for the loss of their language?
4. Discuss the significance of the title, "The Last Lesson."
5. What is the significance of the last lesson?
6. How does Phrangais's attitude towards learning French change throughout the story?
7. What does M. Hamel's character represent in the story?
