Summary

Alphonse Daudet is the author of "The Last Lesson." The author recounts events in the year 1870, when France was seized by Bismarck
led Prussian soldiers and French teaching was discontinued in several places. This story shows how people feel when they are unable to
learn their mother tongue. The story is narrated by a French boy, Franz. He is lazy but sensitive and likes to play. He dislikes studving
 French and hates his teacher M. Hamel.

After conquering 1ts French districts of Alsace and LoTaine. Berlin has ordered that
the last day ot M. Hamel's forty-year career as their French teacher. He is German be taught in schools instead of French. It is
overcome with
men also attend his final lesson' to show their appreciation for his hard work. They are grief, nostalgia, and patriotism. The village
mother tongue, French, as children. disappointed since they did not learn their

Franz is surpriscd to learn that this is his final lesson because he does not speak
it and understands everything that was taught that day! He instantly likes and
French. Now, all of a sudden, he is interested in learning
hard effort. He is saddened by his departure and embarrassed by his appreciates his teacher, M. Hamel, for his sincerity and
inability to recite theparticiples instruction.
M. Hamel reminds them that they are all to blame for not being willing to learm
for failing to teach them sincerely. His patriotism is shown in his and putting it off until the next day. He blames himself
logical language. He warns the students to defend their language
appreciation for the French language as the world's most beautiful and
enslavement. It will aid them in their escape from the Germans. because knowing one's language is the key to escaping ne prison or
They recognise the significance of studying their mother tongue and the fact that they were
1literacy. Franz believes that it is impossible to take awav a person's language because it is vanquished
natural to
by the Germans due to their
pigeons or French" to Frenchmen. each being, whether it is "coo" to

Additional/extra questions and answers/solutions

1. What was Franz supposed to prepare on that particular day?
Answer: M. Hamel had stated that he would question them on participles that day, therefore
them. Franz had no idea what participles were. Franz was expected to be prepared with

2. What did Franz notice about the school that day that was
unusual?
Answer: When school started, there was always a lot of hustle and bustle that could be heard all the
way down thestreet. But it was
eerilyquiet that day. Everything was as peaceful as it had been on Sunday moming.
There were no desk openings or closings. His
classmates had already taken their seats. Instead of banging on the table, the teacher's huge ruler was
under M. Hamel's arm.
3. What was posted on the bulletin board?
Answep: The bulletin board had been the source of all bad news for the last two years.
solelv German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This notification had been posted From Berlin, an order had been issued to teach
on the bulletin board by the Germans
4. How did Franz'sopinions about M. Hamel andthe school change?
Anewor:. Eranz learmedthat this was M. Hamel's final French lesson for them. They willonly be
Hefelt badfor not paying attention in class. His books, which had berore
taught German starting the next day.
appeared to be a nuisance and a burden. were now old
oomnanions His sentiments for M. Hamel had also shifted. He'd forgotten about his ruler and how grumpy he was
5. "Willthey make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" Franz wonders. What does this imnly?
Answer: Franz's remark exemplifies atypical French reaction to the imposition of learning German, the
denied the opportunity to learn one's mother tongue would sever alltes to one's congueror's annaoe Being
motherland. Teaching the pigeons to sino in Gemm
demonstrates how far the Germans would go in their linguistic chauvinist ambitions.
6. Why do youthink tiny Franz was terrified of being scolded?
Answere Franz was frightened of being chastised that day, especially because M. Hamel, the teacher, had stated that he would
on norticinles Franz freely confesses that he knew nothing about the subject. Also, he had arrived tuiz thh
at school late that moming
7. What was Wachter's name? What did he ask Franz, and why did he ask it? What was Frang's reactinn?
 Answer: Wachter worked asablacksmith. He was reading the most recent bulletin. IHe urged Franz to slow down on his wayto school.
He went on to say that the youngster would arrive at school ontime. Wachter had readthe most recent bulletin on German teaching.
Franz assumed the blaacksmith was making fun of him. As aresult, he dashedto school, arriving breathless.
8. What three things in sehool surprised Franzthe most on that particular day?
Answer: M. Hamel, the teacher, had first put on his magnificent Sunday clothesí .?his gorgeous green coat, frilled shirt, and
cmbroidered small black silk cap. Second, the entire school appeared odd and gloomy. Third, the villagers were sitting calmly like
NChoolehildren on the backbenchcs, which were typically unoccupic.
9.Why had the villagers come to school on that particular day? How did they appear?
Answer:The villagers had gathered to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of devoted service. They also wanted to pay their respects to
ule country that was no longer theirs. They regretted not attending school more frequently. They sat quietly and seemed downcast.
10. What caused Franz to avoid school?
the sawmill. At the
Answer: Franz was unprepared for the test on participles. The Prussian soldiers were drilling in an open field behind
edge of the woods, birds were chirping. He was tempted by these things.
11.How did M. Hamel feel and act in the last lesson?
of
Answer: M. Hamel was grave and polite in his response. During the writing class, he sat still in his chair. He fixed his focus on one
two things. Perhaps he wanted to remember how everything looked in that small schoolroom. Leaving it all after forty years must have
shattered his heart.

12. How did M. Hamel act as the last lesson ended?

Answer: M. Hamel rose from his chair to respond. He appeared to be quite pale and tall. He wanted to say goodbye, but something
choked him. Then, using a piece of chalkm, he scribbled "Vive La France!" on the blackboard. He came to a halt. He slumped against
to an end.
the wall, his head down. He made a motion with his hand to the children to allow them to leave as the school day came

13. What command had been received from Berlin on that particular day? What impact did it have on school life?
has far
Answer: Berlin had issued an order mandating that only German be taught in Alsace and Lorraine schools. This directive
reaching consequences for school life. M. Hamel, who had taught French at the village school for the previous forty years, will give his
final class that day.
They
M. Hamel, the teacher, was impeccably dressed in honour of the last lesson. The villagers sat quietly in the back of the classroom.
school any longer. They had come to express gratitude to the master for his forty years of
were both upset and sorry for not attending
dedicated service and to show respect for the nation that was no longer theirs. In a grave and kind tone, the teacher addressed the
students. He urged them to stay quiet and slowly explained everything. He pleaded with them to keep the French alive among them, He
farewell.
was overcome with emotion and was unable to properly bid
14. Discuss the title The Last Lesson' and its appropriateness.
the plot revolves
Answer: The title of the story is both appropriate and intriguing. It is the focal point of the story throughout, and
around it. The first part of the story serves as a warm-up for the second part. The extraordinary quietness at school, the presence of
willage elders, and the teacher dressed for the occasionâ??the final lesson in French in a French village school in a Prussian-conQuered
districtâ??all point to the rare and unique occasion. During the last lesson, the teacher wishes to impart all of his knowledge at onee Hs
was an amazing experience tor ths
explains everything patiently, and both the students and the elderly villagers pay close attention. lt concluded
was unable to communicate his emotions due to a blocked throat, he the lesson by wviting
narrator. Because the teacher
Vive La France" on the chalkboard. He motions with his hand, indicating the school is closed and that children may go home

15. In the story The Last Lesson,"" who does [" refer to?
to us.
Answer: The "I" in the story is a character named Franz, who is recounting a childhood incident
16. Why was it considered the last lesson?
 Answer: Itwas the last French language lesson in the Alsatian village school. Lorraine and Alsace, two French border districts that fell
under CGerman rule during the Franco-Prussian war, were forced to learnGerman as the only medium of instruction.
17. When Franz saw the bulletin, what did he think?

Answer: When Franz saw the crowdgathered aroundthe bulletin board. he wondered what the next bad news could be.
18. What were the words that struck Franz like a thunderclap?

Answer: Franz was shocked when M. Hamel announced that that day would be the last day of French learning.
19. Why were the village elders seated in the classroom?

Answer: The village elders were in the classroom because thev regretted not going to school when they could. They also came to
express their gratitude for the teacher's forty years of service.
20. What was Franz's reaction when the blacksmith advised him not to rush?

Answer: Franz thought he was being mocked for already being late to school when the blacksmith,Wachter, told him not to hurry and
that he had plenty of time.
21. When did the people understand the significance of their language?

Answer: The French in Alsace and Loraine only realised the importance and value of their own language after the imposition order
arrived from Berlin. They only realised their significance after they had lost it.
22. When Franz was asked a question about participles, what happened?

Answer: Franz was clearly unable to respond to the question about participles. He wished he could answer the question without making
any mistakes on the last day of French class. But that was not the casce; instead, he was lost and confused, standing there, unable to look
at the teacher.
23. What was the reason behind writing Vive La France' on the blackboard by M. Hamel?

Answer:; Vive La France' means "Long Live France" in French. As a tribute to the country and language that had been lost to the
Germans, Monsieur Hamel scribbled it on the board. He wants to instil patriotism in the minds of young people.

24. What is The Last Lesson"'s underlying message?

Answer: The story exemplifies what happens when we are unconcerned about our country or our language. To protect one's
motherland, culture, and language, patriotism is a necessary quality in every citizen.
25. What was Alsace's fault, according to M. Hamel? Whom did he hold responsible?
Answer: According to M. Hamel, Alsace's fault was the harmful habit of procrastination. The habit was
more
to education. Everything else came first, including the studies. It was always postponed to a later date that neverpronounced
came when it can

M Hamel blamed the Alsatian people collectively for this. Schooling was
viewed as a waste of
put their children to work and contribute to the family income. The children themselves were nottime by the parents. They would rather
looking forward to going to school. M
Hamel had also neglected his primary responsibility by delegating garden care to his children or declaring a holiday yhenever he
wanted to go fishing.
26. What does M. Hamelthink about the French language?
 AnsWer: As a Frenchman, M. Hamel hcld his mother tongue in high regard. He went on to praise the language and world, emphasise the
He claimed that French is the most beautiful language in the that it is
otance of its preservation on the last day of class.
cOnerent and well-organized, andthat itsclarity and distinctness make it simple to understand. He urged everyone to take special care to
Preserve their native tongue because it is the only platform on which people can unite. This unity will provide them with the strength
for
they require to defeat the powerful Germans and reclaim their independence. As a result, language will always be a unifying tactor
their country's citizens.
Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Why was Franz surprised on reaching the
Classroom?
Answer: When Franz entered the classroom, he was surprised to see that the backbenches, which were usually unoccupied, were
OCcupied by village people dressed as students. Among those present were Old Hauser, the former major, the former postmaster, and
several more. It was also unusually silent that morning.
2. Why had the elders attended the class that day?

Answer: The elders attended the class that day since it was the last day before the order from Berlin that all schools in Alsace and
Lorraine should begin teaching in German wouldbe implemented. They came to pay their respects to M. Hamel, who had been
them for over forty years. teaching
3. Why was M Hamel leaving?

Answer: M. Hamel was leaving because Berlin had given them the order to only teach German in the schools of
Because new teachers would be arriving the following day, there would be no need for French Alsace and Lorraine.
teachers.
4. What did M Hamel say to Franz instead of scolding him
when he forgot the participles?
Answer: Instead of scolding Franz for forgetting the participles, M. Hamel advised him to feel sorry for
delay in studying, stating that they had always assumed there was plenty of time and would study himself. He emphasised their
that their time had come to an end. He also voiced sadness that they could not be the next day. With sadness, he stated
called or ciaim to be Frenchmen because they did not
know how to talk or write in their native language. However, he tells Franz that he is not the
only one who should be ashamed of
himself, but that everyone should be ashamed of themselves.
 I. Whydid little Franz think of running away from school and spending the day out of doors?
Answer: Litle Franz thought of unning away from school and spending the day out of doors because the weather was warm and
cnticing, with chirping birds and the sight of Prussian soldicrs drilling, which seemed more appealing than learning about participles at
school.

II. Why had a crowd gathered near the town hall?

Answer: Acrowd had gathered near the town hall because it was the place where all the bad news, such as lost batles, drafts, and
commands from the officers, was posted. Franz wondered if there was new bad news as he passed by.
III. You willget to school in plenty of time!" What did the blacksmith mean by it?
Answer: The blacksmith, Wachter, meant that Franz had enough time to get to school and did not need to rush, perhaps indicating that
something significant had happened that would affect the school day.
V. How did Franz hope to escape the teachers notice as he went in late?
Answer: Franz hoped to escape the teacher's notice as he went in late by counting on the usual commotion of the school starting, which
would allow him to slip to his desk unnoticed. However, that day the school was unexpectedly quiet.
V. What unusual things did Franz see in the classroom?

Answer: In the classroom, Franz saw unusual things like M. Hamel wearing his formal clothes that he only wore on special days, and
the presence of village elders sitting in the back of the classroom, which was not customary.
VI. Why were the village people sitting in theclassroom?
Answer: The village people were sitting in the classroom toshow their respect and gratitude to M.Hamel for his forty yearsof service.
and as a sign of reverence for their country, which they were about to lose under new orders to teach only German.
VII. What a thunderclap these words were to me!' What words were a thunderclap? Why?

Answer: The words that were a thunderclap to Franz were M. Hamel's announcement that this would be the last French lesson, as an
order from Berlin mandated the teaching of only German in Alsace and Lorraine. These words signified a great loss for Franz and his
community.
VII. Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz for his inability to recite correctly the rules for his participles?
Answer: M. Hamel did not scold Franz because he recognized the overall regret and sorrow that would be felt by Franz and the others
about their lost opportunity to learn their language, understanding that the blame was collective and not just on the boy.
Workbook answers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS)

(i) The story The Last Lesson' is written by:

A.G. B. Shaw B. Alphonse Daudet C. William Faulkner D. Ray Bradbury
Answer: B. Alphonse Daudet
(ii) What was Franz's tear as he was going to school?
A. fear of the bullies B. seolding by M. Hamel C. punishment for being late D. none of the above

Answer: C. punishment for being late

(iii) What seemed tempting to Franz while going to school?
house
A. playing with thevillage boys B. swvimming in the river C. enjoying open nature and chirping of birds D. going to a friend's
Answer:C. enjoying open nature and chirping of birds
(iv)The bulletin boardshowed
A. cheerful B. horrible C. routine D. sad news.

Answer: D. sad news.

(v) Whowas Wachter ?

A. Franz's classfellow B. Franz's father C. a blacksmith D. school gardener

Answer: C. a blacksmith

(vi)What dress was M. Hamel wearing ?

A. a formal Sunday dress B. dress worn on inspection days and prize days C. casual dress D. funny dress

Answer: B. dress worn on inspection days and prize days

(vii) Who among these was not there on the back benches ?

A. former mayorB. former postman C. the headmaster D. old

Hauser

Answer: C. the headmaster

(viii) What came as 'a thunder clap' to Franz ?

of the French forces
A. scolding by the teacher B. Berlin order against teaching French C. Franz's failure in the exams D. defeat

Answer: B. Berlin order against teaching French

(ix) Which of these was difficult to learn for Franz ?
Participles
A. History lesson B. German language C. Mathematical formulae D.
Answer: D. Participles
Hamel?
(x) What was written in the new copies in the handwriting of M.

A. Country's slogans B. France C. Frcedom D. France, Alsace, France, Alsace

Answer: D. France. Alsace, France, Alsace

Comprehension passage

Passage 1
For amoment Ithought of running away und spending the day out of doors. It was sO warm, so bright! The bins were chiping at the
 edge of the woods, and in the open field, back of the saw-mill the Prussian soldiers were drilling.
() Why did the narrator think of running away?

Answer: The narrator thought of running away because he was afraid of being punished for not learning his lessons.
(ii) What do you think about the narrator?

Answer: The narrator seems to be ayoung schoolboy who is carefree and easily distracted. He does not take his studies seriously.
(iii) What was tempting to the narrator? What did he dread?

Answer: The warm, bright day and sounds of nature like chirping birds were tempting the narrator to run away. He dreaded being
punished by his teacher for not learning his lessons.
(iv) Why were the Prussian soldiers doing their drills?

Answer: The Prussian soldiers were occupying Alsace after defeating France in the Franco-Prussian war. They were doing military
drills as part of their occupation.
(v) What temptations did the narrator overcome? Where was he going?

Answer: The narrator overcame the temptations of the pleasant weather and sounds of nature. He resisted running away and instead
headed to school.

Passage 2

Through the window I saw myclassmates, already in this places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under
his arm. Ihad to open the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and how
frightened I was.
(i)) Who is the narrator? What does he teach?

Answer: The narator is a young schoolboy named Franz. M. Hamel is his French teacher.
(ii) What was M. Hamel doing when Franz looked through the window? Was it a pleasant sight?

Answer: M. Hamel was walking with an iron ruler under his arm which frightened Franz. It was not a pleasant sight.
(ii) Why was Franz frightened?
Answer: Franz was frightened because he was late for school and had not learned his lessons. He expected to be
punished by M. Hamel
(iv)Did the teacher punish Franz? What happened when Franz entered the classroom?
Answer: No, M. Hamel did not punish Franz. He kindly asked Franz to take his seat when he entered the classroom.

(v) Which kind of dress was M. Hamel wearing? Why?

Answer: M. Hamel was wearing his formal dress that he wore only on inspection daysand prize days. This was unusual for an
school day. ordinary

Passage3
While I was wondering about it all, M. Hamel mounted his chair, and, in the same grave and gentle
tone which he had used to me, said,
"My children, this is the last lesson, Ishall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the
schools of AIsace and
Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive..."
()) Who is the narrator and where is he?

Answer: The narrator is Franz, a young schoolboy. He is in his French class in school.
(ii) Who was M. Ham¢l? Ilow would he treat his students?
Answer: M. Hamel was Franz's French teacher. He generally treated his students strictly but was also gentle and kind at times.

(iii) Why was it his last lesson?

schools after
Answer: Itwas M. Hamel's last lesson because of the order from Berlin to stop teaching French in Alsace and Lorraine
France's defeat.
(iv) What did M. Hannel wish his students to do?

Answer: M. Hamelwanted his students to be very attentive in his last French lesson.
(v) In which mood was M. Hamel? Why?
Answer: M. Hamel was in a grave and sad mood because he had to give up teaching French which he loved.

Passage 4
have the right to say to you,
Ah, that's the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will
the worst, poor little
"How is it: you pretend to be Frenchmen and yet you neither speak nor write your own language ? But you are not
Franz. We've alla great deal to reproach ourselves with."

() What do you learn about the speaker?

Answer: The speaker is M. Hamel, Franz's French teacher. He is patriotic and cares deeply about teaching the French language.
(ii) What is the regret in his mind?
granted.
Answer: M. Hamel regrets that the people of Alsace have neglected learning French properly and taken their language for

(ii) Wh0 are those fellows?? How would they mock at the villagers?
Answer: Those fellows' refers to the Prussian rulers. They would mock the villagers for being French yet not speaking proper French.

(iv)Who were to be blamed for the present situation, according to the speaker?
taking French
Answer: According to M. Hamel, the villagers, parents, and even he himself as a teacher were to be blamed for not
language learning seriously enough.

(v) Later, what does speaker say about the French language?
Answer: Later, M. Hamel says French is the most beautiful language, logical and clear. He urges the people to preserve it as their key t
freedom.

Passage 5
a
Your parents were not anxious enough to have you learn. They preferred to put youto work on afarm or at the mills, soas to have
you to water my tlowers instead of learning your leSsons
little more money. And I?I've been to blame also. Have Inot often sent

(i) Who is addressing and whom, and on what occasion?

Answer: M. Hamel is addressing his students on theoccasion of his last French lesson.
thenm?
(ii) Who were put to carn more money for the parents? What does it show about
Answer: The students were put to work on farms or mills by parents to carn more money. It shows parents priortized money over their
children's education.

(iii) What made the speaker blane himself?

 Answer: M. Hamel blames himsclf for otten sending students to do his pcrsonal chores instcad of
teaching thcm lessons.
(iv) What do you think of the speaker?
Answer: The speaker M. Hamel seems to be a dedicatcd teacher who cares about his students'
Stnet. lcarning,cven though he was sometimes

() According to the speaker, what is the importance of learning our

mother tongues?
Answer: According to M. Hanel, it is very important to learn our native languages well as they are a
treedom. key part of our identity and

Passage 6
it was the most beautiful language in the world - the
clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it,
because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their
language it is as if they had the key to their prison.
() Which language is being referred to here? What is
the occasion of this observation?
Answer: French language is being referred to here. M. Hamel is addressing his students in his
last French lesson.
(ii) Whatdoes the speaker think of the language being
referred to?
Answer: The speaker M. Hamel thinks French is the most beautiful, clear and logical
language in the world.
(iii) What is his advice to the listeners?

Answer: M. Hamel advises his students to preserve the French language and
never forget it.
(iv) Why should the enslaved people not forget their language?
Answer: Enslaved people should not forget their language because it is key to
preserving their identity and winning their freedom.
(v) What had been the attitude of the people earlier about their
own language, according to the speaker?
Answer: Earlier the people of Alsace had neglected learning French properly and taken their
language lightly.
Passage 7
Once some beetles flew in; but nobody paid any attention to them, not even
the littlest ones, who worked right on tracing their fish
hooks, as if that was French, too. On the roof the pigeons cooed very low and lthought to myself, a??Will they make them sing in
German, even the pigeons ?*

(i) Where did the beetles fly in? How did the students react?
Answer: The beetles flew into the classroom. But the students were so focused on their
work that they ignored the interuption.
(ii) What was being done, and by whom and where?
Answer: The students were practicing their French writing of the words France and Alsace in their
classroom.
(iii) What made even the children do their work with full concentration?

Answer: M. Hamel's announcement that this was their last French lesson made the
students value the language and work diligently.
(iv) Who is P referred to here? What thought did he have?
Answer: ' refers to the narrator Franz. He wondered if the Prussian rulers wouldeven
torce the pigeons to coo in Geman.
(v)What is the tone in, "Willthey make them.. ..?" What literary device is used here?
 Answer: The tone is ironic. The literary device used is irony to highlight the extent of the Prussian rulers'cultural domination.
Passage 8
*"My friends," said he, "I- I -" But something choked him. He could not go on. Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk,
and, bearing on with all his might, he wrote as large as he could "Vive La France !"
() Whois he'? Why was he so sentimental?
Answer: He' refers to M. Hamel, Franz's French teacher. He was sentimental because this was his last French lesson.

(ii))What could he not do? Why?

Answer: M. Hamel could not speak further as he was choked with emotion.

(iii) What did he write on the blackboard; and why?

Answer: He wrote "Vive la France!" (Long live France) on the blackboard to express his love for France.

(iv) What doyou think of this person?

Answer: M. Hamel seems to be a deeply patriotic person who truly cares for the French language and culture.
(v) Vive La France'. What does it mean and symbolize? What does it show about the speaker?

Answer: It means "Long live France" and symbolizes M. Hamel's patriotism. His act shows he deeply loved teaching French and was
sad to give up.A