The Last Lesson – Notes (Class 12 English
Flamingo)
About the Author
Alphonse Daudet (1840–1897) – French novelist and short-story writer. Known for realistic stories
with themes of patriotism, love for one’s language, and human emotions. The Last Lesson is set
during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71).
Setting / Background
War Context: France lost to Prussia (Germany). Alsace and Lorraine (French provinces) annexed
by Prussia. New order: German language to be taught in schools instead of French. The Last
Lesson shows the effect of this order on the teacher, students, and villagers.
Characters
1. Franz – A young, careless schoolboy; hates French, lazy, afraid of scolding, realizes too late the
value of his language. 2. M. Hamel – The strict French teacher; teaches with love and sincerity in
his final class; praises French as the most beautiful language; symbol of dedication and patriotism.
3. Villagers – Old Hauser and others attend the class; show regret for neglecting French, support
the teacher.
Summary
Franz was reluctant to go to school (afraid because he didn’t prepare French grammar lesson).
Notices unusual quietness in the village and school. M. Hamel wears his best clothes (green coat,
frilled shirt, etc.) – unusual for a normal day. Class atmosphere serious; villagers seated at the
back. Announcement: It is the last French lesson; from next day only German will be taught. Hamel
speaks about neglect of learning French by students and parents. Praises French as “the most
beautiful, clearest, logical language.” Teaches passionately; students and villagers listen carefully.
At the end, Hamel writes on the blackboard: “Vive La France” (Long live France!).
Themes
1. Loss of Language & Identity – Losing one’s language means losing one’s freedom and culture. 2.
Patriotism – Deep love for one’s country and language. 3. Regret & Realization – People realize the
value of French only when it is too late. 4. Duty & Sincerity – Hamel’s dedication even on his last
day. 5. Oppression – How war and political power can suppress a community’s culture.
Important Quotes
- “The most beautiful language in the world – the clearest, the most logical.” - “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.” -
“Vive La France!”
Moral / Message
- Value your language and culture; do not take it for granted. - Education and language are tools of
freedom. - Realize the importance of something before it is lost.
Possible Exam Questions
(a) Short Answer 1. Why was Franz reluctant to go to school that day? 2. What was unusual about
the classroom atmosphere? 3. How did M. Hamel describe the French language? 4. Why were
villagers sitting in the classroom? (b) Long Answer 1. Describe the character of M. Hamel as seen
in The Last Lesson. 2. How does the story bring out the theme of love for one’s language? 3. What
is the significance of the title The Last Lesson?
