“The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet (Class 12 Flamingo – English Main Book)
1. Why was Franz afraid of going to school that day?
Answer:
Franz was afraid because he had not prepared his lesson on participles and expected to be punished by M. Hamel.
2. What was unusual about the school on the day of the last lesson?
Answer:
The school was quiet like a Sunday, students were seated silently, M. Hamel wore his ceremonial clothes, and villagers were sitting in the classroom, which was unusual.
3. What news did M. Hamel give about the order from Berlin?
Answer:
M. Hamel informed the class that an order had come from Berlin that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from the next day.
4. How did Franz react to hearing it was the last French lesson?
Answer:
Franz was shocked and regretful. He suddenly felt sorry for not paying attention to his language and realized its value.
5. Who were present in the class besides the students and why?
Answer:
Old villagers, including Hauser, the former mayor, and the postmaster, were present to show respect and gratitude to M. Hamel and to mourn the loss of their language.
6. What does the presence of villagers in the classroom signify?
Answer:
It shows their regret for neglecting their language and education. It also highlights their patriotism and emotional connection to the French language.
7. What changes did Franz notice in M. Hamel that day?
Answer:
Franz noticed that M. Hamel was more patient and emotional than usual. He wore his Sunday best and delivered the lesson with great seriousness and feeling.
8. What did M. Hamel say about the French language?
Answer:
M. Hamel praised French as the most beautiful and logical language in the world. He urged everyone to guard and love their language as a key to their identity and freedom.
9. How does the story reflect the theme of linguistic chauvinism?
Answer:
The story reflects linguistic chauvinism as the Germans imposed their language on the French people, denying them the right to learn and use their mother tongue.
10. What was M. Hamel’s opinion about parents and self in neglecting education?
Answer:
M. Hamel blamed the parents for making their children work on farms or mills instead of sending them to school. He also blamed himself for letting students skip lessons and giving them holidays.
11. Why did M. Hamel say it was the last lesson?
Answer:
It was the last lesson in French as per the new orders from Berlin. From the next day, only German would be taught in schools in Alsace and Lorraine.
12. Describe the emotions of the people during the last lesson.
Answer:
Everyone was sad, regretful, and emotional. The villagers were silent, Franz was attentive for the first time, and M. Hamel’s voice trembled with grief.
13. What does the story convey about the importance of language?
Answer:
The story conveys that language is a part of one’s cultural identity. Losing it is like losing freedom and heritage. It should be preserved and respected.
14. How does Alphonse Daudet highlight the effect of war on common people?
Answer:
He shows how political decisions, like changing language in schools, deeply affect ordinary people by robbing them of their culture, pride, and emotional connection to their identity.
15. What was M. Hamel’s behavior in his last class?
Answer:
M. Hamel was kind, serious, emotional, and dedicated. He taught with sincerity and urged the students and villagers to value their language.
