The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

Summary

• The story happens in Alsace, a state of France, during the Franco-Prussian War.
• The main character, Franz, is a young boy who neglects his studies.
• On the day of the story, Franz feels an unusual urge to attend school.
• Franz hasn’t prepared his lesson on participles.
• Upon arriving at school, Franz notices a somber atmosphere.
• Villagers are gathered in the classroom.
• M. Hamel, the teacher, is wearing his best clothes.
• Franz learns this will be the last French lesson.
• The Prussian authorities have decreed German will be taught in schools.
• M. Hamel emphasizes the beauty and importance of the French language.
• M. Hamel describes French as the clearest and most logical language.
• He expresses regret for not being strict enough with his students.
• M. Hamel blames parents for neglecting their children’s education.
• He also blames the students for neglecting their studies.
• The lesson begins with grammar and participles.
• Franz finds himself more engaged than ever.
• The class is deeply moved by M. Hamel’s dedication.
• They realize they are losing their identity and culture.
• M. Hamel teaches with fervor and passion.
• Villagers show respect by attending the last lesson.
• The entire community shares a sense of loss and regret.
• Franz feels guilty for taking his education for granted.
• M. Hamel’s dedication and passion touch everyone.
• M. Hamel writes “Vive La France!” on the blackboard.
• This phrase symbolizes patriotism and resistance.
• Franz realizes the significance of this last lesson.
• The story highlights the value of one’s language and heritage.
• It emphasizes the importance of education.
• The impact of a dedicated teacher is evident.
• Franz leaves the school with a heavy heart.
• The lesson stays with Franz forever.
• The villagers and students mourn the loss of their language.
• M. Hamel’s final lesson is a turning point for Franz.
• The story portrays the consequences of war on personal lives.
• M. Hamel’s unwavering dedication is inspiring.
• The villagers’ presence shows unity and respect.
• The last lesson is a symbol of cultural preservation.
• Franz gains a newfound respect for his language.
• The story underscores the power of language in shaping identity.
• The role of educators in preserving culture is highlighted.
• Collective regret and mourning are central themes.
• The community’s shared sense of loss is palpable.
• The story emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity.
• M. Hamel’s message of hope resonates with everyone.
• The emotional impact of the lesson is profound.
• Franz’s changed perspective on learning is evident.
• The story conveys the importance of diligence in education.
• The legacy of M. Hamel’s final lesson endures.
• The narrative underscores patriotism and perseverance.
• The enduring message of the story is the value of one’s language and heritage.

Comprehension

1. “When I passed the town hall, there was a crowd in front of the bulletin-board. For the last two years all our bad news had come from there—the lost battles, the draft, the orders of the commanding officer—and I thought to myself, without stopping: ‘What can be the matter now?'”

1. Where was the crowd gathered when Franz passed by?
   The crowd was gathered in front of the bulletin-board at the town hall.
2. What does Franz mean by “all our bad news had come from there”?
   Franz means that the bulletin-board at the town hall has been the source of all the bad news for the last two years, including lost battles, drafts, and orders from the commanding officer.
3. Why does Franz not stop to check the bulletin-board?
   Franz does not stop to check the bulletin-board because he is already accustomed to the bad news and might be anxious or worried about what new bad news it could be.
4. What might be inferred about the general mood of the townspeople based on this extract?
   The general mood of the townspeople is likely to be one of anxiety, worry, and fear, as they are used to receiving bad news from the bulletin-board.
5. How does the bulletin-board symbolize the impact of the war on the town?
   The bulletin-board symbolizes the impact of the war on the town by being a constant source of bad news and reminders of the hardships and losses faced by the townspeople due to the ongoing conflict.

2. “I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open the door and go in before everybody.”

1. What does Franz see when he looks through the window?
   Franz sees his classmates already in their places and M. Hamel walking up and down with his iron ruler under his arm.
2. What does the phrase “as quiet as Sunday morning” suggest about the atmosphere in the classroom?
   The phrase “as quiet as Sunday morning” suggests a calm, peaceful, and solemn atmosphere in the classroom.
3. Why does Franz describe M. Hamel’s ruler as “terrible”?
   Franz describes M. Hamel’s ruler as “terrible” because it symbolizes M. Hamel’s strictness and the fear it instills in the students.
4. What can be inferred about Franz’s feelings as he enters the classroom?
   It can be inferred that Franz feels nervous, anxious, and apprehensive as he enters the classroom, especially given the unusual quietness and the presence of M. Hamel’s iron ruler.
5. How does this extract contribute to the overall mood and theme of the story?
   This extract contributes to the overall mood of solemnity and reflection, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the impending loss of their language. It reinforces the theme of valuing one’s heritage and education, as well as the emotional impact of M. Hamel’s last lesson on the students.

3. “My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”

1. What important announcement does M. Hamel make to the students?
   M. Hamel announces that this is the last French lesson he will give, as the order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
2. What does M. Hamel mean by “The order has come from Berlin”?
   M. Hamel means that the Prussian authorities in Berlin have issued an order to replace French with German as the language of instruction in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
3. How does M. Hamel’s tone reflect the gravity of the situation?
   M. Hamel’s tone is serious and somber, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the significance of losing their language and culture.
4. What can be inferred about the students’ feelings upon hearing this announcement?
   It can be inferred that the students are likely to feel shocked, saddened, and regretful upon hearing the announcement, realizing the importance of their language and the impact of its loss.
5. How does this extract contribute to the overall message of the story?
   This extract contributes to the overall message of the story by highlighting the importance of language and heritage, the impact of political decisions on personal lives, and the emotional resonance of a teacher’s dedication to his students.