M. Hamel says French is 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. THE LAST LESSON WAS OVER. EVERYONE WAS EMOTIONAL. THEY ALL WERE VERY SAD. LESSON HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE’S LANGUAGE – NO ONE CAN IMPOSE HIS/HER LANGUAGE ON OTHERS, AND ALSO ONE MUST GUARD ONE’S LANGUAGE. The prose 'The Last Lesson', written by Alphonse Daudet narrates about the year 1870 when the Prussian forces under Bismarck attacked and captured France. The French districts of Alsace and Lorraine went into Prussian hands. The new Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in the schools of these two districts. The French teachers were asked to leave. The story describes the last day of one such French, M. Hamel. Mr. M.Hamel had been transferred and could no longer remain in his old school. Still he gave last lesson to his students with utmost devotion and sincerity as ever. The story depicts the pathos (emotions, traits, or experiences which are personal) of the whole situation about how people feel when they don’t learn their own language and then losing an asset in M.Hamel. One of his students Franz, who dreaded French class and M.Hamel's iron rod, came to the school that day thinking he would be punished as he had not learnt his lesson. But on reaching school he found Hamel dressed in Sunday clothes and all the old people of the village sitting there. It was due to an order on the bulletin-board. That was the day when he realised for the first time that how important French was for him, but it was his LAST LESSON in French. M. HAMEL Sincere French teacher – knows his subject well Passionate about French – considers French-clearest, most beautiful and logical, feels- key to person's sense of freedom, advises people to hold on to French Proud of being French – upset by occupation of Alsace by the Germans, attached to town, school, people Hard Task Master – particular about discipline and learning, students scared, last day – exercises on all aspects of language. Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for selfishness, emotional by sound of the Prussian soldiers. FRANZ Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for ignoring lessons, wonders if pigeons will coo in German, understands feelings of Hauser Loves Outdoors – sunshine, birds, butterflies, collecting birds' eggs As a Student – repents, good observer, notices changes Emphathizes with M.Hamel – understands emotions, accepts him with his faults One must love one’s language. We should understand the true meaning of freedom and how important it is to preserve one’s independence. Children should not miss their classes. Education plays an important role in one’s life. What was the thunderclap the narrator received as M. Hamel began the lesson? The narrator received a bolt from the blue when the teacher, M. Hamel announced that he was there to teach the last lesson in French that day. They had received orders from Berlin and the teaching of French was banned. Why had the villagers occupied the last benches? The villagers had occupied the last benches as a mark of respect for the teacher and their mother tongue. It was their way to atone for their guilt for not having attended school more regularly. What was amazing about M. Hamel’s grammar lesson? M. Hamel opened a grammar book and read them their lesson. All he said seemed so easy. Franz understood it very well. It seemed as if the poor man wanted to give all he knew before going away. I. Answer in 30-40 words: 1. What had been put up on the bulletin- board? 2. What was more tempting for Franz than going to the school? 3. Why had the villagers come to the school that day? 4. What did M. Hamel say about the French language? 5. Whom did the teacher blame for not learning the lessons? II. Answer in about 150 words: What changes did the narrator find in the school when the order from Berlin came?
