The Last Lesson
By - Alphonse Daudet
By - Alphonse Daudet
“The Last Lesson” is a famous short story written by "Alphonse Daudet". It is set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, when France lost to Prussia (Germany). After this defeat, the districts of Alsace and Lorraine were taken over by Prussia. The new rulers ordered that only German would be taught in schools instead of French. The story describes the last French lesson in a village school and highlights the importance of language and patriotism.
Main Characters
Franz – A young schoolboy who is careless and not serious about studies.
M. Hamel – The French teacher, old and strict, but a true patriot.
Villagers – Represent the love for their mother tongue and regret for neglecting it earlier.
Franz’s Realization
The story is narrated by Franz. One morning, he was running late for school. He was worried because he had not prepared his homework on "participles". He thought of skipping school but finally went. On the way, he noticed a crowd gathered near the bulletin board. For years, this board carried bad news from the war. Franz wondered what the news was this time.
When he reached school, he noticed unusual things. Usually, there was noise in the classroom, but that day it was quiet. His classmates were already seated. M. Hamel, instead of wearing his normal dress, was in his beautiful green coat and frilled shirt, which he wore only on special occasions. The back benches, usually empty, were occupied by some old villagers.
The Announcement
M. Hamel announced in a sad voice that this would be their last French lesson. From the next day, only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Hearing this, Franz was shocked. He suddenly felt sorry for not learning his language properly. He realized that he could not read or write French fluently and regretted wasting his time.
M. Hamel’s Speech
M. Hamel explained the importance of the French language. He called it the most beautiful, logical, and clear language in the world. He said that people must guard their language carefully, as it keeps them united and free. He blamed the parents for sending children to work instead of school, and also blamed himself for giving students holidays when he wanted to go fishing. Everyone in the class, including the villagers, realized how precious their mother tongue was.
The Last Lesson
That day, M. Hamel taught with great patience. Franz, for the first time, listened carefully and understood everything. It felt as if he wanted to remember every word forever. The villagers, too, listened with deep attention, as if to show respect to their language and teacher. At the end, M. Hamel looked very emotional. He wrote on the blackboard in big letters:
“Vive La France!” (Long Live France).
He could not speak further because his voice choked with emotion. He dismissed the class with a silent gesture.
Conclusion
“The Last Lesson” gives the message that we should not take our language and freedom for granted. It is also a story of regret, as people realize the value of their language only when they are about to lose it. The story makes us understand the importance of patriotism, culture, and education.
Key Exam Points:
Setting: Franco-Prussian War, Alsace and Lorraine.
Main theme: Importance of mother tongue.
Characters: Franz (student), M. Hamel (teacher), villagers.
Message: Never neglect your language, culture, and freedom.
परिचय
“The Last Lesson” फ्रांसीसी लेखक अल्फ़ोंस डॉडेट की प्रसिद्ध कहानी है। यह कहानी 1870-71 के फ़्रांको-प्रशियन युद्ध की पृष्ठभूमि पर आधारित है। इस युद्ध में फ्रांस जर्मनी से हार गया था और आलसास (Alsace) और लोरेन (Lorraine) नामक प्रदेश जर्मनी के अधीन हो गए। इसके बाद जर्मन सरकार ने आदेश दिया कि अब इन प्रांतों के स्कूलों में जर्मन भाषा पढ़ाई जाएगी, न कि फ़्रेंच। कहानी उसी दिन की है जब एक गाँव में बच्चों को उनकी आख़िरी फ्रेंच कक्षा पढ़ाई जाती है।
मुख्य पात्र
फ़्रांज़ (Franz) – एक नन्हा विद्यार्थी, जो पढ़ाई में लापरवाह है।
एम. हैमेल (M. Hamel) – फ्रेंच शिक्षक, सख़्त लेकिन देशभक्त।
गाँव वाले – अपनी मातृभाषा के प्रति प्रेम और उपेक्षा का प्रतीक।
फ़्रांज़ की समझ
कहानी का वर्णन फ़्रांज़ नामक बालक करता है। एक सुबह वह देर से स्कूल जा रहा था और चिंतित था क्योंकि उसने व्याकरण (Participles) का पाठ याद नहीं किया था। वह स्कूल से भागने का सोच रहा था, लेकिन अंततः चला गया। रास्ते में उसने देखा कि लोग बुलेटिन बोर्ड के पास इकट्ठा थे, जहाँ अक्सर युद्ध से जुड़ी बुरी ख़बरें चिपकाई जाती थीं।
स्कूल पहुँचकर उसने अजीब दृश्य देखा। आमतौर पर वहाँ शोर-गुल होता था, लेकिन आज पूरा वातावरण शांत था। एम. हैमेल ने अपनी विशेष पोशाक पहनी थी, जो वे केवल त्योहारों और विशेष अवसरों पर पहनते थे। स्कूल की पिछली बेंचों पर गाँव के बुज़ुर्ग भी बैठे थे।
घोषणा
कक्षा शुरू होते ही एम. हैमेल ने भावुक होकर बताया कि यह उनकी आख़िरी फ़्रेंच की कक्षा होगी। अगले दिन से केवल जर्मन पढ़ाई जाएगी। यह सुनकर सब लोग स्तब्ध रह गए। फ़्रांज़ को बहुत पछतावा हुआ कि उसने फ़्रेंच कभी ठीक से नहीं सीखी।
एम. हैमेल का भाषण
एम. हैमेल ने कहा कि फ़्रेंच दुनिया की सबसे सुंदर, स्पष्ट और तार्किक भाषा है। उन्होंने मातृभाषा को आत्मा और आज़ादी का प्रतीक बताया। उन्होंने गाँव वालों को भी दोषी ठहराया कि उन्होंने बच्चों को स्कूल भेजने की बजाय खेतों और काम पर लगाया। उन्होंने स्वयं को भी दोषी माना कि कभी-कभी वे बच्चों को छुट्टी देकर मछली पकड़ने चले जाते थे।
गाँव के लोग और बच्चे सब यह समझ गए कि मातृभाषा की क़ीमत कितनी है।
आख़िरी कक्षा
उस दिन एम. हैमेल ने बड़ी धैर्यता से पढ़ाया। फ़्रांज़ ने पहली बार ध्यान से सुना और सब समझने की कोशिश की। गाँव वाले भी शांति से सुनते रहे। कक्षा के अंत में एम. हैमेल ने ब्लैकबोर्ड पर बड़े अक्षरों में लिखा:
“Vive La France!” (लम्बी उम्र हो फ्रांस की)।
भावुक होकर वे कुछ बोल न सके और हाथ से इशारा कर कक्षा समाप्त कर दी।
निष्कर्ष
कहानी हमें यह सिखाती है कि अपनी भाषा, संस्कृति और आज़ादी को कभी हल्के में नहीं लेना चाहिए। जब इन्हें खोने का डर होता है, तभी हम इनकी असली अहमियत समझते हैं। यह कहानी देशभक्ति और मातृभाषा के प्रति प्रेम का गहरा संदेश देती है।
परीक्षा हेतु मुख्य बिंदु
पृष्ठभूमि: फ्रांको-प्रशियन युद्ध, आलसास व लोरेन क्षेत्र।
मुख्य पात्र: फ़्रांज़ (विद्यार्थी), एम. हैमेल (शिक्षक), गाँववाले।
मुख्य विषय: मातृभाषा का महत्व।
संदेश: भाषा व स्वतंत्रता की उपेक्षा नहीं करनी चाहिए।
1. Who is the author of The Last Lesson?
a) Alphonse Daudet ✅
b) Guy de Maupassant
c) Victor Hugo
d) William Wordsworth
2. During which war is the story set?
a) World War I
b) Franco–Prussian War ✅
c) World War II
d) Cold War
3. Which two districts came under German control?
a) Alsace and Lorraine ✅
b) Paris and Normandy
c) Berlin and Alsace
d) Lorraine and Brussels
4. What was Franz’s biggest fear that morning?
a) Getting late for school
b) Not preparing participles ✅
c) Meeting the teacher
d) Seeing the Prussian soldiers
5. What was unusual about the classroom that day?
a) It was noisy
b) It was empty
c) It was quiet and villagers were present ✅
d) It was locked
6. What special dress did M. Hamel wear?
a) Blue coat and tie
b) Green coat and frilled shirt ✅
c) White shirt and trousers
d) Black gown
7. Why had villagers come to the classroom?
a) To complain about Franz
b) To honor M. Hamel and the French language ✅
c) To learn German
d) To punish students
8. What did M. Hamel call French language?
a) Easy and common
b) Most beautiful, clear, and logical ✅
c) Difficult and strange
d) A dead language
9. What did M. Hamel write on the blackboard at the end?
a) Goodbye
b) Work hard
c) Vive La France ✅
d) Long Live Germany
10. Why could M. Hamel not speak at the end of the class?
a) He was angry
b) He was tired
c) He was overcome with emotions ✅
d) He was unwell
Q.1 What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day ?
Ans : That day Franz was expected to be prepared with the lesson on participle because his teacher had told him that he would be asked the rules of participles the next day.
Q.2 What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day ?
Ans : The following unusualnesses Franz noticed about the school that day -
1 There was as quiet as sunday morning.
2 There was no commotion of moving the desk.
3 There was no noise of student's lessons repeated in unison.
4 There was no sound of teacher's great ruler rapping on the table.
Q.3 What had been put up on the bulletin board ?
Ans : The present question has been taken from the chapter " The Last Lesson " written by Alphonse Daudet. The french districts of Alsace and Lorraine had been taken over by the Prussians. Hence, the bulletin board displayed the news that an order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
Q.4 What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class : What did they mean?
Ans : Before dismissing the last class M. Hamel took a piece of chalk and wrote the word " Vive La France " meaning " Long Live France " on the blackboard as large as he could.
Q.5 Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of the boys like Franz ?
Ans : M. Hamel blamed the following people for the neglect of learning of French language -
1 He blamed their parents who engaged the boys in form work.
2 He blamed himself as he too assigned the work of gardening to the boys. He also gave a holiday whenever he wanted to go to fishing.
Q.6 What was the usual scene when Franz's school began in the morning ?
Ans : When Franz's school began in the morning the usual scene were -
1 There was a great hustle - bustle in the morning.
2 There was commotion of moving the desk.
3 There was noise of student's lessons repeated in unison.
4 There was sound of teacher's great ruler rapping on the table.
Q.7 "What can be the matter now ?" says Franz, why do you think, did he make this comment ?
Ans : There was a bulletin board near the town hall. When Franz passed by it, he noticed a crowd there. He did not stop to look at it. He wondered What could be the matter then because for the last two years they had received all the bad news from the bulletin board like the lost battle, the orders of the commanding officer.
Q.8 " The Last Lesson " teaches us important lessons of life. Discuss.
Ans : " The Last Lesson " teaches us important lessons of life. In this lesson the writer Alphonse Daudet tells about the importance of the language. In the Franco - Prussian war , the Prussian force won the war. Then a order had come Berlin ( the largest city of Germany) to teach only German language in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. After the notice some French people like Franz expressed regret for not learning his mother language, French. The story tells that the language is an essential part of the nation's identity and that losing it means losing one's freedom.
Q.9 What does Franz tell about the nature in " The Last Lesson " ?
Or
" It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles. " What did Franz find 'much more tempting'? How did he finally react ?
Ans : According to Franz, the much more tempting things of nature were -
1 It was a very warm and bright day.
2 The birds were chirruping at the edge of woods.
3 The Prussian soldiers were drilling in the open field at the back of sawmill.
He wanted to spend his day out of door. However, he had the strength to resist the temptation and finally , he hurried off to school.
Q.10 Who was Wachter ? What did he ask Franz and why ? How did Franz react ?
Ans : Wachter was a blacksmith. He was reading the latest bulletin. He asked Franz not to go so fast to his school. Wachter had read the news about teaching of German. Franz thought that the blacksmith was making a fun of him. So, he ran to the school and reached there breathless.
Q.11 Why were some elderly person occupying the back benches that day ?
Or
How does the people express their respect to M. Hamel ?
Or
Who was the elderly person sitting at the back benches ?
Ans : Hauser and other elderly persons came to attend the last lesson to show their love for the french language and to pay respect to the French teacher Mr. M. Hamel who had taught the people of Alsace for 40 years. There were tears in the eyes of the elderly people.
Q.12 What does M. Hamel say about the french language ? What did he urge his students and villagers to do?
Or
What did M. Hamel tell the people in the class about french language ?
Ans : According to M. Hamel, The French language was the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and the most logical language. He urged his student and villagers to guard it and never forget it.
Q.13 "What a thunderclap these word to me" Which were the words that shocked and surprised little Franz ?
Or
Why were M. Hamel's words like a thunderclap to Franz ?
Ans : When M. Hamel told the class that it was the last lesson in their native language French. Franz was shocked and surprised after hearing these words. These words were like a thunderclap for Franz. He felt very sorry for not learning his mother language, French.
Q.14 How is the mother tongue important to person ? What does M. Hamel the teacher say about it ?
Ans : The mother tongue is very important to person because language is an essential part of the nation's identity and that losing it means losing one's freedom. In the last lesson M. Hamel the French teacher says that French language is the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and the most logical language.
Q.15 How did M. Hamel display his love for the french language ?
Ans : M. Hamel displayed his love for the french language by saying that the french language was the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and the most logical language.
Q.16 What was unusual about M. Hamel's dress on his last day in school ?
Ans : M. Hamel had put on his ceremonial clothes on his last day in school. He had worn the beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and a little black silk cap, all embroidered.
Q.17 What did Franz wonder about when he entered the class that day ?
Ans : When Franz entered the class that day, he was expecting a scolding from M. Hamel but he spoke very kindly and asked him to sit. Franz also wondered at the presence of senior villagers occupying back benches of the class.
Q.18 What did Franz see when he passed the town hall ?
Ans : When Franz passed the town hall he saw a crowd in the front of the bulletin board. He thought to himself what the matter was and what bad news awaited them.
Q.19 Franz thinks "will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons ?" What does this tell us about the attitude of the Frenchmen ?
Ans : Franz thinks "will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons ?". This shows that the Frenchmen were full of hate against the Germans. Besides, they feared German atrocities. They thought that the German would be forced them to read German and no one will be spared.
Q.20 What was the bulletin board ? How was it important ?
Ans : The bulletin board was an official information giving board to the people of Alsace and Lorraine. It was important because it provided all important official orders or news of the country to the people of Alsace and Lorraine. One day it had a news that only German language would be taught in the school of Alsace and Lorraine.
Q.1 Give the character sketch of Franz.
Ans : Introduction : The present question has been taken from the chapter "The Last Lesson" written by Alphonse Daudet. The last lesson is a short story set in a small French village in Alsace and Lorraine during the Franco - Prussian war.
The character sketch of Franz : In the story "The Last Lesson" Franz was a student of the french teacher Mr. M. Hamel who was a lazy boy and disliked his french teacher M. Hamel. Franz was a very young boy. He lived in France at Alsace. He liked outdoor activities. He got late for school usually. He scared from M. Hamel as he was not good in french. When Mr. M. Hamel told the class that an order had come from Berlin to teach only German language in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Franz was shocked and surprized, after hearing this news. He expressed regret for not learning the french language and for wasting his time in hunting bird's egg and playing in the saar river.
Conclusion : In the last of the story, Franz wonted to learn everything in his last lesson. He forgot his french teacher Mr. M. Hamel's ruler and his crankiness nature. He felt a sympathy to M. Hamel. The books of grammar and history seemed him like his old friends. He understood the pain and agony of his teacher was leaving. According to him the French language was the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and the most logical language.
Q.2 Give the character sketch of M. Hamel.
Ans : Introduction : The present question has been taken from the chapter "The Last Lesson" written by Alphonse Daudet. The last lesson is a short story set in a small french village in Alsace and Lorraine during the Franco - Prussian war.
Character sketch of M. Hamel : In the story "The Last Lesson" Mr. M. Hamel was a french teacher. He knew his subjects well. He was very discipline and learning teacher. All students in the class scared from him. He was proud of being french. In the last day of school he had put on his ceremonial clothes. He had worn his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and a little black silk cap, all embroidered. He told the class that an order had come from Berlin to teach only German language in the school of Alsace and Lorraine. He expressed regret for not teaching the students more effectively. He loved his mother tongue. According to him French language was the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and the most logical language. He was connected to town's people and schools.
Conclusion : In the last of the story M. Hamel took a piece of chalk and wrote the word "Vive La France" which means "Long Live France" on the blackboard as large as he could before dismissing the last class .
Q3. Describe the character of M. Hamel as a teacher and a patriot.
Ans: Introduction:
M. Hamel was the French teacher in the village school of Alsace. He had served faithfully for 40 years. Though considered strict, he was deeply respected and loved by his students and villagers.
Description:
On the day of the last lesson, he wore his special green coat and looked very serious. He announced that this was their last French lesson as German was to be taught from the next day. His words were full of love for French, which he called the most beautiful and logical language. He blamed both parents and himself for neglecting education. He taught the lesson with patience and dedication, and everyone listened carefully. His patriotism was clear when he wrote “Vive La France!” on the board.
Conclusion:
Thus, M. Hamel was not only a sincere and committed teacher but also a true patriot who inspired everyone to value their language and culture.
Q4. How did Franz’s attitude towards French and his teacher change during the last lesson?
Ans: Introduction:
Franz, the narrator, was a careless and lazy student. He disliked school and often avoided studying French. But the news of the last French lesson completely changed his attitude.
Description:
When M. Hamel announced that it was their last French class, Franz was shocked. He regretted not learning his language earlier. His books, which once seemed boring, suddenly appeared like close friends. For the first time, he listened carefully to M. Hamel and understood the importance of his mother tongue. He also developed respect for his teacher, who spoke with patience and love. The silent presence of villagers increased his feeling of responsibility towards French.
Conclusion:
Hence, the last lesson was a turning point for Franz. It transformed him from a careless child into a student who valued his teacher, language, and education.
Q5. Why is the story titled “The Last Lesson”? Explain its significance.
Ans: Introduction:
The story is set during the Franco-Prussian war, when Alsace and Lorraine were taken over by Germany. Berlin ordered that German would be taught in schools instead of French.
Description:
The day described in the story was the last French class for the students. It marked the end of their right to learn their mother tongue. The villagers also attended, realizing their mistake of neglecting French earlier. The title is symbolic because it not only refers to the last French lesson but also to the loss of freedom and culture of the people. It highlights regret, patriotism, and the importance of preserving one’s language.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the title “The Last Lesson” is apt and meaningful. It signifies both the literal last class of French and the symbolic end of linguistic and cultural freedom.
Q6. What message does Alphonse Daudet want to convey through the story?
Ans: Introduction:
Alphonse Daudet’s story “The Last Lesson” is not just about a school event but about the importance of language, culture, and freedom.
Description:
Through the regret of Franz, villagers, and M. Hamel, Daudet shows that people realize the value of their language only when they are about to lose it. The French language is described as beautiful, logical, and clear, and must be guarded with care. The story also highlights that neglecting education is a mistake. Moreover, it gives a message of patriotism—love for one’s country and language is the true strength of a nation.
Conclusion:
Thus, the story conveys a universal message: we must respect and preserve our language and culture before it is too late. It teaches the importance of education, responsibility, and patriotism.
Q7. Narrate the role of villagers in the last lesson. What does their presence signify?
Ans: Introduction:
The villagers played an important role in “The Last Lesson”. On the day of the final French class, they filled the back benches of the classroom.
Description:
They had come to express gratitude to M. Hamel and to show respect for their mother tongue. Earlier, they neglected education, sending children to work instead of school. But now, they regretted their mistake. Their silent presence added seriousness to the classroom. They listened to every word of M. Hamel with attention, realizing that losing their language meant losing their identity and freedom.
Conclusion:
The villagers’ presence symbolized unity, regret, and patriotism. It showed that language is not just for students but for the whole community, and it must be preserved with pride.