1. The Last Lesson - Prose - Class 12 -Flamingo

BhashaLab
Jul 15
5 min read

Updated: Jul 16

Author: Alphonse Daudet

Textbook: Flamingo

Genre: Fiction / Short Story

Summary :

"The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet is set during the Franco-Prussian War when Alsace and Lorraine passed into Prussian hands. The story is narrated by a young schoolboy named Franz, who is late for school and dreads facing his teacher, M. Hamel, for not preparing his lesson on participles. However, when he reaches class, he is surprised by the quiet atmosphere and the presence of village elders on the back benches. M. Hamel announces that it is their last French lesson as German will be taught from the next day.

This declaration deeply moves Franz. He regrets not taking his lessons seriously. The villagers' presence reflects their respect for their language and sorrow for not learning it earlier. M. Hamel, too, is emotional as he delivers his final lesson with deep passion. He praises the French language as the most beautiful and logical one, urging them to preserve it. The story ends with M. Hamel writing "Vive La France!" on the board, marking a poignant end to a significant chapter in their lives.

Character Sketch

M. Hamel:

A dedicated, sincere and patriotic French teacher who served his school faithfully for 40 years. On the day of his final lesson, he shows deep emotion and pride in his language. Dressed in his finest clothes, he teaches with great passion, making students realize the value of their mother tongue. He is both strict and kind, and his farewell is filled with dignity and sorrow.

Franz:

A young schoolboy who represents the careless attitude of youth toward education. Initially disinterested in studies, he undergoes a transformation upon realizing the value of his language and teacher. His regret and newfound appreciation reflect the emotional impact of losing one’s cultural identity.

Themes

Theme	Description
Loss of Language and Identity	Losing the right to learn one's language equates to losing cultural identity.
Regret and Realization	Franz regrets not valuing education and language sooner.
Patriotism and National Pride	M. Hamel’s love for French symbolizes pride in one’s heritage.
Resistance to Oppression	Holding on to one’s language as resistance to foreign domination.
Value of Education	The story shows how education is often taken for granted until it’s taken away.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example	Effect
Metaphor	“the key to their prison”	Symbolizes language as a tool of freedom.
Personification	“the whole school seemed so strange and solemn”	Gives emotional depth to the setting.
Irony	Children value the lesson only when it's the last one	Highlights human tendency to realize worth after loss.
Symbolism	"Vive La France!" on the board	Represents patriotic resistance.
Imagery	“blackboard, chalk, walnut trees, hopvine”	Builds a vivid emotional backdrop.

Title Justification

The title "The Last Lesson" is apt as it encapsulates the emotional and symbolic value of the final French class taught by M. Hamel. It is not just the end of a lesson, but a loss of identity, language, and freedom for the people of Alsace. The lesson becomes a powerful reminder of the need to preserve one's culture and language, making the title both literal and metaphorical.

One-Mark Questions

What announcement does M. Hamel make to the class?
M. Hamel announces that it is the last French lesson as German will be taught from the next day. This news shocks Franz and the villagers.
Why were the villagers present in the classroom that day?
The villagers attended the class to honor M. Hamel and show regret for neglecting their mother tongue. It was their way of expressing patriotism and respect.
How did Franz feel about M. Hamel on the last day?
Franz felt emotional and respectful towards M. Hamel, realizing his dedication. He regretted not valuing him earlier.
What made Franz regret his attitude toward learning?
The realization that it was the last chance to learn French made him feel guilty. He saw the language as a part of his identity.
What was written on the blackboard at the end of the lesson?
M. Hamel wrote “Vive La France!” on the board. It was his final act of patriotism and farewell.

Three-Mark Questions

How does the story portray the importance of language?
The story highlights that language is a key part of cultural identity and freedom. When the French people of Alsace are told they can no longer learn French, they realize its true value. M. Hamel expresses that as long as people hold on to their language, they have the “key to their prison.” The loss of language represents loss of selfhood. This realization is emotional and awakening for both the students and villagers.
Describe the emotional atmosphere in the classroom during the last lesson.
The classroom is unusually quiet and filled with a sense of sorrow. Students, who once ignored studies, listen carefully, and even the villagers attend the class. M. Hamel teaches with deep emotion and passion. Everyone is filled with regret and a desire to hold on to their heritage. It is a moment of realization and silent resistance.
What change did Franz experience during the last lesson?
Franz, who was earlier carefree and uninterested in school, undergoes a deep emotional transformation. He realizes the significance of education and language. The presence of villagers and the serious tone of M. Hamel make him aware of the loss they are facing. He regrets not valuing his lessons earlier and becomes more conscious of his cultural roots. His respect for M. Hamel also grows tremendously.

Value-Based Question

Question: What lesson does "The Last Lesson" teach us about the importance of our mother tongue and cultural identity?

Answer: "The Last Lesson" teaches that language is more than a tool for communication — it is a symbol of cultural pride and personal identity. Losing the right to speak or learn one's language can feel like a loss of freedom. The story encourages us to value and preserve our native languages, which form the foundation of our heritage. It also reminds us not to take our freedoms and education for granted. Respecting and upholding our linguistic and cultural roots is an essential part of being truly free.

End

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