CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo The Last Lesson Alphonse Daudet Assignment

Background
The story is set in the days of the Franco-Prussian war. The French district of Alsace and Lorraine were captured by Germans. The new master was to come the next day in a school in Alsace to teach German in place of French. The story tells the effect of this news on the life at a school in Alsace.

The Story at a Glance
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 teacher, M. Hamel. Mr. M. Hamel had been transferred and could no longer remain in his old school. Still he gave his last lesson to his students with utmost devotion and sincerity as ever. The story depicts the pathos 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’s clothes and all the old people of the village sitting there. It was due to an order on the bulletin board. That was the first day when he realised for the first time that how important French was for him, but it was his LAST LESSON in French.

Dominant Theme Raised in the Text - Linguistic Chauvinism
‘Chauvinism’ is a devotion for or against something, just based on what you feel (not necessarily what you may know). So, linguistic chauvinism is the idea that one’s language is superior to that of others. This happens generally when the language is that of the ruling class.

Linguistic chauvinism is the overt preference for one language over others. Language is considered to be the cultural identity of a particular group of people who use it. Hence, imposing some other language on the people hammers their emotions and is a step to annex their relationship with their culture. The language of any country is the pride of that country. It not only defines the culture but also tells us about the people, literature and history of the country. Language for some people is just the medium of communication but for others it is the question of life and death.

‘The Last Lesson’ very prominently raises the question of linguistic and cultural hegemony (supremacy, control) of the colonial and imperial powers and their lust for controlling the world and influencing their cultures and identities.

The Last Lesson raises the burning question very innocently through the words of little Franz that “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” This raises the question of immorality of imposing imperial languages and cultures on the colonies. The child questions that when even the birds and animals can’t be forced to abandon their language and speak others then what forces the man to think that it would be prudent to force other human beings to forcibly accept any language other than theirs.

The language of a country is not only a medium of communication for the people but also the link for identity, once the native language is snatched away from the people. It’s not only the loss of convenient communicating medium but also the loss of identity for people for what they have been and what they might become. When a small child like Franz can think of the irrationality behind snatching away the right of language and identity from people then why can’t the war lords and colonizers understand the fact?

Main Theme:-

This lesson depicts the importance of one's own language for his/her existence It brings out Linguistic Chauvinism and the attitude of postponing learning.

Occurrences in the Story:-

1. Banning of teaching French in schools in the districts of Alsace and Lorraine.

2. M. HAMEL in his best clothes on the last day of school.

3. A school student named Franz enters the silent class with fear and finds the villagers on the back benches of the class.

4. M. HAMEL teaches dedicatedly and explains the importance of one's own language.

5. While addressing the gathering in the end, his throat chokes and he writes on the black board: 'Vive La France'.

6. The lesson is a fine example of love, dedication, inclination, significance of learning one's language for existence.

MAIN POINTS OF THE LESSON :

- Little Franz Late for School

- Crowd at the Town Hall

- Unusual calm at school

- Last Lesson Declared by M. HAMEL

- A Sudden Change in Franz's Views

- Franz makes an effort to answer

- Importance of French Language highlighted by M. Hamel.

- M Hamel conducts his last french lesson.

- Vive La France

GIST OF THE LESSON

· Franz is afraid of going to school as he has not learnt participles.
· He wants to enjoy beauty of nature. The bright sunshine, the birds chirruping in the woods, Prussian soldiers drilling but resisted.
· Bulletin board: all bad news, lost battles, the drafts and orders of the commanding officers:
wondered what it could be now
· The changes he noticed in the school.
- Instead of noisy classrooms everything was as quiet as Sunday morning
- The teacher does not scold him and told him very kindly to go to his seat
- The teacher dressed in his Sunday best.
- Villagers occupying the last benches- To pay tribute to M. Hamel for his 40 yrs of sincere service and also to express their solidarity with France.
· M. Hamel making the announcement that that would be the last French lesson; realizes that, that was what was put up on the bulletin board.
· Franz realizes that he does not know his own mother tongue
· Regretted why he had not taken his lessons seriously.
· Also realizes the reason why teacher was dressed in his Sunday best and villagers sitting at the back.
· M. Hamel realizes that all three, the children , the parents and he himself are to be blamed for losing respect and regard for the mother tongue.
· Always keep the mother tongue close to your heart as it is the key to the prison of slavery.
· Atmosphere in class: teacher teaching sincerely and patiently, students and others studying with utmost sincerity.
· Franz wonders sarcastically if Prussians could force pigeons to coo in German.
· M. Hamel overcome with emotions could not speak and wrote on the black board'Long Live France'.

Important Questions NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 1 The Last Lesson

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question. What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class ? What did they mean ?
Answer: Before dismissing the last class, M. Hamel wrote “Vive La France!” on the blackboard. The French expression means “Long Live France.”

Question. “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” What were the words that shocked and surprised the narrator?
Answer: The narrator was shocked and surprised to hear from M. Hamel that it was going to be their last French lesson. The order had been sent from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine and the new teacher was expected to arrive the very next day.

Question. What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school?
Answer: The order from Berlin was to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. As this was going to be his last day at the school M. Hamel had put on his best clothes, which he wore only on special occasions, The whole school seemed so strange and solemn. On the back benches that were always empty, the elderly village people were sitting quietly with a sad visage. Some of them were even crying. The students paid a great deal of attention during their last French lesson, even the little ones. Most affected was M. Hamel. Although he taught every lesson with dedication, he looked sombre and pensive with tears in his eyes.

Question. What had been put up on the bulletin board?
Answer: There was an order from Berlin that only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

Question. “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” —Which were the words that shocked and surprised Franz?
Answer: Hamel announced in the class that this would be the last French lesson he would be teaching them. He disclosed that an order had come from Berlin. All the schools of Alsace and Lorraine would now teach only German. The new teacher was to come the next day. The news left everyone shocked and grieved.

Question. Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the school late that day?
Answer: On reaching the school late that day, Franz was not scolded because the atmosphere in the school was sombre; order had come from Berlin that German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from now on. Everyone, was sad that it was going to be their last French lesson.

Question. Whom did M. Hamel blame for Franz’ inability to answer his questions?
Answer: Hamel blamed the students, their parents and to some extent, himself too for Franz’ inability to answer his questions. M. Hamel expressed his deep regret that for various reasons, especially thinking that there was plenty of time to learn, studying French was not given due importance by the adults, let alone the children.

Question. Our native language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does the presence of village elders in the classroom and M.Hamel’s last lesson show their love for French ?
Answer: The order from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine left a deep impact on M. Hamel as well as the villagers. Everybody was extremely hurt by the announcement because it meant that they could no longer teach, learn or speak in their native language, French. This made the last lesson, taught by M. Hamel, all the more significant and memorable. The village people who always neglected learning French felt sorry for not having gone to school more often. M. Hamel too expressed regret for not having been stricter with his students when there was still time. On the day of the last French lesson, amidst the strange solemnity, the students and the village elders present in the classroom listened to M. Hamel quite attentively. While he carried on with the lesson, he appealed to everyone to preserve French not only because it was the most beautiful language in the world, but also because holding on to their mother tongue would always keep them united. Before the class ended, overwhelmed by emotions, M. Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’ on the blackboard to express his undying love for French.

Question. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson ? What impact did it have on them ? Why ?
Answer: On the day of his last French lesson, M.Hamel told his students and village elders present in the classroom that the order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He also told them that the new master was supposed to be arriving the next day. As the last lesson progressed, M. Hamel told the class that French is the most beautiful language in the world. He asked them to preserve it because it was the key to their freedom.The whole classroom seemed so strange and solemn. On the back benches that were always empty, some of the elderly village people sat, crying. That day, the students paid a great deal of attention, even the elder ones. The news of the last French lesson sounded like a thunderclap in the ears of little Franz. He was shocked, at first, but soon he was overcome with a feeling of remorse and regret. Most of all, it was M. Hamel who was saddened by the news. He regretted not giving French language its due importance and now, their mother tongue was being taken away from them.

Question. “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M. Hamel?
Answer: To Franz, the words sounded like thunderclap. He was shocked, at first, to hear that it was going to be his and everybody’s last French lesson. However, he was soon overcome with a feeling of remorse and regret.

Question. What tempted Franz to stay away from school?
Answer: Franz was tempted to stay away from school because he was running late, he had not revised his lessons on participles and was dreading a scolding from his teacher, M. Hamel. Moreover, it was a warm, bright day, the birds were chirping at the edge of the woods. The Prussian soldiers were drilling in the open field at the back of the sawmill. Altogether, the outdoor seemed more interesting to Franz than going to school.

Question. Why were the elders of the village sitting in the classroom?
Answer: The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom to attend the last French lesson by M. Hamel. They were there not only to pay their respect to M. Hamel, but also to their country and mother tongue that was perhaps being taught for the last time in the village.

Question. What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class ? What did they mean ?
Answer: Before dismissing the last class, M. Hamel wrote “Vive La France!” on the blackboard. The French expression means “Long Live France.”

Question. What made M. Hamel cry towards the end of this last lesson?
Answer: Towards the end of the class, M. Hamel cried because he was deeply saddened by the thought that France was no longer a free country. Alsace and Lorraine had been occupied by the Germans and from now on his beloved language French would not be taught in the schools.

Question. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress on his last day in the school?
Answer: On his last day in the school, M.Hamel put on his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt and a silk cap. It was an attire he would wear on important occasions.

Question. How did Franz react to the declaration that it was their last French lesson?
Answer: Franz was overcome with a feeling of remorse and regret when he heard that hence forth only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He wished that he hadn’t spent so much time in trivial pursuits like seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding in the Saar. The books that seemed such a nuisance earlier appeared like old friends now.

Question. “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” What were the words that shocked and surprised the narrator?
Answer: The narrator was shocked and surprised to hear from M. Hamel that it was going to be their last French lesson. The order had been sent from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine and the new teacher was expected to arrive the very next day.

Question. What did M. Hamel tell them about the French language? What did he ask them to do and why?
Answer: M. Hamel said that the French was the most beautiful language in the world-the clearest and the most logical.
He asked the students and the village elders to guard it and never forget because it would give them a cultural identity, a sense of freedom and would a More Atls o@ hAejlp_ tehbeomo tkos remain united.

Question. What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school?
Answer: The order from Berlin was to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. As this was going to be his last day at the school M. Hamel had put on his best clothes, which he wore only on special occasions, The whole school seemed so strange and solemn. On the back benches that were always empty, the elderly village people were sitting quietly with a sad visage. Some of them were even crying. The students paid a great deal of attention during their last French lesson, even the little ones. Most affected was M. Hamel. Although he taught every lesson with dedication, he looked sombre and pensive with tears in his eyes.

Question. How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town ?
Answer: M. Hamel announced in the class that it was going to be the last French lesson. He regretted not being stricter when there was enough time to teach French. He asked everybody to preserve their language, French, since it was the most beautiful of all languages. He also said that their language was the key to their freedom. At last, he stood up on his chair to say something. However, his melancholy made him choke. So, instead, he wrote “Vive La France!” on the blackboard and making a gesture with his hand, he said, “School is dismissed, you may go.”

Question. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school that day?
Answer: Franz was expected to be prepared with the rules of participles for the school that day.

Question. What had been put up on the bulletin board?
Answer: There was an order from Berlin that only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

Question. Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
Answer: M. Hamel blamed the pupils, their parents and to quite an extent, himself too for the neglect of learning French. Everybody, at some point of time, thought that there was still time to learn the language.

Question. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What does this tell us about the attitude of the Frenchmen?
Answer: It shows the pitiable state of the Frenchmen.They feared the German atrocity. They thought that they would be forced to learn and read German and no one will be spared.

Question. “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” —Which were the words that shocked and surprised Franz?
Answer: M. Hamel announced in the class that this would be the last French lesson he would be teaching them. He disclosed that an order had come from Berlin. All the schools of Alsace and Lorraine would now teach only German. The new teacher was to come the next day. The news left everyone shocked and grieved.

Question. What had the narrator counted on to enter the school unnoticed?
Answer:The narrator had counted on commotion, noise and hustle and bustle, in other words, preoccupation of the teacher, to enter the school unnoticed.

Question. “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M. Hamel?
Answer: To Franz, the words sounded like thunderclap.He was shocked, at first, to hear that it was going to be his and everybody’s last French lesson. However, he was soon overcome with a feeling of remorse and regret.

Question. Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the school late that day?
Answer: On reaching the school late that day, Franz was not scolded because the atmosphere in the school was sombre; order had come from Berlin that German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from now on. Everyone, was sad that it was going to be their last French lesson.

Question. Who occupied the back benches in the class room on the day of the last lesson ? Why?
Answer: The village people, including the former Mayor, the former postmaster, old Hauser and several others, occupied the back benches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson. They had come to pay respect to the teacher, M. Hamel for his faithful service and also to the country that was no longer theirs. Being present for the last lesson was an opportunity for everybody to bid farewell to their mother tongue and also to rid the conscience of the guilt of not having learnt the language when there was still time.

Question. Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France!’ on the blackboard?
Answer: M. Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’ on the blackboard because of the love for his country.It could also be considered as an expression of rebellion against imposition of the German.

Question. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with,” said M. Hamel. Comment.
Answer: M. Hamel blamed himself, the students and the parents of his students for neglecting the study of French language. They had all needlessly postponed the learning. He himself had sent his students to water his flowers and sometimes gave them a holiday when he had wanted to go fishing.

Question. Whom did M. Hamel blame for Franz’ inability to answer his questions?
Answer: M. Hamel blamed the students, their parents and to some extent, himself too for Franz’ inability to answer his questions. M.Hamel expressed his deep regret that for various reasons, especially thinking that there was plenty of time to learn, studying French was not given due importance by the adults, let alone the children.

Question. How did M. Hamel display his love for the French language?
Answer: M. Hamel taught French for last forty years.Knowing that his students and the village elders would never again learn a word of French, M. Hamel wanted to teach them everything in the last class. According to him, French was the most beautiful language in the world. It was the clearest and the most logical language. M. Hamel wanted the French people to preserve it as it would help them to be free from the foreign rule. Before ending his last French lesson, M. Hamel wrote “Vive La France!” on the board.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question. Our language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful M.Hamel and the village elders are for having neglected their native language, French.
Answer: M. Hamel blames himself and the natives for neglecting their native language, French. He laments that the village elders and he himself too, did not give much importance to learning French. On many occasions, he gave the students holiday because he wanted to go fishing. He even asked the students to water his flowers.
Hamel also found fault with the parents who sent their children to work instead of making them attend school. The village elders too were regretful. On the last day of the French lesson, they all sat silently crying on the back benches of the classroom. They came to learn French from M. Hamel and expressed their sadness and regret they felt in their heart. A deeply disheartened M.Hamel appealed to the class that they hold fast to French, their language, a key to their freedom.

Question. Our native language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does the presence of village elders in the classroom and M.Hamel’s last lesson show their love for French ?
Answer: The order from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine left a deep impact on M. Hamel as well as the villagers. Everybody was extremely hurt by the announcement because it meant that they could no longer teach, learn or speak in their native language, French. This made the last lesson, taught by M. Hamel, all the more significant and memorable. The village people who always neglected learning French felt sorry for not having gone to school more often. M. Hamel too expressed regret for not having been stricter with his students when there was still time. On the day of the last French lesson, amidst the strange solemnity, the students and the village elders present in the classroom listened to M. Hamel quite attentively. While he carried on with the lesson, he appealed to everyone to preserve French not only because it was the most beautiful language in the world, but also because holding on to their mother tongue would always keep them united. Before the class ended, overwhelmed by emotions, M. Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’ on the blackboard to express his undying love for French. 

Question. The order from Berlin aroused a particular zeal in the school. Comment.
Answer: The order from Berlin, to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from now on, aroused a particular zeal in the school on the day of the last French lesson.
The air that day, was mixed with pride and sorrow. Students as well as elderly members of the village came to attend the class. The ambiance was quite sombre as the children were serious and some of the elders, sitting at the back benches, were crying.
M. Hamel, who was dressed in his best attire, appeared to be in a pensive mood. His students and the village elders too paid great attention to everything that was being taught in the class. They hoped to learn as much as possible. Even Franz seemed to love his books. M. Hamel told those present in the class to hold on to French as it was the most beautiful language in the world. He said that their mother tongue was the key to their freedom.
A feeling of oneness and immense love and respect for the mother tongue showed on everyone’s face.
The class ended with M. Hamel writing ‘Vive La France!’ on the board.

Question. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson ? What impact did it have on them ? Why ?
Answer: On the day of his last French lesson, M.Hamel told his students and village elders present in the classroom that the order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He also told them that the new master was supposed to be arriving the next day. As the last lesson progressed, M. Hamel told the class that French is the most beautiful language in the world. He asked them to preserve it because it was the key to their freedom.
The whole classroom seemed so strange and solemn. On the back benches that were always empty, some of the elderly village people sat, crying. That day, the students paid a great deal of attention, even the elder ones. The news of the last French lesson sounded like a thunderclap in the ears of little Franz. He was shocked, at first, but soon he was overcome with a feeling of remorse and regret. Most of all, it was M. Hamel who was saddened by the news. He regretted not giving French language its due importance and now, their mother tongue was being taken away from them.

Case Study Based Questions:

Long Answer Questions

Question. 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. Comment.
Answer: The last lesson by Alphonse Daudet beautifully brings to light the brutality of war which makes man insensitive to human feelings and emotions.
Mother tongue helps a person to express his feelings and thoughts intimately. Conquerors try to subdue and control the people of the enslaved territory by enforcing many measures such as imposing their own language. The enslaved natives also become victims of a restrained and confined life with no hope of breathing freely in their own motherland. At such times of enslavement, it is their language, the mother tongue which keeps their identity alive. It is the key to their prison as the mother binds them together. It constantly reminds them of their enslavement and brings them together urging them to fight for the liberation of their motherland. M. Hamel, the French teacher reminds his countrymen to safeguard their language to liberate themselves and maintain their identity.

Question. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What could this mean?
Answer: The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet highlights linguistic chauvinism. Acquisition of power over the Alsacians made the Prussians so domineering that they imposed even their language on them.
Franz means that their pride cannot make them dominate their minds and hearts. They had grown up using French as their language. Now taking it away from them would be unfair and unkind. This language was natural to them as cooing is to the pigeons. Robbing them of it would be not only difficult but next to impossible. It will be difficult to accept a language that will be imposed on them.
It causes pain to undo a known language and learn to communicate in another. The purpose of language will be lost. Moreover French bound them as brethren.
Franz mocks at the Berlin order which has imposed German language on the French people.
Powerful Germans can defeat France, but they cannot compel pigeons to coo in German. In fact, no language can be imposed on the unwilling learners, especially a foreign language.

Question. Give a character-sketch of M. Hamel on the basis of your study of the story, ‘The Last Lesson’.
Answer: The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet centers on a French teacher, M. Hamel, who has been asked to leave. An order from Berlin banned the teaching of French in Alsace and Lorraine. The order said that German will replace French.
M. Hamel emerges as an epitome of an ideal teacher. He is introduced by the narrator as a strict stereotyped teacher. He is very particular that his students know their lessons. The author feels he is insensitive to the feelings of his students. Later he emerges through the course of the story to be a facilitator. His domineering tone becomes gentle and shows concern about the education of his students. He is a guide and friend and advises the innocent villagers to shift priorities and pay more attention to learning. M. Hamel is also a true patriot- loves both his country and the language. He is a man of courage and deep emotions who teaches to perfection till the very end. He proudly writes ‘vive La France’ on the blackboard in the end. M. Hamel is an ideal teacher, true guide, philosopher and patriot to the core.

VALUE BASED QUESTIONS

Question. Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school changed gradually by the end of the text, though he had a great disliking for both in the beginning of the story. It is said that first impression is the best impression. Is it true in context of ‘The Last Lesson’? Definitely not. Write a small paragraph of about 100 words penning down your views on, ‘A person can be best judged in his first appearance only’.
Answer: A well-known dictum states that ‘appearances are deceptive’. In fact, it is true that one cannot be judged in just one meeting. Actually, one or more meetings are not enough to judge a person’s personality. Every person reacts differently on different situations at different times. So it is not a matter of single appearances to form a judgement about a person. It might be a prejudice. Now-adays every person appears to be social and gentle. They want to be presentable in the society. No matter what their background is. One’s clothes, gestures, habits, etc. do not define one’s personality in just one appearance. Due time should be taken to form opinion about a person. Different situations reveal different aspects of one’s personality. Sometimes a life remains short to know a person. But sometimes even a few seconds are enough to know one’s real face. Hence, it is not a matter of first or last impression but the issue of time, needed to know one in one’s right colours.

Question. While speaking his mouth choked and wrote, ‘Vive La France’ and finally by gesture he said:
“School is dismissed – you may go.” These lines show that M Hamel was greatly attached to his motherland, profession and mother tongue. In other words, one should be attached to his own land, cultures and customs. But today’s Indians are drowned in the western colours. It shows that there is need to spread awareness about the feeling of patriotism and other related factors. Write a paragraph in about 100 words highlighting the issue.
Answer: Patriotism-An Unmatched Spirit: Patriotism is defined as one’s love for one’s customs, culture, mother tongue, motherland and everything that is associated with one’s motherland. One should be proud of what one’s country has given to him. In Indian context, people have started adopting western culture. They are in the race of being ‘Modern’. This is really surprising as well as pathetic. As an Indian, we own a rich and diversified culture which has attracted foreigners too. Many patriots have sacrificed their lives in the name of their country which has attracted foreigners too. Many patriots have a feeling that cannot be filled in the hearts of Indians but it should be arisen and inculcated among the future generation of the country. The students or the youth of the country need to be indianised. Adaption of different cultures is not bad. But forgetting our own culture for sake of
other ones is not done. The need of the hour is to inculcate the moral values, virtues, love for humanity and motherland among the Indian youth. Patriotism is an undying and unmatched spirit that cannot be sacrificed for anything.

Question. The importance of schooling cannot be denied in any individual’s life. The people of Alsace and Lorraine did not understand how education could mould one’s life and personality and they avoided sending their children to school. Keeping this in mind, write an article in 100 words on “The importance of schooling in an individual’s life”.
Answer: Ideal platform to inculcate qualities of mind and body – learns virtues of self-discipline, cooperation, team work and caring for others –time management and daily routine makes him responsible and grooms him for future life – receives not only education but also hone their skills and sharpen their latent faculties - school child’s second home – learns to interact beyond his family – civilised member of the society or country – Alphonse Daudet in The Last Lesson – People of Alsace and Lorraine – avoided sending their children to school – field – garden –

Question. ‘Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow.’ Franz was shocked when he heard that it was the last lesson and he hardly knew French, his mother tongue. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations and regret when all is over. What qualities should we inculcate in life so that we are able to achieve our goals?
Answer: Time management and setting up priorities – key to success –focused approach – chart out plan – managing resources – set targets and deadlines – competitive world – cut throat competition – will lag behind - greatest obstacle postponing work – hard work, regularity, punctuality and consistency of effort – cultivate qualities like determination and perseverance – Alphonse Daudet – The Last Lesson – Berlin order – German replace French - Franz regretted - hardly knew the language.

Question. The old people of Alsace do not realize the importance of education but when they come to know that it was the last day of learning French, they promptly report to school, with their elementary books. So it is an undeniable truth that it is never too late to be educated. Keeping this in mind, write an article on ‘The need for Adult Literacy in the changing Scenario of today’s world’.
Answer: There is no specific age to become literate - adults who missed the prime time- due to lack of resources, social restrictions, ignorance-can make use of this benefit to get educated - literacy will save them from exploitation, impart confidence and empower them - the government and NGO’s striving to increase the literacy level- several schemes - training in basic education is the right of every citizen - ‘Each One Teach One’- should spread to every corner and each segment of the society – relate to the lesson.

Question. ‘Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk and, bearing on with all his might, wrote as large as he could-Vive La France!’ Abraham Lincoln, a former President of America said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man so that his place will be proud of him.” After reading the lesson and the above quote you begin to reflect on the lost spirit of patriotism amongst the youth in India due to which there is no respect for one’s countrymen and no determination amongst the youth to lead the country to a better future. Write an article in about 100 words for a national magazine on the need for revival of patriotic spirit amongst the youth in India.
Answer: Country’s youth value starved- facing a total crisis - violence, separations and inter group conflicts, political apathy- order of the day - secured freedom but not utilized in its true perspective - time for young people to wake up and create their own identity - need for good leadership and good governance - need to inculcate the spirit of nationalism along with humanism in children from the beginning – relate to the lesson.

Question. The people of Alsace did not understand the importance of learning their language-French.
Emphasize upon the importance and need of learning one’s native language. Discuss what values are revealed when one sets upon learning one’s native language. 
Answer: Impact of Western culture- importance of one’s native language- taken a back seat - one’s native language- repository of culture, identity and way of living - cause of pride - knowing one’s native gives a sense of belonging - native language also reminiscent on one’s childhood, friends and relatives - speaking the native language –only way to connect to one’s people and soul – relate to the lesson.

Question. Justify the title of the story “The Last Lesson”.
Answer: The title ‘The Last Lesson’ by Alphonse Daudet is apt and appropriate. The whole story focuses on the last lesson delivered by M. Hamel. The lesson reveals how much people should care for their language. It is for the first time that people came to realize the value of their language.
The story highlights a situation where the people of Alsace felt that there was plenty of time to learn their lessons and so did not give due importance to school. They sent their children to work on farms and mills instead of having them learn their lessons. Even Franz looked for opportunities to escape school and was never serious about learning his lessons. Quite unexpectedly they receive orders from Berlin that French will no longer be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. It is then that they realize what they had been evading all this while will now be deprived to them. They awaken to the course of safeguarding their language and reach to attend the last lesson taught by M. Hamel, the French teacher. The story evokes a consciousness in the reader that he must learn his lessons in time. One can never apprehend which day of life he may be learning his last lesson.

Question. What does the last lesson taught by Hamel symbolize?
(a) no more teaching of French
(b) domination of Prussia
(c) learning of German
(d) loss of language and loss of freedom

Answer : D

Question. Who was Franz’s teacher?
(a) Joe
(b) M. Hamel
(c) Vincet Daudet
(d) Anees

Answer : B

Question. Which language was M. Hamel teaching?
(a) French
(b) German
(c) English
(d) Greek

Answer : A

Question. What order had come from Berlin?
(a) to teach German only
(b) to teach English only
(c) to teach Greek only
(d) to teach French only

Answer : A

Question. When was the new master coming?
(a) today
(b) tomorrow
(c) two days later
(d) within a week

Answer : B 

Question. Why was Franz surprised?
(a) because of villagers
(b) because of policemen
(c) because of M. Hamel’s politeness
(d) because of student’s behaviour

Answer : C

Question. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress?
(a) wore clean clothes
(b) wore a new dress
(c) wore clothes he used to wear on prize days
(d) wore traditional French clothes

Answer : C

Question. Why was Franz feeling sad?
(a) for coming late
(b) for not learning participles
(c) for change of the Government
(d) for not learning his mother tongue

Answer : B

Question. Whom did M. Hamel blame for not sending students to school?
(a) parents
(b) friends
(c) teachers
(d) none of them

Answer : A

Question. What did old Hauser bring?
(a) sweets
(b) friends
(c) children
(d) old primer

Answer : D

Question. Why were the parents sending their children to the farms and mills?
(a) to play
(b) to meet friends
(c) to earn money
(d) to meet relatives

Answer : C

Question. According to M. Hamel, which is the most beautiful language in the world?
(a) German
(b) Indian
(c) Russian
(d) French

Answer : D

Question. What made Franz forget M. Hamel’s ruler and crankiness?
(a) police patrolling
(b) strange quietness
(c) bustle on the streets
(d) the idea of his going away

Answer : D

Question. For how many years did M. Hamel serve the school?
(a) 20 years
(b) 25 years
(c) 30 years
(d) 40 years

Answer : D

Question. Which lesson was M. Hamel teaching?
(a) The Last Lesson
(b) The First Lesson
(c) The second Lesson
(d) The sixth Lesson

Answer : A

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:

Question. What was the narrator's greatest fear as he moved towards the school?
Answer: Franz had started late for school and thus was afraid of being scolded . His fear gripped him further for he was also unprepared. He had not learnt his lesson regarding the rules of participles and thus dreaded the teacher's anger.

Question. What was more tempting to Franz rather than going to school?
Answer: The weather was pleasant, warm and bright. The chirruping birds were inviting him, the soldiers drilling in the field were also outdoors and Franz was not prepared with participles.

Question. What was the news which was put up on the bulletin board?
Answer: For the last two years all bad news 􂀓 the lost battles, the orders of the commanding officer was displayed on the notice board. That day, the news that only German would be taught in school of Alsace and Lorraine was displayed on the notice-board which made the crowd gather there to read the news.

Question. What was so unusual about the school on that day?
Answer: Usually there would be a great bustle of opening and closing of the desk, lesson repeated loudly and the teacher􂀙s ruler rapping on the table but that day was very calm and quiet like Sunday morning. The back benches which were usually empty were occupied by the village people and M.
Hamel wore his special dress and was pacing up and down with a ruler under his arm.

Question. Why were the villagers seated on the back benches?
Answer: All the village elders were seated on the back benches as a tribute to the teacher who had put in 40 years of sincere service. It was also their way of expressing regret for not learning their mother tongue when they had the chance. They were also expressing their patriotism and solidarity with France.

Question. Franz didn't learn French whom did M. Hamel blame?
Answer: M. Hamel didn't blame Franz for not learning but his parents who were not anxious to have him learn. Instead they wanted him to work on a farm or at the mill to earn money.
Even M. Hamel was also to be blamed for sending him to water the flowers instead of learning and when he wanted to go fishing he declared holiday.

Question. What did M. Hamel say about French language?
Answer: He said that it is the most beautiful language in the world- the clearest, the most logical. He requested them to guard it so that they can be united and fight back for their freedom.

Question. What happened when the church clock struck 12?
Answer: The moment the church clock struck 12 the Prussian army came to take over and M. Hamel stood up, wanted to tell something but his voice was chocked. He gathered his strength and wrote on the black board as large as he could ''Vive La France' and dismissed the school.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Question. Justify the title of the story 'The Last Lesson'.
Answer: People always feel there is plenty of time to learn'so also in Alsace'now no time'parents not keen'preferred children , work in farms, mill'Franz looked opportunity to escape school'never serious'receive orders from Berlin'people realize importance of their language'attend the last lesson by M. Hamel.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:-

Question. Why did Franz think of running away from the school that morning?
Answer: Franz started late for school because he had no mind to go. In addition to this, his teacher, M. Hamel had asked Franz to question him on "Participles". Franz did not know even the first word about them. So he feared scolding from his teacher. For a moment he thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. He wanted to enjoy the bright day, the chirping of the birds and the drill of the Prussian soldiers. He was tempted to run away from school.

Question. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it have on them?
Answer: Hints- the last lesson-a thunderclap

- order from Berlin

- the new teacher coming tomorrow

- children attentive

Question. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school?
Answer: Hints- quiet like Sunday morning

- School- atmosphere strange and solemn

- M.Hamel in his best sunday clothes

- village people on the last benches in school

- all the students and their teacher upset

Question. How did Franz react to the declaration that it was his last French lesson?
Answer: Hints- Franz shocked

- sorry for not learning his lessons

- feelings for subject and teacher changed

- books not a nuisance, but old friends

Question. What was the impact of the last lesson in grammar over Franz? How did he feel?
Answer: Hints- grammar seemed to be easy

- listened attentively

- teacher taught dedicatedly

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS:-

Question. Franz's attitude towards school as well towards M. Hamel changes when he comes to know about the takeover of his village by Prussians. Discuss with reference to the Last Lesson.
Answer: On arriving at school, Franz noted an unusual silence. His teacher M. Hamel was dressed nicely and asked Franz to sit so that he could start his lesson. The teacher made a startling announcement that this would be their last lesson in French as the new teacher would be arriving the following day. He reiterated about an order from Berlin that German was to be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Franz was overcome with a feeling of remorse and regretted wasting his time in trivial pursuits. He decided to pay attention to the lesson since school had become very important for him. He began to realize the real worth of his school as well as of the teacher whom they had all taken for granted all these years. Now M. Hamel became a good teacher for him rather than a boring one. For him, the teacher seemed to be a good gentleman who was leaving the village on that day. Thus, there developed a specific liking to study history and grammar in Franz since on that day M. Hamel put all his heart and soul in teaching.

Question. The day of the Last Lesson was full of regret and sadness. Describe the events of the day in the classroom in the light of above remark.
Answer: Alsace and Lorraine taken over by the Prussians
- directive from Berlin to teach German in schools
- the people shocked at the news
- remorse expression on the missed classes by M. Hamel
- his reproach on the elders attitude
- stress on the importance of French language and keeping it alive
- the last lesson made memorable by M. Hamel

Question. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it have on them?
Answer: French language most beautiful, clearest and logical language
- people must guard it and keep it alive
- their language would be like a key to their freedom
- village elders became emotional and repentant
- they became respectful for their language and it's teacher

Question. Why did Franz start very late that morning for school? How did he resist his momentary thoughts of running away and spend the day outdoors?
Answer: - Franz dreaded grammar lesson and scolding from the teacher
- pleasant and warm morning
- birds chirping outside
- drill of the Prussian soldiers
- resisted the temptation because of his virtues

Question. How does the presence of village elders in the classroom and M. Hamel's last Lesson show their love for French Language?
Answer: old men of the village sitting quietly at the back of classroom
- sad as well as sorry for not having gone to school more often.
- came to thank master for forty years of faithful service and to show respect for a country that was theirs no more
- regretted neglecting their language
- M. Hamel explained everything patiently
- appealed to people to preserve 'French'
- holding on to their language will keep them united
- spoke about beauty of French language
- was overwhelmed with emotions
- Wrote Vive La France on the board in spite of Prussian soldiers marching outside

 More Important Questions For CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo the last lesson Assignment........