Class 12 English - The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet Context: Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). France was defeated; districts of Alsace and Lorraine passed to Prussian hands.
1. Summary
Franz, a young student, is late for school and afraid of M. Hamel's scary questioning on Participles. He wants to skip school but decides to go. He finds the school unusually quiet—like a Sunday morning. The villagers are sitting on the back benches. M. Hamel is wearing his "Green Coat" (special occasion dress).
2. The Bombshell
M. Hamel announces: "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." Franz is shocked. His books, which seemed a burden, suddenly felt like old friends.
3. Themes
- Linguistic Chauvinism: The imposition of one language over another (German over French).
- Procrastination: The habit of putting off learning ("Bah! I have plenty of time").
- Patriotism: The language becomes a key to their prison (freedom).
4. Viva La France!
M. Hamel is overcome with emotion. He cannot speak. He turns to the blackboard and writes as large as he can: "VIVE LA FRANCE!". He dismisses the class with a gesture.
Understanding the pain of losing one's language is key to this chapter. 🇫🇷📚
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