CBSE Class 12 English - The Last Lesson Summary

Overview

• Context: Prussia defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), capturing districts of France, including Alsace.
• Author: The story is written by French writer Alphonse Daudet.
• Theme: It emphasizes the value of freedom and the importance of language.

Plot Summary

• Narrator: Franz, a student in M. Hamel's class.
• Setting: Last day of school in Alsace during the Franco-Prussian War.

Key Events

• Franz is late for school but resists the urge to skip.
• Notices unusual quietness in the classroom; M. Hamel is dressed unusually (formal attire).
• Villagers are present in class to pay respect to M. Hamel's 40 years of service as a teacher.
• M. Hamel announces that French will no longer be taught as the Prussians have taken over.
• Franz feels remorse for not valuing his lessons and the French language.

M. Hamel's Farewell

• Discusses the problem of taking time and freedom for granted.
• Reflects on the beauty of the French language and its importance for identity and freedom.
• M. Hamel provides new copies and decorates the classroom for the last lesson.
• As the class ends, M. Hamel writes "Vive La France" on the blackboard, unable to speak due to emotion.

Conclusion

• The story concludes sentimentally, highlighting the villagers' realization of their lost freedom and the privilege of learning.
• M. Hamel's departure fosters a sense of patriotism among the citizens of Alsace.

Themes and Lessons

• Central Theme: Do not take freedom or privileges for granted; they can be lost unexpectedly.
• Language as Freedom: Learning and preserving one’s language is critical for cultural identity and freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the writer of The Last Lesson?

• A1: The writer is Alphonse Daudet.

Q2: What is the central theme of The Last Lesson?

• A2: The moral is to appreciate freedom and privileges before they are lost.

Q3: Why does M. Hamel talk about continuing to learn the French language?

• A3: Knowing a language is essential as it serves as a key to freedom for those oppressed.