The Last Lesson

Textual Question-Answers

Answer these questions in 80 to 100 words

1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?

Ans: Franz was expected to be prepared with a lesson on participles for school that day. M.
Hamel, his teacher, had announced the day before that he would be asking questions on this
topic. However, Franz had not studied and was feeling anxious as he went to school. He feared
getting scolded for not being ready. Little did he know that this lesson would be his last French
lesson, making him deeply regret not valuing his studies earlier. The realization filled him with
guilt and sadness.

2. What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?

Ans. When Franz reached school that day, he noticed several unusual things. Normally, there
was a lot of noise with students repeating their lessons loudly and the teacher’s ruler tapping
on the desks. But that day, everything was quiet and serious, almost like a Sunday. He also
noticed that the village people, including old men, were sitting quietly at the back of the
classroom. Their presence and the solemn atmosphere surprised Franz and made him feel that
something important and unusual was happening at the school.

3 What had been put up on the bulletin-board?

Ans. On the bulletin-board, a notice had been put up announcing that an order had come from
Berlin. According to this order, only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine from now on. This news shocked and saddened the people of the village because it
meant the loss of their beloved French language. For the past two years, the bulletin-board had
been the bearer of all bad news, such as battles lost and new rules imposed by the authorities,
and this notice was yet another blow.

[Link] changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?

Ans. The order from Berlin caused a deep and emotional change in the school that day. It
declared that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, ending the
teaching of French. As a result, the atmosphere in the school was very quiet, serious, and sad,
unlike the usual noisy mornings. The villagers, including old men, came and sat at the back of
the classroom to show their respect and sadness. M. Hamel, the French teacher, wore his
special green coat and gave his last lesson with great emotion and pride. Students, who earlier
took learning lightly, suddenly realized the importance of their language and felt guilty for
neglecting their studies. The entire day turned into a farewell to their language, their teacher,
and a part of their identity.

[Link] did Franz's feelings about M. Hamel and school change?

Ans. Franz's feelings about M. Hamel and school changed completely on that day. Earlier, Franz
often found M. Hamel’s classes boring and strict, and he used to dislike attending school.
However, when he realized that it was his last French lesson and M. Hamel’s last day as their
teacher, he was filled with deep regret and sadness. He suddenly understood how precious his
language and education were. Franz also felt great respect for M. Hamel, noticing how patient
and kind he was during the lesson. He admired the love and dedication M. Hamel had for
French and his students. Franz realized the value of learning and wished he had paid more
attention earlier. School, which once felt like a burden, now seemed important and meaningful
to him.

Long Answer type questions (120-150 words)

Q1 The people in this story 'The last lesson' suddenly realise how precious their language is to
them. What shows you this? Why does this happen?

Ans. In ‘The Last Lesson’, the people of Alsace suddenly realize the true value of their language
when they learn they will no longer be allowed to study French. This is shown through the
unusual scene at the school: the classroom is silent, filled not only with students but also with
old villagers who have come to attend the lesson. Their presence reflects their deep sorrow and
respect for their language and culture. M. Hamel, the teacher, speaks with great emotion about
the beauty of the French language and how important it is to protect one's native tongue.
Franz, who earlier took school lightly, feels guilty and regrets wasting his time. This change in
attitude happens because the order from Berlin makes them understand that losing their
language means losing their freedom, identity, and heritage. They realize too late that they had
taken their language for granted, and now, when it is being taken away, they feel an
overwhelming sense of loss and love for it.

Q2. Franz thinks, "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" What could this
mean? (There could be more than one answer)

Ans. When Franz thinks, "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?", it shows his
deep sadness and frustration at the loss of freedom caused by the new rule. This line has
several meanings:

First, it reflects how unnatural it feels to force people to abandon their mother tongue. Just like
pigeons sing naturally in their own way, people naturally express themselves in their own
language. Trying to make them "sing" in another language feels as unnatural and impossible as
making pigeons change their song.

Second, it highlights the extreme nature of the German authorities’ control. Franz feels that the
oppressors want to dominate every part of their lives, even something as natural and free as the
way birds sing. It shows how deeply the loss of language affects the spirit of the people, making
Franz realize that true freedom is connected to the freedom to speak and express in one's own
language.

Finally, it expresses a child's innocent yet powerful understanding of injustice — even though he
is young, Franz feels how wrong and painful it is to have his identity and culture forcefully
changed. Language is a tool for communication. Adopting a new language causes pain and
discomfort. It was not going to be easy for them to adapt to the new situation, that is, adopt
German that was forced on to them. Moreover, they identified with the French language. It was
a factor that helped them bond with their countrymen.

Q3. In what way does The Last Lesson highlight the idea of linguistic chauvinism? Explain with
reference to the story.

Ans: The Last Lesson highlights the theme of linguistic chauvinism through the imposition of the
German language on the people of Alsace and Lorraine. Linguistic chauvinism means the belief
that one’s own language is superior and should dominate others. In the story, the German
authorities ban the teaching of French and enforce German in schools, showing political and
cultural domination. This decision deeply hurts the identity and pride of the French-speaking
population. M. Hamel, the French teacher, expresses his sorrow over this forced change and
emphasizes how language is the key to freedom and national identity. The people of the village,
who once neglected learning their mother tongue, suddenly realize its true value when it is
being taken away. The emotional reaction of Franz, the villagers, and M. Hamel reflects the pain
of losing their linguistic heritage. The story clearly condemns such linguistic domination and
presents a strong message about the importance of preserving one’s language and culture.