The last lesson

-
[Link] was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?
Ans. Franz was expected to be prepared with his lesson on participles. M Hamel
(his French teacher) had announced that he would question the class on the topic
participles. But franz didn’t know a single thing about it.

-
[Link] did FRANZ notice that was unusual about the school that day?
A2. Franz notice, many unusual things about school that day.
First, normally, when the school begin there used to be a great bustle which could be heard out in
the street, but it was very still that day. Everything was quite as a Sunday morning. There was no
opening or closing of desks. The teacher was not rapping(hitting with the ruler)on the table.
Second, his teacher, M Hamel had worn his ceremonial clothes I.e, green coat, frilled shirt and
black silk cap, all embroidered.
Third, which was most unusual, the village people were sitting quietly on the back benches, which
were usually empty on the other days.

[Link] had been put up on the bulletin board?

A3. An order that had come from Berlin had been put up on the bulletin board. The
order was that from the next day onwards, only German would be taught in the
schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new teacher for German would join the school
from the next day onwards.

[Link] changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school that day?
A4. First, normally, when the school begin there used to be great bustle which
same could even be heard out in the streets , but it was very still that day. Everything
was quite as a Sunday morning. There was no opening or closing of desks. The
as
urlier teacher was not rapping on the table.
Second, his teacher, M Hamel had worn his ceremonial clothes I.e, green coat,
frilled shirt and black silk cap, all embroidered.
Third, which was most unusual, the village people were sitting quietly on the
back benches, which were usually empty on other days.

[Link] did FRANZ’ S feelings about M Hamel and school change?

A5. FRANZ’S feelings about M Hamel and school change when M Hamel told the
students about the order from Berlin and that it was the last French lesson.
FRANZ forgot about their teacher's ruler and his crankiness. Instead, he started
liking [Link] as it was his last lesson with him. His feeling towards the school
also changed, as he did not wanted to leave his books and lessons which was
earlier a burden for him now were his old friends

Question answers
Q1. You only realise thetrue value of the thing only on losing it, comment on this
statement in the light of the story, the last lesson
[Link] statement “You realize the true value of something only after losing it” can be
seen in the story ‘The Last Lesson’. After losing the freedom to speak the French
language, the students realize the true worth of learning it. M. Hamel was considered
strict and cranky by the class, and the lessons and work he gave were not taken
seriously.
However, after he was ordered to leave the country, the villagers realized the
importance of his contribution to society, and they came to school to pay tribute to
his 40 years of dedicated service.
When Franz realized that he would never be able to learn the French language
again, he regretted not taking the lessons seriously. So, he listened to the last
lesson very attentively and even found it easy, whereas earlier, he had found the
French lessons very difficult. In the last lesson, M. Hamel told them that for
enslaved people, their language was their identity—the “key” to their prison. Pride
in one’s language reflects pride in one’s motherland.

Q2. Why did FRANZ say I never saw him so tall?

A2. M Hamel had become very emotional during his last lesson. Still, when he got up
to write on the blackboard, he seemed very confident of himself. Hamel knew that
what he was going to write, he restrained(rokke)his emotion and in a very dignified
manner, wrote ‘ Vive La France’ which made him look very bold and eminent(very
respected person)

[Link] had the natives of Alsace become victim of linguistic chauvinism.

A [Link] term linguistic chauvinism refers to being excessively proud of one’s own
language and considering it superior to others. The natives of Alsace had become victims
of linguistic chauvinism because they were forced to speak in the German language. The
German language was being forcibly imposed on them by the Prussian authorities.
Although their mother tongue was French, due to this chauvinistic attitude, the natives
were about to lose their cultural identity and had to face mental trauma and pain.

Q4.M Hamel display, courage, and patriotism during his last lesson. Discuss briefly.
A4. M. Hamel showed love for his country during his last lesson. He encouraged the
people of Alsace to stay loyal to their mother tongue as it was the only way to resist
the Prussians. He told them that the French language was the most beautiful, the
clearest, and the most logical language in the world. He asked his countrymen to
protect it and never forget it. M. Hamel was very emotionally attached to the school
and all his students. However, he was very brave and strong. He was really sorry for
not making sincere efforts to teach French to his countrymen. In the end, he became
so emotional that he could not speak. At last, he wrote “Vive la France” and gestured
the dispersal.

[Link] by the act of writing, vive la France on the blackboard is considered

symbolic
A5. The act of M. Hamel writing “Vive la France” on the blackboard is symbolic
because it has a deeper meaning beyond just the words. It evoked patriotic
feelings among the villagers and the students who had come to bid goodbye to
him. Writing this shows his resistance to foreign rule, love for his country, and
his support for French culture. Even though the Prussian soldiers were
marching outside the school, he was very courageous and would not hesitate to
risk his life for it. This also motivates others to safeguard their language and
cultural identity despite all odds.
 Extra question
Q. When people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it’s as if
they have the key to their prison. Do you agree or disagree with the above statement
from the last lesson? Support your opinion in 40-50 words with a reason that is
factual or based on your own experiences.
A. I completely agree with the statement. Language plays a big role in preserving
one’s identity and culture. For example, even today, many Indians living abroad
Based follow their culture and speak their mother tongue, which keeps them connected to
on their cultural identity. It is important to establish one’s identity as a citizen of a
country. Learning one’s language and understanding one’s culture helps stay
the connected to one’s roots.
own
--- Q. At the end of his last lesson, [Link] decides to leave a little note for each one
opinion of his students to find the next day at their desk. Based on your reading of the
story, what might his note for Franz have been?
A.
Dear Franz,
I know you have always preferred to run in the open fields rather than sitting in
the class and learning lessons. However, my dear, today is your special day as it’s
the last lesson in your mother tongue, French. I have seen you grow at your own
pace.
Dear, I know you were full of remorse, resentment, and anger about what is
happening to us. This gives me hope that you understand the importance of your
native language and the freedom of expression. I am sure you won’t hold it against
me for being sometimes strict, cranky, and using my ruler to discipline you all. Do
understand that it was for your own good, so you could learn well.
I hope the fire of patriotism and the spirit to preserve your cultural identity has
been ignited in you today. I am sure you will preserve your cultural identity and
fight for our independence and the safety of our French language.
We love France.
 Mother at
My Sixtysix
Q1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
The poet feels pain when she sees her mother’s dull and lifeless face. Her face looks
pale and reminds the poet of a corpse (dead body). This sight makes her afraid, as
it brings back her childhood fear of losing her mother. She feels sad and worried
that she may not see her mother alive again.

[Link] are the young trees described as sprinting?

A2. The young trees are described as a sprinting because, as the poet looks outside,
the moving car, the trees appears to be running fast in the opposite direction. This
creates a contrast between the lively and energetic trees and the poet’s aging and
lifeless mother, highlighting the difference between the youth and old age.

[Link] has the word brought in the image of the Merry children spelling out of their
home?
A3. The poet has used this imagery to bring out the contrast between the children,
who are energetic and full of life, and her mother, who is old, pale and lifeless
More marks
The poet bring in the image of the Mary children spelling out of their houses are to
highlight the contrast between the energy of the youth and her mother’s old age. The
children are full of life which makes the poet feel difference between them and her
mother, this contrast, Steens, the poet, sadness as she realises the fragility of her
mother while seeing the vitality around her.

[Link] has the mother been compared to the late winter’s moon?
A4. Just like ‘the late winter’s moon’ looks dim and faded because of the mist and
fog, similarly, the poet‘s mother, who is now old, looks pale and dull . Her face
appears colourless due to her old age.

[Link] do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
A5. The parting words of the poet, “See you soon, Amma,” and her smile signify
her attempt to hide her fear and sadness about her mother’s aging and the
possibility of losing her. Though the poet feels pain and worry, she tries to appear
strong and hopeful for her mother. Her words reflect her wish to meet her mother
again, and her smile hides her inner feelings while giving comfort to her mother.
 Lost
Spring
Q1. Garbage to them is gold; why does the author say so about the ragpickers?
(Delhi 2008)
A1. Garbage is gold to the ragpickers of Seemapuri because it provides them
those items which can be sold for cash, which can buy them food and is a means
of survival. Moreover, it is gold also because the ragpickers can find stray coins
and currency notes in it.

Q2. What is Mukesh’s dream? Do you think he will be able to fulfil his dream? Why not?
(Compartment 2014)
or
What was Mukesh’s dream? In your opinion, did he achieve his dream? (Foreign2009)
or
Is it possible for Mukesh to realise his dream? Justify your answer. (All India 2009)
Mukesh wants to become a motor mechanic. It is not easy for him to follow his
dream because he is stuck between what he wants and his family’s traditional
work, which he cannot leave. He also has to face many problems, like dealing
with sahukars,. middlemen, bureaucrats, law makers, politicians etc But his hard work and strong will can
help him achieve his dream.

[Link] any two hazards of working in the bangle industry

1. Workers in the bangle industry have to work in glass furnaces in extremely high
temperatures. They have to work in small, dingy cells without proper air or light. It is
very harmful for their health.
2. Many workers, including children, lose their eyesight at a young age because of the
intense heat and long, tiring hours of work.

4. Do you believe that ‘God-given lineage can be broken’?

Ans. Yes, – God given lineage can be broken. Hardwork and determination always
pays off and makes us reach our dreams or goals. Mukesh was a hard-working
man. He could achieve his dream of becoming a motor mechanic by constant hard
work towards life and towards the dream.
Question:

How do you think the author’s life might have been impacted after her interactions with the
children and their families mentioned in Lost Spring?

Or

What do we come to know about the author of Lost Spring, Anees Jung, through her
interactions with Saheb and Mukesh?

Answer:

In the chapter Lost Spring, Anees Jung shows the struggles of poor children who are forced
into child labour. Through her interactions with Saheb and Mukesh, we see that she deeply
cares about the suffering of the lower-class people. She feels sad that powerful people make
false promises to the poor but never fulfill them.

The author strongly believes that child labour should be stopped so that children can get an
education and build a better future. She highlights how traditions and poverty trap
children in hard labour, but she also admires Mukesh’s determination to break free from it.

A beautiful line from the chapter reflects her feelings: “Few airplanes fly over Firozabad.”
This shows how dreams, like airplanes, are out of reach for the poor children of Firozabad,
but Mukesh still dares to dream.

Through this chapter, Anees Jung not only makes us think about the harsh realities of
child labour but it is also deeply impacted herself. She uses her writing to highlight
these struggles, hoping to bring awareness and change in society.

Q. What does the description of Mukesh’s family in Lost Spring reveal about gender roles?

[Link] description of Mukesh’s family in Lost Spring reveals the traditional and unequal gender
roles in their society. In Mukesh’s family, women are confined to household tasks, such as taking
care of children and doing household chores, while men work in the bangle-making industry.
Mukesh’s mother accepts her life of struggle, believing there is no way out. The gender roles
highlight how women’s lives are restricted, and they are denied opportunities for freedom and
change. Mukesh’s desire to break free from the bangle-making tradition shows how both men and
women are trapped by societal expectations, but he still dares to dream of a better life.

Question:
Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web?
Answer:
The bangle makers are caught in a vicious web because they are trapped by family
traditions and societal pressure to continue the same work as their ancestors from
a young age. They face exploitation by middlemen, policemen, and corrupt officials,
leaving them in poverty. Despite working hard, they receive very low wages. They
have no power to form union or cooperatives, to fight for their rights.

Moreover, their children are also compelled to join the same trade at an early
age and cannot dare to take up any other profession.
Q. Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? How do you know?
Ans. Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. He is paid a fixed wage of Rs 800,
and also receives all his meals free. But the author notices that his face has lost
its carefree look, which makes it evident that he is not happy. He has lost his
independence, and is no longer his own master.

Question:
Why did Saheb parents leave Dhaka and migrate to India?
OR
Why had the rag pickers come to live in Seemapuri?
Answer:
Saheb parents belonged to Dhaka in Bangladesh, where they lived amidst green
fields. However, they had to leave their homeland many years ago because
storms destroyed their homes and fields. In search of a livelihood, they migrated
to India and settled in the slums of Seemapuri, hoping for a better future. This
migration was driven by necessity, as their homes and fields were no longer
viable for survival.

How is Mukesh different from the other bangle makers of Firozabad? (Delhi 2014;
Modified)
Ans. Mukesh has the courage to dream big in spite of all adversity, whereas the
aphe fate diya 27A
uz Chhooh

otherbangle makers of Firozabad have resigned to their fate, and have

suppressed all theirhopes and desires. Mukesh refuses to follow the ‘God-given
lineage’ of bangle making and wants to be a motor mechanic when he grows up.

Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers?
Ans. Anees Jung blames the middlemen, the policemen, the lawmakers, the
bureaucrats and the politicians for the sorry plight of the bangle makers.
These people conspire against and exploit the poor bangle makers.
⑨
They pay them meagre(very less) wages
③do not let them form co-operatives,
②and compel their children to join the same trade
at an early age.

Question:
In spite of despair and disease pervading the lives of the slum children, they
are not devoid of hope. How far do you agree? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
I agree that despite growing up in despair and disease, slum children still have
hope. For example, Saheb, a ragpicker, dreams of going to school and learning.
Mukesh, who works in dark, dingy cells making bangles, dreams of becoming a
motor mechanic, which is different from his family’s traditional work. These
examples show that they are not devoid of hope and still aspire to achieve
something better in life.
 Who is Mukesh? What is his dream? (Delhi 2012)
Ans. Mukesh is a child labourer who Works in a glass bangle making factory that is
situated in Firozabad. Though Mukesh belongs to a poor family which is engaged in
bangle making, he dreams of becoming a motor mechanic when he grows up.

Why could the bangle makers not organise themselves into a cooperative?
Ans. The bangle makers could not organise themselves into a cooperative because
they were trapped in the vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen, policemen, up
bureaucrats and politicians. If they tried to organise themselves, they would be
beaten by up the police and put in jail.

Mukesh is not like the others. His dreams loom like a mirage amidst the dust of
streets that fill his town Firozabad‟. Justify the statement in the light of contrast
in the mindsets of Mukesh and the people of Firozabad. (SQP 2018-19)
Answer:
Mukesh is a child labourer who works in a glass bangle-making factory in
Firozabad. Although Mukesh belongs to a poor family engaged in bangle making,
he dreams of becoming a motor mechanic when he grows up. Mukesh dares to
dream big, despite the harsh conditions surrounding him. In contrast, the other
bangle makers of Firozabad have accepted their fate and abandoned their hopes
and dreams. They have resigned to their circumstances, following the ‘God-given
lineage’ of bangle making. Mukesh’s desire to break free from this tradition shows
how he is different. His dreams are like a mirage (an illusion) in the dust of the
streets of Firozabad, yet he continues to hold on to them.

NCERT in text questions of lost spring

i
[Link] is Sahib looking for in the garbage dump? Where is he and where has he
come from?
A [Link] the garbage dump, Sahib looks for useful items which can be sold for cash
as these items can be traded for money. They are just like ‘ gold’ for him, Sahib
and his family live in Seemapuri, which is a slum located on the periphery of
Delhi. His family had migrated from Bangladesh.

[Link] explanation does the author offer for the children not wearing
footwear?
A2. In the chapter “Lost Spring,” the author offers several explanations for why
children do not wear footwear:
1. Tradition: Some children mention that it is a tradition among poor children to
remain barefoot.
2. Laziness: Others suggest that they are simply too lazy to wear slippers.
However, the author believes these reasons are excuses to hide the harsh reality of
poverty. Many families cannot afford to buy footwear for their children, leading
them to go barefoot. The reference to “chappals” (footwear) symbolizes the basic
necessities that ragpickers are unable to afford due to their financial struggles.

[Link] makes the city of Firozabad famous?

a. Bangle making makes the city of Firozabad , the famous Firozabad is the centre
of India’s glass blowing industry where families have spent generations working
around furnaces
 Extra questions
How does the story, ‘Lost Spring’ highlight the apathy of society and those in power
to end the vicious cycle of poverty? Support your answer with textual evidence.
Ans. In this story, ‘Lost Spring’s Saheb and Mukesh were the two main characters in two

·
different stories and both of them suffered extreme poverty. In the first story Saheb was a
child who did rag picking with his family to fulfil their needs. After a few days he started
working in a tea stall and he is no longer his own master as he worked under someone. On
the other side Mukesh belonged to a family of bangle makers and works in bangle making
industry along with his family but he was focused and determined for his aim to become a
motor mechanic. Both Saheb and Mukesh were unable to move out of poverty and live a
normal life, as they got no opportunities and it was almost impossible for them to fulfil their
dreams. This was because the upper class people, politicians and officials did not help
them at all , rather they pushed them down in poverty for their greed. Also they did not have
much knowledge about their rights and the importance of education, as no one told them
about [Link] both just followed the old customs and worked in poverty as no one guided
them. Even the people who have the power to help them showed lack of interest in helping
them. That is why this vicious cycle of poverty continues and the poor people become more
poor and the rich become richer. If the upper class people and the men in power would
have helped them to get out of poverty and get educated, then both Saheb and Mukesh
would definitely be able to fulfil their dreams and enjoy their life like others. Also, it is the
duty of common people to make them aware of their rights and tell them how they can
move out of poverty stricken life so as to make them succeed in life.