The Last Lesson

Q1. Franz thinks, "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons? What could this
mean?

Answer: Alphonse Daudet's ‘The Last Lesson’, very prominently raises the question of linguistic
and cultural hegemony of the colonial and imperial powers and their lust for controlling the
world and influencing their cultures and identities. Prussians acquired the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian War, but they were not satisfied with mere political domination;
they desired to enforce their language on the people of the defeated nation. They released the
order that from now German would be taught in schools rather than French.

Franz wondered whether they would make even pigeons sing in German. It means that they had
grown up using French as their language, and now snatching away their language from them
would be unfair and unkind. The language was as natural to them as cooing is to the pigeon. So,
compulsion to speak another language was like dominating the force of nature and enslaving it.
As it is next to impossible to alter the way pigeons sing, in the same way, it is difficult for people
to accept a language that is forcibly imposed on them. Adopting a new language causes pain and
discomfort.

This sentence could also possibly mean that however hard the authorities tried to impose the
German language in the culture of Alsace and Lorraine, the natural status of French, for them,
would remain unchanged. For the people of French, their language flowed in the air, and the
entire place was imbued with its effect. Even though, if they trained the students in German, the
basic mode of communication would remain unchanged like the cooing of the pigeons.

Q2. How do the people in the story come to realize the preciousness of their language, and what
indicates this realization? Why does this realization occur?

Ans: The realization of the value of their language dawns upon the people when an order from
Berlin mandates the teaching of only German in Alsace and Lorraine schools. This unexpected
change upsets the locals, prompting a sudden recognition of the significance of their mother
tongue. The reactions of the teacher, students, and villagers reflect this realization, fueled by the
imposition of a foreign language due to the German occupation of Alsace and Lorraine. M.
Hamel passionately describes the French language as the most beautiful and logical globally,
evoking strong emotions, even from Franz. The idea of M. Hamel leaving the country and the
appointment of a new German teacher was like thunderclap for Franz as he realised that he had
not learnt his mother tongue properly. This poignant moment during their final French lesson
fosters a deep appreciation for M. Hamel and their native tongue.

Q3. Do you know what ‘linguistic chauvinism ‘means ?

Ans: Linguistic chauvinism means an absurdly unreasonable, extravagant pride in one’s

Q4. How and why was M. Hamel dressed differently that day?

Ans. M. Hamel was dressed differently on the day of his final lesson because he was wearing his
best clothes. He wanted to show his respect for the importance of the occasion and his love for
his country, despite the fact that it had been occupied by the Germans. As Franz noted in the
story, "M. Hamel had on his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and the little black silk cap, all
embroidered, that he never wore except on inspection and prize days." M. Hamel's attire
reflected his sense of duty and his commitment to teaching, even in the face of difficult
circumstances. By dressing up for his final lesson, he showed his students that he takes their
education seriously and that he was proud of the work that they had done together.

[Link] makes M. Hamel a dedicated teacher even though he regretted for declaring holiday at
school? Answer in 150 words in context of The Last Lesson

Ans- M. Hamel's dedication as a teacher is evident in his final lesson, despite his regret for
declaring a holiday or engaging the students to flower the plants.. As he begins to teach, his
passion and love for the French language take over. He pours his heart and soul into the lesson,
explaining the intricacies of grammar and the beauty of the language and history of the saints.
His regret turns into a sense of purpose, as he realizes the significance of imparting knowledge to
his students.

M. Hamel’s dedication is evident in the fact that students like Franz are in great fear of him who
don't prepare their lessons and homework.

Moreover, M. Hamel's dedication is also reflected in his emphasis on the importance of language
and culture. He tells his students that "when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to
their language, they can hope to be free again." This statement highlights his commitment to
preserving the cultural heritage of France and passing it on to his students.

M. Hamel's dedication is evident in his tears, his trembling hands, and his final words, "Vive la
France!" which showcase his love for his country, his language, and his students. He writes
"Vive la France!" on the blackboard, symbolizing his patriotism and his desire to pass on the
legacy of the French language to the next generation.

Overall, M. Hamel's dedication as a teacher is a testament to his love for his students, his
language, and his country. Despite the circumstances, he remains committed to imparting
knowledge and inspiring his students to appreciate the beauty of the French language.

6. [Link] said about the French language that it was the most beautiful language in the world”.
Do you think [Link] was a chauvinist?

Ans-M. Hamel, a character from Alphonse Daudet’s short story "The Last Lesson," is not
portrayed as a chauvinist. However, he exhibits a form of cultural nationalism or linguistic
pride.

He passionately defends the French language, especially in the face of the Prussian ban on
teaching French in Alsace. His emotional attachment to the language and his remorse for
previously not taking it seriously suggest deep nationalistic sentiment, but not chauvinism as
arrogance or contempt for others.

So, M. Hamel is not a chauvinist but rather a patriotic and dedicated teacher who realizes the
value of language as part of cultural identity.

7. What is symbolic about the trumpets of the Prussian when the last lesson was over?
Ans- The trumpets of the Prussian army that are heard as soon as the last lesson is over are
symbolic in several ways:

Victory of the oppressors: The sound of the trumpets signifies the victory of the Prussian army
over France and the imposition of their rule over Alsace and Lorraine. It marks the end of French
rule and culture in the region.

End of an era: The trumpets also symbolize the end of an era for the French language and
culture in Alsace and Lorraine. It marks the beginning of a new era of German rule and cultural
dominance.

Loss of identity: For the people of Alsace and Lorraine, the sound of the trumpets is a harsh
reminder of the loss of their cultural identity. It symbolizes the erasure of their French heritage
and the imposition of a new, foreign culture.

Transition and change: Finally, the trumpets can be seen as a symbol of transition and change.
They mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, forcing the people of Alsace and
Lorraine to adapt to a new reality.

[Link] a diary on behalf of Franz regretting how he neglected his learning and assuring himself
to safeguard the language.

Ans-
Saturday

15th November,1871. 8pm

Dear diary,

Today has been one of the most unforgettable and painful days of my life. When M. Hamel
announced that this was our last French lesson, my heart sank. Only now do I realise how
carelessly I treated my studies. I wasted time running after birds’ nests, sliding on the Saar, and
postponing my lessons, thinking school would always be there. I never imagined that our own
language—the soul of our identity—could be taken away from us.
As I listened to M. Hamel speaking about the beauty and richness of French, I felt waves of
regret wash over me. How often I came late, unprepared, and uninterested! Today, I wished
desperately for one more chance to learn, to read, to write—to honour the language that is truly
mine.

Now, I promise myself that from this moment on, I will safeguard our language with all my
heart. Even if they forbid us from learning it openly, I will continue to read, write, and speak
French. I owe this not only to myself but also to M. Hamel, who made us realise how important
our mother tongue is for us.

Good night