The Last Lesson Class 12 animation ch 1 animated video

Summary

The script narrates a poignant tale set during the Franco-Prussian War, where the protagonist, late for school, dreads a scolding but learns of a more profound loss. Alsace and Lorraine are under Prussian control, and French is to be replaced by German in schools. The last French lesson is a bittersweet event, marked by the teacher's patriotic fervor and the community's respect for their language and teacher. The protagonist's realization of the importance of language as a key to freedom and identity is a powerful theme, underscored by the teacher's final, defiant 'Vive la France'.

Takeaways

• 📚 The protagonist is late for school and fears being scolded, particularly about a lesson on participles which they are unfamiliar with.
• 🏰 The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War, with Alsace and Lorraine being taken over by Prussia, affecting the local school's curriculum.
• 🏫 The protagonist contemplates skipping school, but the sight of Prussian soldiers drilling is more appealing than learning grammar rules.
• 🎓 Upon arriving at school, the protagonist finds an unusually quiet environment, contrasting with the usual bustling start of the school year.
• 👨‍🏫 M. Hamill, the teacher, is dressed unusually formally, signaling the importance of the day's events.
• 📜 The villagers, including the former mayor and postmaster, are present in the classroom, indicating the gravity of the situation.
• 🗣️ M. Hamill announces that this is the last French lesson due to an order from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
• 😢 The protagonist feels regret for not paying more attention to their lessons and for not valuing M. Hamill's teaching.
• 📝 M. Hamill emphasizes the importance of the French language as a symbol of freedom and identity, urging the students to remember it.
• 📚 The lesson includes a grammar lesson, writing practice, and history, with a focus on the French language and its significance.
• 🕊️ The class writes 'France Alsace' repeatedly, symbolizing unity and resistance against the imposed German language.
• ⏰ The lesson ends with the sound of the church bell and the Prussian soldiers' trumpets, marking the end of French instruction and a poignant moment for M. Hamill and the students.

Q & A

What is the main setting of the story?

The story is set in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, specifically in the annexed Alsace and Lorraine regions.

Why was the protagonist late for school and fearful of scolding?

The protagonist was late because he was in great dread of being scolded, especially since M. Hamill had warned that he would question the class on participles, which the protagonist did not understand.

What is the significance of the town hall bulletin board in the community?

The town hall bulletin board is significant as it is where all the bad news, such as lost battles, the draft, and orders from the commanding officer, are posted for the community to see.

Why did the protagonist consider running away instead of going to school?

The protagonist considered running away because of the beautiful, warm, and bright day, and the more enticing activities like watching the boats and the Prussian soldiers drilling, as opposed to learning the rule of participles.

What was unusual about the school's atmosphere on that particular day?

The school's atmosphere was unusually quiet and still, with no noise of desks opening and closing, lessons being repeated loudly, or the teacher's ruler rapping on the table.

Why was M. Hamill dressed in his finest clothes on this day?

M. Hamill was dressed in his finest clothes to honor the last French lesson he would teach, as a new order from Berlin mandated that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

What was the reaction of the villagers to the news of the last French lesson?

The villagers were saddened by the news, and many of them, including the former mayor and the former postmaster, sat quietly in the back of the classroom to show their respect for M. Hamill and their lost country.

How did the protagonist feel about his lack of knowledge in French after hearing M. Hamill's announcement?

The protagonist felt regret and sorrow for not learning his lessons and for not valuing French education, realizing the importance of language as a key to one's identity and freedom.

What was the significance of the writing lesson where students copied 'France, Alsace' repeatedly?

The writing lesson was significant as it symbolized the students' and the community's resistance and attachment to their French identity, despite the political changes imposed by the Prussians.

What was the emotional impact of the final moments of the lesson on the protagonist and M. Hamill?

The final moments of the lesson were emotionally charged, with M. Hamill being choked with emotion and the protagonist feeling a deep sense of loss and the importance of the French language and culture.

What did M. Hamill write on the blackboard at the end of the lesson, and what does it signify?

M. Hamill wrote 'Vive la France' on the blackboard, signifying his and the community's unwavering support and love for France, despite the annexation by Prussia.