The Last Lesson Class 12 Animation

Summary

In Alphonse Daudet's *The Last Lesson*, the protagonist, Franz, experiences a life-changing moment as he attends his final French class under the strict and compassionate Monsieur Hamel. The village has been annexed by Prussia, and French is being replaced with German in schools. Franz, who has neglected his studies, is struck with regret as he realizes the importance of language and education. Through Monsieur Hamel's heartfelt lesson, the significance of preserving culture and identity is revealed, culminating in the teacher's emotional farewell with the powerful words, 'Vive la France!'

Takeaways

• 😀 The protagonist, Franz, is late for school and worried about being scolded by his teacher, Monsieur Hamel, especially due to a lesson on participles that he doesn't understand.
• 😀 Franz briefly considers skipping school and spending the day outside, drawn by the warm weather, birds, and the drilling of Prussian soldiers, but ultimately decides to go to school.
• 😀 As Franz passes the town hall, he notices a crowd gathered around the bulletin board, which usually contains important news, such as the ongoing war and military orders.
• 😀 At school, Franz is surprised to find the classroom unusually quiet, without the usual noise of students and the teacher’s ruler tapping on the desk.
• 😀 Monsieur Hamel, dressed in his fine Sunday clothes, announces that this is the last French lesson, as the Prussians have ordered that only German be taught in schools in Alsace and Lorraine.
• 😀 Franz is shocked by the news of the language change, realizing the significance of the loss of their French education and language, and feeling guilty for not learning more diligently.
• 😀 Monsieur Hamel explains the importance of the French language, stating that it is the key to preserving freedom, even under occupation, and urges the students to cherish their language.
• 😀 Franz regrets not taking his studies seriously, reflecting on how he had wasted time with distractions instead of focusing on his lessons, and feels a deep sense of loss for not having appreciated his education sooner.
• 😀 The villagers, who sit quietly in the back of the classroom, show their respect and gratitude to Monsieur Hamel for his 40 years of dedicated teaching, feeling guilty for not having attended school more regularly.
• 😀 Throughout the lesson, Monsieur Hamel teaches with great patience and determination, trying to impart as much knowledge as possible to his students before leaving, and Franz finds the lessons easier to understand than ever before.
• 😀 The final moments of the lesson are emotionally charged, as Monsieur Hamel writes 'Vive la France!' on the blackboard in a gesture of defiance and pride, before dismissing the class for the last time.

Q & A

Why was the protagonist, Franz, afraid on the morning of the lesson?

Franz was afraid because he was late for school and worried about getting scolded by his teacher, Monsieur Hamel, who had announced that he would question the class on participles. Franz had not studied for the lesson.

What was so tempting to Franz instead of going to school?

Franz was tempted by the warm, bright day outside. He thought about spending the day outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, listening to the birds, and watching the Prussian soldiers drilling in the fields.

What was the significance of the crowd at the town hall?

The crowd at the town hall was gathered in front of the bulletin board, where important news was posted. This included updates about the lost battles, the draft, and orders from the commanding officer. The protagonist wondered what the new news could be, and later, it was revealed that the new policy from Berlin required schools in Alsace and Lorraine to teach only in German.

What did Franz observe when he entered the classroom?

When Franz entered the classroom, he noticed it was unusually quiet and serious. The students were already seated, and Monsieur Hamel was walking up and down. The village people, including old Hauser, were sitting in the back of the room, which was odd because they rarely attended school. The atmosphere was solemn.

Why were the village people sitting in the classroom?

The village people were sitting in the classroom to honor Monsieur Hamel and to show their respect for the French language. They regretted not having learned more when they had the chance, and they were there to pay tribute to the teacher's 40 years of service.

What news did Monsieur Hamel share with the class?

Monsieur Hamel informed the class that this was the last French lesson they would have. A new teacher, who would teach in German, would arrive the following day. This was due to an order from Berlin, as Alsace and Lorraine had been annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War.

How did Monsieur Hamel describe the importance of the French language?

Monsieur Hamel explained that the French language was the most beautiful, logical, and clear language in the world. He emphasized that, even though the people of Alsace were being conquered, holding onto their language would keep them from being fully enslaved. Language, he said, was the key to their freedom.

What emotional reaction did Franz have during the lesson?

Franz felt regret and sorrow for not having taken his studies seriously before. He realized that he would never learn the French language properly after this lesson. The importance of the lesson became clear to him only in that moment, as he understood the value of what he was losing.

What gesture did Monsieur Hamel make at the end of the lesson?

At the end of the lesson, Monsieur Hamel wrote 'Vive la France!' (Long live France!) on the blackboard in large letters. He then leaned his head against the wall, indicating the end of his teaching career in that classroom. With a final gesture, he dismissed the class.

How did the class react to the end of the lesson?

The class was deeply emotional. The students, as well as the village people, were moved by Monsieur Hamel's words and actions. The sadness in the room was palpable, and everyone felt the weight of the situation, knowing that their French identity and education were being taken away from them.