Study Chapter Details
CBSE Class 12th NCERT English The Last Lesson
The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet is the first chapter in the CBSE Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo textbook. The story beautifully captures the pain of losing one’s language under the pressure of foreign domination. It highlights the importance of mother tongue and the need to value education before it is too late.
Summary of The Last Lesson
The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War when France lost Alsace and Lorraine to Prussia (Germany). The German authorities ordered that only German be taught in schools. The narrative follows Franz, a schoolboy, who is initially reluctant to attend class but soon realizes the significance of his language when his teacher, M. Hamel, announces it to be their last French lesson.
Through this touching incident, the author reminds us that language is not just a medium of communication but also a symbol of identity and freedom.
Key Themes
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Importance of mother tongue
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Patriotism and cultural identity
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Regret over lost opportunities in education
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Power of language in uniting people
Important Question-Answer Hints
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Why was Franz unwilling to go to school that day?
→ He had not prepared his French lesson and feared scolding. -
What announcement did M. Hamel make?
→ It was the last French lesson as only German would be taught in schools from the next day. -
What was the villagers’ reaction?
→ They attended the class to honor their language and teacher. -
Message of the story:
→ We must preserve our language and never take education for granted.
Exam Preparation Tips
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Read the text thoroughly and underline key points.
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Practice NCERT textbook questions.
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Write short and long answers with proper explanations.
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Learn important quotations by M. Hamel for better answers.
