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.
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.
Importance of mother tongue
Patriotism and cultural identity
Regret over lost opportunities in education
Power of language in uniting people
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.
Read the text thoroughly and underline key points.
Practice NCERT textbook questions.
Write short and long answers with proper explanations.
Learn important quotations by M. Hamel for better answers.
