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GRADE:XII ENGLISH CORE-301 PRO:1 THE LAST LESSON

Multiple Choice Questions

1.Who is the narrator of "The Last Lesson"?

a) M. Hamel. b) Franz. c) The Mayor. d) The Blacksmith

→ b) Franz

2.What is Franz afraid of as he heads to school?

a) Being punished for being late. b) Facing a surprise test

c) Not knowing his grammar lesson. d) The school closing down

→ c) Not knowing his grammar lesson

3.Where does the story take place?

a) Germany. b) France. c) Alsace. d) Prussia

→ c) Alsace

4.Who is M. Hamel?

a) A soldier. b) A farmer. c) Franz’s teacher. d) The Mayor

→ c) Franz’s teacher

5.What was unusual about the school that day?

a) It was closed. b) M. Hamel was not there

c) The classroom was unusually quiet. d) It was filled with soldiers

→ c) The classroom was unusually quiet

6.What news does M. Hamel announce?

a) The school will be closed permanently. b) French will no longer be taught

c) France has won the war. d) Franz has failed his exam

→ b) French will no longer be taught

7.Who occupied Alsace and Lorraine?

a) The British. b) The French Army. c) The Prussians. d) The Spanish

→ c) The Prussians
8.Who ordered that only German be taught in schools?

a) The French Government. b) The Mayor

c) The Prussian authorities. d) M. Hamel

→ c) The Prussian authorities

9.How does Franz feel about school before the last lesson?

a) He enjoys every subject. b) He is eager to learn

c) He dislikes studying and is lazy. d) He is a brilliant student

→ c) He dislikes studying and is lazy

10.What does M. Hamel blame for Franz’s lack of knowledge?

a) Franz himself. b) The parents. c) Himself as a teacher. d) All of the above

→ d) All of the above

11.What does M. Hamel’s farewell speech emphasize?

a) The importance of French language. b) The power of education

c) The value of patriotism. d) All of the above

→ d) All of the above

12.What does the school represent in the story?

a) A place of punishment. b) The importance of discipline

c) A symbol of lost freedom. d) A place for social gatherings

→ c) A symbol of lost freedom

13.What does M. Hamel’s green coat symbolize?

a) His strict nature. b) His respect for the profession

c) The end of an era. d) His wealth

→ b) His respect for the profession

14.How does the crowd outside react to the news?

a) They celebrate. b) They protest

c) They regret taking their language for granted. d) They ignore it

→ c) They regret taking their language for granted

a) Long live Germany. b) Long live France. c) We surrender. d) Let’s fight

→ b) Long live France

16.How does Franz’s attitude change by the end?

a) He still dislikes school. b) He wishes he had studied more

c) He is happy to learn German. d) He decides to run away

→ b) He wishes he had studied more

17.What does M. Hamel write on the blackboard at the end?

a) Goodbye, students. b) Work hard. c) Vive La France. d) Learn German

→ c) Vive La France

18.Why were the villagers attending the class?

a) To protest. b) To learn German. c) To honor M. Hamel. d) To take a test

→ c) To honor M. Hamel

19.What does M. Hamel’s departure symbolize?

a) The end of education. b) The loss of freedom

c) The rise of the French Empire. d) The students’ success

→ b) The loss of freedom

20.What do the old villagers regret?

a) Not learning French properly. b) Not joining the army

c) Losing their land. d) Not supporting M. Hamel

→ a) Not learning French properly

21.How long had M. Hamel been teaching?

a) 10 years. b) 20 years. c) 30 years. d) 40 years

→ d) 40 years

22.What was Franz expected to recite?

a) German grammar. b) French participles. c) A history lesson. d) A poem

→ b) French participles
23.How does M. Hamel react when Franz struggles to recite?

a) He scolds him. b) He punishes him. c) He comforts him. d) He ignores him

→ c) He comforts him

24.What feeling does the story evoke?

a) Joy. b) Nostalgia and regret. c) Celebration. d) Hatred

→ b) Nostalgia and regret

25.How did M. Hamel look on the last day?

a) Sad but dignified. b) Angry. c) Carefree. d) Excited

→ a) Sad but dignified

26.What did M. Hamel mean by “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they
had the key to their prison”?

a) Language gives identity and strength. b) Language makes people weak

c) Enslaved people should abandon their language. d) Language is useless in war

→ a) Language gives identity and strength

27.What was M. Hamel unable to say at the end?

a) His farewell. b) The final grammar lesson

c) The rules of German. d) A punishment for Franz

→ a) His farewell

28.How did Franz feel after the lesson?

a) Relieved. b) Sad and regretful. c) Angry at M. Hamel. d) Excited about learning German

→ b) Sad and regretful

29.What is the primary theme of "The Last Lesson"?

a) Love and betrayal. b) Importance of language and education

c) Science and technology. d) Revenge

→ b) Importance of language and education

30.What role does war play in the story?

a) It enforces power over education. b) It brings joy to people

→ a) It enforces power over education

Short answers

1. Why was Franz reluctant to go to school that day?

Ans: Franz was reluctant because he had not prepared his lesson on participles. He feared M. Hamel’s scolding and was
tempted by the warm weather and chirping birds outside, making him consider skipping school.

2. What unusual things did Franz notice in the classroom?

Ans: Franz noticed that the school was unusually quiet. M. Hamel was dressed in his best clothes, and the villagers were
sitting at the back of the classroom, showing respect for their language and the teacher.

3. What was the order from Berlin, and how did it affect the school?

Ans: The order from Berlin stated that German would replace French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This was M.
Hamel’s last French lesson, and it left the villagers and students deeply saddened.

4. How did Franz feel after hearing about the last French lesson?

Ans: Franz was shocked and regretted not paying attention in class. He suddenly developed an interest in learning French
and realized the true value of his language.

5. Why did the villagers attend the last French lesson?

Ans: The villagers attended to show their respect for M. Hamel and express their regret for neglecting their language.
They understood the significance of losing their mother tongue under foreign rule.

6. What changes did Franz notice in M. Hamel’s teaching?

Ans: M. Hamel was patient and kind, unlike his usual strict self. He did not scold Franz for being unprepared and spoke
passionately about the importance of their language.

7. Why did M. Hamel wear his best clothes on the last day?

Ans: M. Hamel wore his special green coat, frilled shirt, and embroidered cap to honor the importance of the last French
lesson and as a mark of respect for his profession.

8. How did M. Hamel describe the French language?

Ans: He described French as the most beautiful, logical, and clear language. He urged people to hold on to their
language, as it was their key to freedom.

9. How did Franz’s attitude toward M. Hamel and studies change?

Ans: Franz, who once feared M. Hamel and disliked studying, now felt deep admiration for him. He regretted wasting
time and realized the importance of learning his mother tongue.

10. What role did M. Hamel’s sister play in the story?

11. What did M. Hamel say about people's attitude toward learning?

Ans: He criticized both students and villagers for neglecting their education. He blamed parents for prioritizing work over
studies and himself for sometimes giving students holidays.

12. Why was Franz unable to recite the rule of participles?

Ans: Franz had not studied his lesson and feared M. Hamel’s scolding. However, instead of being punished, he was met
with kindness, making him feel even more guilty.

13. What was the significance of M. Hamel’s writing on the blackboard?

Ans: At the end of the lesson, M. Hamel wrote Vive La France! on the blackboard. It was a patriotic message, expressing
his love for France despite the German occupation.

14. How did the order from Berlin affect M. Hamel emotionally?

Ans: M. Hamel was heartbroken but remained composed. He taught passionately and encouraged the villagers to
protect their language. At the end, he was too emotional to speak.

15. How did the villagers feel during the last lesson?

Ans: The villagers were sad and filled with regret. They realized their mistake of not valuing their language earlier and
silently attended the lesson to show their respect.

16. How did M. Hamel explain the importance of one's language?

Ans: M. Hamel said that when people are enslaved, their language is their key to freedom. He encouraged them to
protect and cherish their mother tongue.

17. How did the students react during the last lesson?

Ans: The students were silent and attentive, realizing the importance of their language only when it was too late. Even
the usually mischievous Franz listened carefully.

18. What did Franz recall about M. Hamel’s garden?

Ans: Franz remembered that M. Hamel often let students water his plants or gave them a holiday when he wanted to go
fishing. This showed that M. Hamel also felt guilty for neglecting his duty.

19. What message does the story convey about education?

Ans: The story emphasizes that education and language should be valued before they are lost. It highlights the role of
education in preserving culture and identity.
20. How did M. Hamel handle the last lesson emotionally?

Ans: Though deeply sad, M. Hamel remained professional and taught with dedication. However, at the end, he was
overwhelmed and could not speak.

21. Why did M. Hamel blame the parents for their children's poor learning?

Ans: He believed parents preferred to send children to work in fields or mills rather than school, which affected their
education.

22. What did Franz think about his textbooks during the last lesson?

Ans: Franz, who previously found his books boring, now found them precious. He regretted not valuing them earlier.

23. How did Franz’s feelings change from the beginning to the end of the lesson?

Ans: Initially reluctant, Franz ended up feeling regretful, patriotic, and deeply emotional about his language and teacher.

24. How does The Last Lesson highlight the impact of war on language and culture?

Ans: The story shows how the Prussian occupation forced Alsace and Lorraine to abandon French, stripping people of
their identity and heritage.

25. Why is The Last Lesson a poignant and emotional story?

Ans: The story evokes feelings of regret, patriotism, and loss. It reminds readers of the importance of education and
preserving one's cultural identity.

Long Answers

1. Describe the changes in Franz’s attitude toward M. Hamel and his studies after he learned about the last French
lesson.

Ans:At the beginning of the story, Franz is reluctant to go to school as he has not prepared his lesson on participles. He
considers skipping school, tempted by the warm weather and the sights and sounds of nature. However, when he arrives
at school and learns that this is the last French lesson, his attitude changes drastically.

Franz feels guilty for neglecting his studies and suddenly develops a deep appreciation for his mother tongue. He regrets
wasting time and not paying attention in class. M. Hamel, whom he once feared for his strictness, now appears kind and
dedicated. Franz listens attentively and realizes that learning one’s language is an essential part of one’s identity.

By the end of the lesson, Franz feels deep respect for M. Hamel and sorrow for the loss of the French language in
schools. His transformation highlights the theme of regret and the importance of valuing one’s education before it is too
late.

2. How does The Last Lesson reflect the theme of linguistic and cultural loss?

Ans:The Last Lesson highlights the impact of foreign rule on language and culture. The story is set in Alsace and Lorraine,
which were taken over by the Prussians. As a result, the German government issued an order banning the teaching of
French in schools.

This decision deeply affects the villagers and students, as they realize too late the importance of their mother tongue. M.
Hamel emphasizes that language is a key to freedom and identity. He warns that losing one’s language leads to the loss
of cultural heritage. The villagers, who had taken their language for granted, now regret not learning it properly.

The story conveys the message that language is more than just a means of communication—it is a symbol of one’s
history, culture, and independence. Through the sorrow of Franz, M. Hamel, and the villagers, the story emphasizes the
emotional and psychological impact of linguistic suppression.

3. How does M. Hamel’s character evolve throughout the story?

Ans:M. Hamel, the French teacher, is initially portrayed as a strict disciplinarian. Franz and his classmates fear him for his
scolding and punishments. However, in The Last Lesson, his character undergoes a transformation.

On the day of the last lesson, M. Hamel is unusually kind and patient. He does not scold Franz for being unprepared but
instead explains the importance of their language. He expresses regret that both students and villagers neglected
French, blaming himself as well for giving unnecessary holidays.

Despite his sadness, M. Hamel remains dedicated to his duty. He teaches passionately and reminds everyone that French
is a beautiful and logical language that must be preserved. By the end of the lesson, he is too emotional to speak and
writes Vive La France! on the blackboard. His transformation from a strict teacher to a devoted patriot makes him a
deeply moving character.

4. What role do the villagers play in The Last Lesson? What does their presence in the classroom symbolize?

Ans:The presence of the villagers in the classroom is significant, as it reflects their deep regret and realization of the
importance of their language. Throughout their lives, they had prioritized work over education, sending their children to
farms and mills instead of school. However, with the imposition of German, they suddenly understand the value of their
mother tongue.

Their attendance at the last lesson is an act of silent protest and respect. It symbolizes their mourning for the loss of
their cultural identity. They, like Franz, feel guilty for neglecting their language. Their quiet and serious demeanor
contrasts with their previous indifference.

The villagers’ presence highlights the broader theme of cultural loss and serves as a warning that people often fail to
appreciate what they have until it is taken away from them.

5. Why did M. Hamel blame himself and the people of Alsace for neglecting French?

Ans:M. Hamel, in his farewell speech, expresses regret that the people of Alsace, including himself, did not take French
seriously. He blames:The parents for sending their children to work in farms and mills instead of prioritizing
education.The students for being careless and taking their lessons for granted.Himself for giving unnecessary holidays or
allowing students to water his garden instead of teaching.

He acknowledges that everyone contributed to the decline of the French language. His speech serves as a lesson that
education should never be neglected, as it plays a vital role in preserving culture and identity.
6. What emotions does The Last Lesson evoke in the reader? How does Alphonse Daudet use different characters to
create these emotions?

Ans:The Last Lesson evokes emotions of regret, patriotism, sorrow, and nostalgia. Daudet skillfully uses different
characters to bring out these emotions:

Franz represents regret. His transformation from a careless student to a sorrowful learner makes readers empathize with
him.

M. Hamel embodies dedication and patriotism. His passionate speech about language and his silent grief at the end
make the reader feel the pain of losing one’s cultural identity.

The villagers symbolize collective guilt. Their silent presence in the classroom reflects their deep remorse.The overall
mood of the story is melancholic, making the reader reflect on the importance of language and education. The emotional
impact is intensified by the way Daudet describes M. Hamel’s farewell and the final scene where he writes Vive La
France! on the blackboard.

7. What is the significance of the last words written by M. Hamel on the blackboard: Vive La France!?

Ans:M. Hamel’s last words, Vive La France! (Long live France!), are a powerful declaration of patriotism. They symbolize
his deep love for his country and his sorrow at its cultural oppression under Prussian rule.

These words serve as an emotional climax to the story. They express defiance against foreign domination and emphasize
that even though the French language is banned from schools, it will live on in the hearts of the people. By writing this
phrase, M. Hamel conveys that true patriotism is not just about fighting wars but also about preserving one’s language,
culture, and identity.

This moment also leaves a lasting impact on Franz and the villagers, reinforcing the importance of their lost heritage.

8. How does The Last Lesson highlight the theme of lost opportunities?

Ans:The story revolves around the idea that people often fail to appreciate what they have until it is gone. Franz, who
previously avoided studying, realizes too late how precious his language is. Similarly, the villagers regret not learning
French properly when they had the chance.

M. Hamel’s speech reinforces this theme. He acknowledges that both he and the villagers neglected their duty toward
education. The order from Berlin makes everyone aware of what they are losing—French is not just a language but a
symbol of their identity.

The story serves as a lesson that opportunities should not be taken for granted. It warns that neglecting education and
culture can have irreversible consequences, making The Last Lesson a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.

Extract 1

"I started for school very late that morning and was in great dread of a scolding, especially because M. Hamel had said
that he would question us on participles, and I did not know the first word about them.

1.Why was the narrator afraid of being scolded?

3.What was M. Hamel supposed to question the students about?

4.Identify the literary device in "I did not know the first word about them."

Answers:

1.The narrator was afraid of being scolded because he was late for school and had not studied participles.

2.M. Hamel was the French teacher at the school.

3.M. Hamel was supposed to question the students on participles.

4.The phrase "I did not know the first word about them" is an example of hyperbole (exaggeration).

Extract 2

"But the thing that surprised me most was to see, at the back of the room, the village people sitting quietly on the
benches like ourselves; old Hauser, with his three-cornered hat, the former mayor, the former postmaster, and several
others besides."

1.What surprised Franz the most?

2.Who were the village elders mentioned here?

3.Why had the villagers gathered in the classroom?

4.What does this gathering signify?

Answers:

1.Franz was surprised to see the village elders sitting in the classroom.

2.The village elders included Old Hauser, the former mayor, and the former postmaster.

3.The villagers had gathered to show their respect for M. Hamel and the French language, as it was their last French
lesson.

4.The gathering signifies their regret for not learning their language earlier and their respect for their mother tongue.

Extract 3

"My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools
of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very
attentive."

1.Who is the speaker of these lines?

2.Why was this the last lesson?

3.What does the phrase “The order has come from Berlin” indicate?
4.How did the students react to this announcement?

Answers:

1.M. Hamel, the French teacher, is the speaker.

2.This was the last lesson because the German authorities had banned French and imposed German in Alsace and
Lorraine schools.

3.The phrase indicates that Germany had taken control of Alsace and Lorraine, enforcing German culture and language.

4.The students were shocked, regretful, and attentive, realizing the importance of their language.

Extract 4

"Ah, how well I remember it, that last lesson! All that happened seemed to me as if it had been meant expressly to hurt
my feelings.":

1.Who is the speaker, and what does he remember?

2.Why does everything seem to hurt his feelings?

3.What lesson did the speaker learn that day?

4.What emotions does the speaker express in these lines?

Answers:

1.The speaker is Franz, and he remembers his last French lesson.

2.Everything seemed to hurt his feelings because he realized he had taken his language and education for granted.

3.Franz learned that language is an important part of identity and must be preserved.

4.He expresses regret, sadness, and guilt for not valuing his lessons earlier.

Extract 5

"My friends, I—I—but something choked him. He could not go on.":

1.Who is being referred to as "he" in this extract?

2.Why did he feel choked?

3.How did the class react to this moment?

4.What does this moment reveal about the speaker?

Answers:

1."He" refers to M. Hamel, the French teacher.

2.He felt choked with emotions because he was deeply attached to his language and school but had to leave due to
German rule.

3.The class sat in complete silence, filled with emotions and respect for their teacher.

4.This moment reveals M. Hamel’s love for his country and language and his grief at losing his profession.

Extract 6

"Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?":

1.Who is the speaker, and what does this statement mean?

2.What is the significance of the pigeons in this line?

3.What does this question reveal about the speaker’s emotions?

4.What literary device is used in this sentence?

Answers:

1.The speaker is Franz, and he is wondering if even nature (pigeons) can be forced to change its language.

2.The pigeons symbolize freedom and natural expression, which cannot be controlled.

3.It reveals Franz’s frustration and helplessness about the loss of his language.

4.The sentence uses rhetorical questioning and metaphor.

Extract 7

"When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they had the key to their prison.":

1.Who said this and to whom?

2.What does the speaker mean by "the key to their prison"?

3.Why is language important for an enslaved people?

4.What values does this statement highlight?:

1.M. Hamel said this to his students and the villagers.

2."The key to their prison" means that preserving their language will help them maintain their identity and regain
freedom.

3.Language is a symbol of culture and unity, and it keeps the spirit of resistance alive.

4.It highlights patriotism, cultural pride, and the power of education.

Extract 8

"Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk, and, bearing on with all his might, he wrote as large as he
could: ‘Vive La France!’":
1.What does "Vive La France!" mean?

2.Why did M. Hamel write this on the blackboard?

3.How did the scene affect the students and villagers?

4.What does this act symbolize?:

1."Vive La France!" means "Long Live France!"

2.M. Hamel wrote it as his final message, expressing love for his country.

3.The students and villagers were deeply moved, realizing the importance of their language and heritage.

4.This act symbolizes resistance against oppression, nationalism, and the undying spirit of France.