ENGLISH PRACTICAL FILE

KESHAV GEER (XII-A)

SUHANI BHATEJA (XII-B)
VAIBHAV SINGH (XII-B)
YASH KHATRI (XII-B)
"The Last Lesson" is a poignant short story written by French author
Alphonse Daudet. It is based on the themes of language and identity
and culture, education and knowledge, patriotism and resistance, and
community and solidarity. The narrative unfolds in Alsace, it is set
against the backdrop of Franco-Prussian war and the annexation of
Alsace and Lorraine by the Germans in 1871. The central theme of
the story revolves around how loss of one’s language leads to the loss
of one’s identity and heritage.
The tale is
narrated by a
young French
boy, Franz, who
recounts his
beloved teacher
M.Hamel’s last
French lesson
after the orders of
usurp by the
Germans.
One morning, Little Franz, in his anxious state, rushed to school. He
was especially anxious on this day, as he expected his stern
teacher, M. Hamel, to question him and the rest of the pupils on
participles. The narrator knows nothing about participles, as he has
not learned the lesson.
To his utter surprise, the school was uncharacteristically quiet.
Usually in the mornings, there was great noise. But on this morning
the school is eerily quiet and still. Franz had hoped that he could
sneak to his desk unseen in the midst of the commotion.
Astoundingly, M.Hamel greeted him with a soft tone and told “little
Franz” to take his seat. The atmosphere of the class seemed strange
that day, M. Hamel had on his beautiful green coat, a frilled shirt, and
a silk cap—clothes that he normally wears only for special occasions,
such as inspection and prize days. There was a solemnness in the air.
Not only that, but Franz was most stunned to see village people
assembled on the benches at the back of the room, including old
man Hauser, the former mayor, and the former postmaster of the
town. Everyone looked gloomy. The gloominess and despair started to
make sense when M.Hamel announced to the gathered crowd that that
would be the last lesson he would preside over. An order had arrived
from Berlin that from the next day onward, only German will be
taught in the schools of Alsace-Lorraine. M. Hamel’s words also
come as a shock to Franz because he suddenly realizes how little he
knows of the French language. He turns remorseful over wasting so
much time playing
outdoors rather than
studying. Villagers had
gathered in the room to
show their appreciation
for the school that they
themselves had
neglected as children,
and to honor M.
Hamel’s forty years of
service as a teacher, as
well as to show respect
for their country, now occupied by foreigners. M. Hamel doesn’t
scold Franz for not knowing the rule, but he uses the occasion to
lecture the class. He tells the crowd that each day they have been
putting off learning until tomorrow. This is the trouble with their
home region of Alsace. It is why the Prussian occupiers have the right
to say to them, “you pretend to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither
speak nor write your own language? M. Hamel then goes on to speak
about the beauties of the French language. He encourages the class to
guard the language carefully, because, he tells them, when a people
are enslaved, so long as they “hold fast to their language it as if they
had the key to their prison.” Furthermore, his comment on the
importance of guarding the language emphasizes the link between
language, identity, and freedom. Language not only expresses cultural
identity, it constitutes its very essence. Without language, those who
are subjugated cannot hold onto their identity, and therefore also to
their freedom.
The lesson goes by, The clock
strikes twelve. M. Hamel stands up,
pale but tall. He begins speaking,
addressing the class as “My
friends,” but is unable to continue.
He turns to the blackboard instead,
and with a piece of chalk he writes
in large letters, “Vive La
France!” He leans his head against
the wall and gestures to the class,
telling them school is dismissed. In this way, he uses the instruments
of education, the blackboard, to assert his freedom and that of his
country.
Themes:
1. Language and Identity: The story explores how language is
intertwined with one's sense of identity. The sudden imposition
of German as the language of instruction becomes a metaphor
for the loss of cultural heritage.
2. Patriotism and Resistance: M.Hamel's decision to continue the
lesson despite the dire circumstances reflects an act of quiet
resistance. It symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit
against oppressive forces.
3. Regret and Reflection: The story prompts readers to reflect on
missed opportunities and the importance of appreciating one's
heritage before it's lost. The realization of the value of education
comes too late for some characters. It also reflects on the
predicament of procrastination of people, and how shortsighted
needs for work and play may have taken precedence.
4. Education and Knowledge: Franz’s last lesson is thus one that
revolutionizes his own conception of his education. School is
 about much more than memorizing boring grammar lessons—
school also equips Franz with knowledge and values that are
indispensable to his identity. The story ultimately suggests that it
is only the identity instilled through education that has the
power to save Franz and his community in times of danger.
5. Community and Solidarity: The warm and supportive relations
that were affirmed between M. Hamel, his pupils, and the
villagers during the last lesson indicate how the community
comes together through its practice of the values of solidarity
and unanimity. It is through acts of cooperation that the villagers
assert not only their commitment to each other, but also their
commitment to their homeland in the face of a foreign threat.
"The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet explores the profound impact
of language and cultural heritage on personal and national identity.
Through the lens of Alsace, Daudet conveys universal themes of loss,
resistance, and education. The story serves as a moving reminder of
the enduring power of language and the importance of preserving
cultural heritage.