By Alphonse Daudet

Theme
The theme of the lesson, ‘’The Last Lesson” is the significance of the mother tongue and the love and
patriotism of the citizens towards their language and country. In the story, the Prussians forced
German onto the people of Alsace and Lorraine and resisted their freedom to learn their own
language. Thus, the practice of linguistic chauvinism is highlighted in the story.
Inferring meaning
In great dread of-frightened, in fear of
Counted on-depend on
Thumped at the edges-worn out, implying that something is very old
In unison- at the same moment
A great bustle-noisy environment
Reproach ourselves with- to feel regret and shame

In-text Questions
1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?
Franz was expected to be prepared with the lesson on participles.
2. What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?
Franz noticed that there was no usual bustle. Everything was so still and as quiet as Sunday
morning. He noticed that his teacher was dressed sophistically in his green coat and frilled shirt. He
was shocked when his teacher politely asked him to go to his seat. The thing which shocked him the
most was that the back benches which always remained empty were today occupied by the villagers.
3. What had been put up on the bulletin board?
For two years, the bulletin board was occupied with bad news-the lost battles, the draft, the orders
from the commanding officer.
4. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?
M. Hamel announced that it was their last French lesson as the order from Berlin stated that German
was going to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from then on.
5. How did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school change?
When the teacher announced that it was their last French lesson, Franz regretted as he realized that
he did not know his own language. His feelings about M. Hamel and the school took a drastic change.
The heavy books which once seemed like a nuisance were old friends. He also started liking M.
Hamel and forgot how strict he was.

Understanding the text

1. The people in this story suddenly realize how precious their language is to them. What shows
you this? Why does this happen?
The story shows us that the love for one’s mother tongue is undeniable. In the story, Prussia
after defeating France imposes its language on the people of the Alsace and Lorraine districts
of France and restricts them from learning their own language. Thus, the practice of linguistic
chauvinism is highlighted in the story. The children and the elders after knowing this are filled
with guilt and regret as they did not learn their own language. They then realize how precious
is their language to them. The people are shown to have a keen interest in their language after
knowing that it was the last time when they were learning their language.
2. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What could this mean?
This line shows Franz’s concern that the Prussians can go to any extent to cut off the people of
Alsace and Lorraine from their language. Franz believes that their language is as natural to
them as cooing is to the pigeons.

Talking about the text

Is it possible to carry pride in one’s language too far? Do you know what ‘linguistic chauvinism’
means?
Linguistic chauvinism is an aggressive notion that one’s language is superior to other languages. In
the story, the Prussians are shown practicing linguistic chauvinism as they impose German onto the
people of Alsace and Lorraine against their will. However, the love and pride of M. Hamel and the
people of Alsace and Lorraine for their language cannot be called linguistic chauvinism.

Working with words

2. (a) (ii) startling and unexpected.
(b)(ii) are attached to their language.
(c) (iii)early enough
(d)(b) seemed very confident