Introduction –

The chapter highlights human tendency to postpone things oblivious to the fact that life is subject to
change.
People of Alsace thought that they have plenty of time to learn, therefore they prefer to send their
children to work on farms and hills instead of letting them to learn the lessons. Even Franz, the
narrator, always look for opportunities to skip school and look for bird’s eggs or go sliding on the
banks of the river Saar. However, the unexpected turn of events happens when an order comes from
Berlin to teach German in the schools of Alsace and how M. Hamel addresses his class for the very
last time became too emotional, turned to the board and wrote Vive La France!
Theme –
Patriotism, freedom of language, linguistic chauvinism, love for mother tongue
Arrogance of colonism to forcibly take away right of those who are colonized.
Importance of education and the necessity to respect and earn one’s mother tongue.
Appreciate the value of time.

Important points –
Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Never put of till tomorrow, that you can do today.
Procrastination is the thief of time.
Don’t forget your language. It’s the key to success.
Time once lost can never be regained. Nothing is so perilous as procrastination.
Linguistic chauvinism means an unreasoning over enthusiastic and aggressive loyalty towards one’s
own language. Some fanatics carry pride in their language too far that they disregard/belittle other
languages.
Indifference towards other languages is not a healthy sign specially for a democracy. When the sense
of belongingness towards one’s language crosses the line between ‘pride’ and ‘proud’ it becomes
linguistic chauvinism - Intolerance for other languages.
Extra ques –
Q. the last lesson is full of regret and sadness. Describe the event of the day in the classroom in the
light of the above remark.

A. The day in the classroom described in the paragraph is marked by a sense of

sadness and regret. It is the last French lesson for the students, as the new order
mandates teaching only German in schools. M. Hamel, the teacher, delivers a
heartfelt lesson on the beauty and importance of the French language, emphasizing
its value as a key to freedom and identity, especially in times of oppression.

The classroom, usually bustling with activity, is now solemn and quiet. The students,
including the protagonist Franz, feel a sense of loss and missed opportunities. They
realize the significance of their education and language only when it is being taken
away from them.

M. Hamel, who has taught in the same place for forty years, is also deeply affected by
the change. He wears his finest clothes, a sign of respect for his last lesson. The old
men of the village, sitting quietly in the back, symbolize the collective regret of not
valuing education and language more.

The lesson ends with M. Hamel writing "Vive La France!" on the blackboard, a
poignant gesture of patriotism and defiance. The students leave the classroom with a
newfound appreciation for their language and culture, but also with a sense of
sadness for not realizing its importance sooner.

Q. what did M. Hamel say about French language? How can you keep your language of your mother
tongue alive when you are displaced from your Motherland or when a foreign rule is imposed upon
you?

A. M. Hamel spoke about the French language with great admiration and respect. He
described it as the most beautiful language in the world, the clearest and most logical. He
emphasized the importance of guarding the language among themselves and never forgetting
it, especially in times of adversity. He likened holding onto the language to holding the key to
their prison, suggesting that as long as they maintained their language, they retained a sense
of freedom and identity.

To keep your language alive when displaced from your Motherland or under foreign rule,
several steps can be taken:

1. Use the language daily: Speak the language with family and friends, even if you're in
a foreign land. Create opportunities to use it in everyday life.
2. Teach the language: Share your language with others, especially younger
generations. Teach them its importance and encourage them to use it.
3. Create language communities: Form groups or communities where the language is
spoken and celebrated. This could be through cultural events, language classes, or
social gatherings.
4. Preserve written materials: Keep written materials in the language, such as books,
poems, and songs. These can help maintain the language's richness and depth.
5. Use technology: Utilize technology to stay connected with others who speak the
language. This could be through social media, online forums, or language learning
apps.
6. Support language initiatives: Support initiatives that promote the language, such as
language schools, cultural organizations, and language revitalization programs.

By taking these steps, individuals can help keep their mother tongue alive and preserve their
cultural identity, even when displaced or under foreign rule.