The Last Lesson Short Summary Class 12
Name of the Writer
Alphonse Daudet
SUMMARY
“The Last Lesson” is a short story written by Alphonse Daudet. It revolves around the events of 1870, during which France was occupied by the Prussian forces led by Bismarck. As a result, the regions of Lorraine and Alsace came under Prussian control, leading to the discontinuation of French language instruction in schools there. The French teachers were ordered to leave, including M. Hamel, who was unable to continue teaching in his former school.
Despite the circumstances, M. Hamel delivered his final lesson with utmost dedication and sincerity. One of his students, who had previously feared him and anticipated punishment on that particular day, discovered that it would instead be their last lesson. In this poignant moment, the student realized the profound significance of their native language, which they had taken for granted.
Through this story, Daudet highlights the emotional impact experienced by individuals when they are unable to learn or preserve their own language. It serves as a reminder of the importance of language as an integral part of one’s identity and cultural heritage.
The Last Lesson Long Summary Class 12
The story is narrated by Franz, a French boy who is generally lazy but has a sensitive nature and enjoys playing. Despite his laziness, he has a strong dislike for his teacher, M. Hamel, and shows no interest in learning French.
Due to the German occupation of Alsace and Lorraine, an order was issued from Berlin that German should replace French as the language taught in schools. Unfortunately, this also happens to be M. Hamel’s last day as a teacher. M. Hamel has served as a dedicated teacher in the school for forty years and possesses deep patriotic sentiments. The villagers attend his final lesson as a way to honor and respect him. They regret not having learned their native language, French, during their childhood.
Franz is taken aback when he discovers that this will be his final French lesson, as he realizes he knows very little of the language. The news of the last lesson suddenly sparks an interest in him, and he attentively absorbs everything taught on that day.
As Franz develops a newfound admiration for M. Hamel, his previous hatred towards the teacher dissipates. He now respects M. Hamel’s hard work and dedication. Franz feels sadness and shame for his inability to recite his lesson.
During the lesson, M. Hamel acknowledges that everyone, including himself, is at fault for their lack of enthusiasm in learning. He blames himself for not teaching with enough sincerity.
M. Hamel’s passionate praise for the French language reveals his strong sense of patriotism. He considers French to be the most logical and beautiful language in the world. Emotionally affected, he urges the class to preserve their language, emphasizing that staying connected to their language is a means to escape the clutches of slavery and regain freedom from the Germans. The people begin to realize the significance of their mother tongue and recognize illiteracy as a contributing factor to their defeat.
Franz realizes that one’s language is an inseparable part of their identity and cannot be easily eradicated. Despite any opposition, a person’s language remains an inherent and natural aspect of their being.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, “The Last Lesson” conveys the importance of safeguarding one’s language, highlighting its significance to a culture or race. It emphasizes the need to preserve and cherish language as a vital part of personal and collective identity.