Class 12 English — Chapter 1: The Last Lesson

What you'll learn

• ▸Historical Context: The Franco-Prussian War
• ▸Franz's Character Transformation
• ▸M. Hamel's Dedication and Patriotism
• ▸The Atmosphere of the Last Lesson
• ▸Theme: Importance of Mother Tongue
• ▸Theme: Linguistic Chauvinism and Oppression
• ▸Theme: Procrastination and Collective Regret
• ▸Symbolism of the Village Elders

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- PROSE The Last Lesson Alphonse Daudet Lost Spring Anees Jung Deep Water William Douglas The Rattrap Selma Lagerlöf Indigo Louis Fischer Poets and Pancakes Asokamitran The Interview Christopher Silvester Umberto Eco Going Places A. R. Barton Reprint 2025-26 Not to be republished --- PAGE 2 --- 12074CH01 1 The Last Lesson About the author Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French novelist and short- story writer. The Last Lesson is set in the days of the Franco- Prussian War (1870-1871) in which France was defeated by Prussia led by Bismarck. Prussia then consisted of what now are the nations of Germany, Poland and parts of Austria. In this story the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine have passed into Prussian hands. Read the story to find out what effect this had on life at school. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context • in great dread of • in unison • counted on …

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

1. Explain language and national identity. Get Solution →
2. Describe Franco-Prussian War effects. Get Solution →
3. Learn why studying your language matters. Get Solution →
4. What subject was M. Hamel supposed to question Franz on during the last lesson? Get Solution →
5. What major historical event is the setting for the story 'The Last Lesson'? Get Solution →
6. What was the order that came from Berlin? Get Solution →
7. For how many years had M. Hamel served at the school? Get Solution →
8. What did M. Hamel wear on the day of the last lesson? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 French was once the official language of England for over 300 years after the Norman Conquest.
• 💡 Globally, over 7,000 different languages are spoken today, but many are disappearing.
• 💡 Learning a second language can actually improve problem-solving skills in children.
• 💡 Modern Germany was largely unified under Prussia's leadership in the late 19th century.
• 💡 The first public 'bulletin boards' were ancient Roman tablets displaying official news.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Chapters