The Last Lession

The story tells about?
The story conveys the one’s own language is rooted in once’s own identity and what happens when people break the ties from the people and their language by a brute force. The last lesson conveys that we should not take our own language for granted. This story is a patriotic story.

What are the themes of the story

(a) Change that is disturbing. this is also uncertainty about the change

(b) Nostalgia for the past

(c) Once’s identity and the importance of language

(d) Pride in once’s language

The story is narrated by a young schoolboy named Franz, who is a resident of Alsace, a region in France. He is a carefree and reluctant student, particularly weak in French grammar, and often prefers to play outdoors rather than attend school. On the day of the last lesson, Franz is running late for school and is dreading a scolding from his French teacher, M. Hamel, as he has not prepared his lesson on participles.

As he rushes towards school, Franz notices an unusual quietness in the village. Normally, there would be a great deal of commotion with people moving about, blacksmiths hammering, and schoolchildren chattering. However, on this day, everything is silent. As he passes the town hall, he sees a group of people gathered around the bulletin board. The board had been the bearer of all bad news in recent times—such as orders from the Prussian authorities. Franz resists the urge to stop and read, fearing that he is already late for class.

Upon reaching the school, Franz is surprised by the solemn atmosphere. Instead of the usual noise and disorder, there is a strange calmness in the classroom. M. Hamel, who is known for his strictness, is dressed in his formal attire—his green coat, frilled shirt, and a black silk cap, which he only wears on inspection days or special occasions. Franz is puzzled by this change. Another surprise awaits him: the back benches, which were usually empty, are now occupied by elderly villagers, including the former mayor, the former postmaster, and several other notable figures of the village. They all appear grim and serious.

Before Franz can make sense of the situation, M. Hamel announces the shocking news: this is the last French lesson he will be teaching. An order has come from Berlin that German will now be taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The villagers have lost their right to learn their mother tongue. Franz is struck with remorse. He suddenly realizes the value of French, and he deeply regrets not taking his studies seriously. The subject that once seemed tedious and unimportant now holds immense significance for him.

M. Hamel delivers a heartfelt lesson, explaining the beauty and richness of the French language. He describes it as the most logical and beautiful language in the world and urges the class to never forget it. He warns them that their language is their identity and their key to freedom. If they guard it and continue speaking it, they will remain connected to their homeland despite foreign rule.

As the lesson continues, Franz is amazed to find himself understanding everything with clarity. It seems as though M. Hamel’s words have suddenly become more meaningful and profound. He regrets the lost time and wishes he had been more diligent in his studies.

During the class, M. Hamel also reflects on his own shortcomings. He confesses that he often gave students holidays when he wanted to go fishing and sent them on errands instead of teaching them properly. He acknowledges that the parents are also to blame, as they were more interested in sending their children to work in the fields or at the mills rather than ensuring their education.

As the lesson comes to an end, M. Hamel’s emotions overwhelm him. He stands at the blackboard, picks up a piece of chalk, and writes in large letters: "Vive La France!" (Long Live France!). His hands tremble with emotion as he struggles to speak. With a final gesture, he signals for the class to leave, unable to say another word.

Franz leaves the school deeply moved, carrying with him a newfound respect for his teacher and his language. He realizes that true oppression lies not only in territorial conquest but in the erasure of cultural identity and language. The lesson of the day, which he had once feared, becomes an unforgettable moment of awakening for him.