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Questions and Answers
What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school before going away, and to put it all into their heads at once?
A lesson on participles
What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?
New copies of France and Alsace hung like little flags in the school-room
What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
A notice about the Berlin order and the new rules of teaching German
How did the students react when some beetles flew in during the lesson?
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What was M. Hamel doing during the lesson, seemingly trying to fix everything in his mind?
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Study Notes
The Last Lesson
- The narrator's teacher, M. Hamel, wears his formal attire, including a beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, and embroidered black silk cap, indicating it's a special day.
- The village people, including old Hauser, the former mayor, and the former postmaster, are seated on the back benches, which is unusual.
- The atmosphere in the school is solemn, and everyone looks sad, including Hauser, who has brought an old primer.
The Announcement
- M. Hamel announces that this is the last French lesson he will give, as the order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
- The new master will arrive tomorrow, and the narrator is devastated by the news.
The Franco-Prussian War
- The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), in which France was defeated by Prussia led by Bismarck.
- As a result, the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine have passed into Prussian hands.
The Narrator's Regret
- The narrator regrets not learning their lessons and instead wasting time seeking birds' eggs or going sliding on the Saar.
- The narrator realizes the importance of learning French, especially now that it will no longer be taught.
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Description
Explore a text excerpt from 'The Last Lesson' and analyze the symbolism of the teacher's attire and the atmosphere in the school. Delve into the themes of nostalgia, war, and collective memory.
