Podcast
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
