THE LAST LESSON

Date: 7 march 24

Theme

The story explores the importance of language and culture in the face of oppression. It emphasizes
the value of education and the consequences of taking freedom for granted. Through the farewell
of M. Hamel and the loss of French instruction, it highlights the emotional impact of societal and
political changes.

Glossary
1. Participles: Forms of verbs that function as adjectives, often ending in "-ing" or "-ed" in English.
2. Commotion: A state of noisy confusion or disturbance.
3. Tempting: Appealing or attractive, often in a way that entices someone to do something.
4. Solemn: Serious, grave, or dignified in manner or conduct.
5. Enslaved: Held in bondage or servitude, deprived of freedom.

Important phrases and their meanings

1. "Great dread of a scolding": Intense fear or anxiety about receiving a reprimand or criticism.

2. "Spending the day out of doors": Seeking refuge or spending time outside, away from
responsibilities or obligations.

3. "The Prussian soldiers were drilling": The soldiers from Prussia were engaged in military
training exercises.

4. "All much more tempting than the rule for participles": The allure of outdoor activities seemed
more appealing compared to studying the grammatical concept of participles.
Flow chart

5. The author was running late for school, worrying about getting scolded by M. Hamel because
they didn't understand participles.

6. Even though the weather was nice and there were distractions like birds chirping and soldiers
drilling, the author decided to go to school instead of skipping.

7. As the author passed by the town hall, they saw a crowd gathered around the bulletin board,
making them curious about what bad news might be posted there.

8. The author rushes to school, feeling out of breath when they arrive at M. Hamel's garden.

9. Expecting the usual noisy start to class, the author finds an unusual silence, making them
nervous about being noticed.

10. Despite their late arrival, M. Hamel greets the author kindly and asks them to quickly join the
class, easing their initial fear and embarrassment.

11. The author notices the solemn atmosphere in the classroom, with even the village elders
present, looking sad and nostalgic.

12. M. Hamel announces that it's the last French lesson because the German authority has
mandated teaching only German in Alsace and Lorraine schools.

13. The author is deeply regretful for not taking their French lessons seriously before, realizing the
value of their education and feeling a profound sadness at the impending departure of M.
Hamel.

14. The village elders attend the last French lesson to honor M. Hamel's forty years of service and
to express regret for not valuing education more.

15. During his turn to recite, the author struggles with the participles, feeling embarrassed and
regretful for not learning them sooner.

16. M. Hamel regrets the lack of emphasis on education in Alsace, stressing the importance of
French and lamenting missed chances.

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17. M. Hamel stresses French as crucial for preserving freedom and identity, urging students to
cherish it.

18. The author easily grasps the grammar lesson, reflecting M. Hamel's clear teaching style.

19. The class solemnly writes "France, Alsace," demonstrating allegiance amidst distractions,
honoring M. Hamel and their heritage.

20. Despite his sorrow, M. Hamel bravely teaches until the end, leaving his cherished classroom
behind.

21. The class, including the elder Hauser, is visibly moved as they progress through their last
lesson.

22. With the church-clock's chime, M. Hamel, unable to speak, writes "Vive La France!" before
dismissing the class, marking the end of French education in the region under Prussian rule.

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MORAL

One cannot simply escape his problems by living in the past and has to confront
them in the present, Ultimately.