Class 12):📘 Chapter 1: The Last Lesson .
Section A: Prose | Class 12 | English Core |
✅ 1 Mark Questions (Very Short Answers) – 20 Q&A
1. Who is the author of “The Last Lesson”?
→ Alphonse Daudet
2. Who is the narrator of the story?
→ Franz
3. What subject was Franz afraid of?
→ French grammar
4. What was M. Hamel’s profession?
→ School teacher
5. Where does the story take place?
→ In a village in Alsace, France
6. What did Franz see on the bulletin board?
→ Nothing new, but he feared it would be bad news
7. What kind of clothes did M. Hamel wear that day?
→ His special green coat, frilled shirt, and black silk cap
8. Why were the villagers present in the classroom?
→ To pay respect to the last French lesson
9. Why was the class unusually quiet?
→ Because it was the last lesson
10. What did M. Hamel blame the villagers for?
→ Not valuing their language and sending children to work
11. What did Franz think about his books that day?
→ They seemed like old friends he couldn't leave
12. How long had M. Hamel been teaching in the village?
→ 40 years
13. What did M. Hamel write on the board at the end?
→ “Vive La France!”
14. What did Franz notice about M. Hamel’s behavior that day?
→ He was kinder and more serious than usual
15. What did Franz realize about his language?
→ He regretted not learning French seriously
16. Why was M. Hamel’s voice choked at the end?
→ Because he was emotional and couldn’t speak
17. What had been ordered by the Prussians?
→ French would no longer be taught in schools
18. What is Franz’s feeling during the last lesson?
→ Sadness, regret, and guilt
19. Who sat on the back benches that day?
→ The village elders
20. What does “Vive La France” mean?
→ Long live France!
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✅ 3 Marks Questions & Answers – 20 Q&A
(Short Analytical Answers – approx. 60–80 words)
Chapter: The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet
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🔹 1. How does “The Last Lesson” reflect the impact of war on education?
→ The story shows how war affects not only land and people but also language and education. The Prussian order to stop teaching French in Alsace reflects cultural domination, which shocks both students and villagers. It reveals the deep emotional loss caused by losing the right to learn one’s language.
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🔹 2. What does Franz learn about his teacher and language during the last lesson?
→ Franz realizes how valuable his teacher and language are. He regrets not listening in class. He sees M. Hamel's deep love for French and feels guilty for taking school lightly. This emotional shift shows Franz’s awakening.
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🔹 3. Describe the atmosphere in the classroom on the day of the last lesson.
→ The classroom was quiet and serious. M. Hamel wore formal clothes. Villagers sat on benches, showing respect. No noise, no movement — only focus and regret. The mood was emotional and patriotic, filled with sadness.
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🔹 4. How does M. Hamel inspire patriotism through his last lesson?
→ M. Hamel calls French the most beautiful language and says holding on to it means holding on to freedom. His passion and sadness deeply move the villagers and Franz. His words ignite a sense of pride and patriotism.
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🔹 5. Why does Franz describe his books as old friends?
→ Earlier, Franz disliked his books. But during the last lesson, they felt like trusted old friends he would miss forever. It symbolizes his regret and the realization of how important education truly is.
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🔹 6. Why was M. Hamel’s last lesson so memorable?
→ It was filled with emotions, regret, patriotism, and respect. It marked the end of French education in the village. Students and villagers finally realized the value of their language and teacher.
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🔹 7. What role do the villagers play in the last lesson?
→ The villagers attend the class to express regret and respect. Their silent presence shows how deeply they are hurt by the ban and how they finally value what they had ignored — their language and education.
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🔹 8. How is Franz’s character portrayed in the story?
→ Franz starts as a careless, fearful student. But by the end, he becomes aware, emotional, and respectful. His transformation symbolizes how we take things for granted until we lose them.
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🔹 9. What does “Vive La France” at the end of the story signify?
→ It means “Long Live France.” Written by M. Hamel on the board, it represents pride in one's country and language, a silent protest against cultural suppression, and a call to remember national identity.
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🔹 10. What message does the story give to students?
→ The story teaches that education is precious, and we must not take it lightly. Language is power. Students should respect teachers, be responsible learners, and value their identity.
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🔹 11. Why did Franz want to stay back in school even after the bell rang?
→ Franz didn’t want the last French lesson to end. He had developed love and respect for the language and didn’t want to say goodbye to M. Hamel or his books.
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🔹 12. How did the villagers show regret for neglecting their language?
→ By attending the last class, the villagers expressed silent apology and respect for M. Hamel. Their presence showed they finally understood the value of their language.
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🔹 13. What does the story tell us about the role of teachers?
→ Teachers like M. Hamel are nation-builders. He devoted 40 years teaching with love and sincerity. His dedication reminds us to respect teachers and education.
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🔹 14. How does Alphonse Daudet use the character of Franz to show change?
→ Daudet shows how even an unbothered boy like Franz can change when faced with loss. Franz grows from lazy to emotionally awakened, representing hope for the future.
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🔹 15. How is the theme of identity shown in the story?
→ Through the loss of French in Alsace, the story shows how language is tied to identity. When people lose their language, they lose a part of themselves.
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🔹 16. Why is M. Hamel blamed for students’ ignorance?
→ He admits giving holidays and letting students slack off. Though dedicated, he recognizes his own role in not being strict enough. He shares the blame with society.
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🔹 17. What does Franz realize about time and learning?
→ Franz regrets wasting time. He realizes how quickly things can be lost and how important it is to value learning while there’s still time.
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🔹 18. What was the effect of the new order on the villagers?
→ It shocked them. They realized they had taken French for granted. The ban hurt their pride and made them reflect on their identity and past mistakes.
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🔹 19. How does Daudet make the story emotional?
→ Through Franz’s regret, M. Hamel’s silent pain, and the villagers’ presence, Daudet creates a mood of loss and awakening. It’s personal yet political.
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🔹 20. What is the significance of the title “The Last Lesson”?
→ It marks the end of French language education in Alsace. It’s not just about school but about losing culture, identity, and freedom.
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✅ 4 Marks Questions & Answers – 20 Q&A
(Detailed Answers – approx. 100–120 words)
Chapter: The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet
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🔹 1. How does the story highlight the importance of mother tongue?
→ “The Last Lesson” shows that language is more than just communication — it is culture, identity, and pride. When the Prussians ban French in Alsace, people finally realize how important their mother tongue was. M. Hamel calls it the most beautiful language and says if a people hold on to their language, it’s like holding on to their freedom. The story teaches us to never take our language for granted.
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🔹 2. What changes do we see in Franz from beginning to end?
→ At first, Franz is a lazy, unprepared boy scared of being punished. He even thinks of bunking school. But when he finds out it’s the last French lesson, he is shocked and emotional. He regrets wasting time, begins to love his language, respects M. Hamel, and feels guilty. This change shows how loss makes people value what they had.
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🔹 3. How does M. Hamel’s behavior reflect his love for the French language?
→ M. Hamel wore his best clothes, spoke kindly, and became emotional while teaching his last lesson. He didn’t blame students harshly, but admitted his own faults. He called French the most beautiful language and asked everyone to protect it. His passion, dedication, and emotional farewell show how deeply he loved his language and teaching.
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🔹 4. Describe the emotional atmosphere during the last lesson.
→ The classroom was unusually quiet. Villagers sat silently on benches. Franz was nervous, M. Hamel was emotional. There was no noise, no jokes — only seriousness and respect. Everyone was filled with regret for not valuing their language earlier. The mood was heavy, patriotic, and deeply moving.
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🔹 5. What is the symbolic meaning of “The Last Lesson”?
→ The title stands for more than just the last class. It symbolizes the loss of freedom, identity, and culture. It’s a warning that if we don’t value our heritage, others can take it away. It’s a wake-up call for students, teachers, and society.
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🔹 6. Why do the villagers come to school on the day of the last lesson?
→ The villagers, usually uninterested in school, come to show their respect for the language and M. Hamel. Their silent presence shows their guilt, pain, and patriotism. They finally realized the value of what they had lost.
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🔹 7. What is the role of the bulletin board in the story?
→ The bulletin board in the town square had always brought bad news — orders, lost battles, etc. That day, it symbolized the biggest loss: the ban on French in schools. It represents fear, war, and loss of freedom.
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🔹 8. How does the story show the impact of language loss on identity?
→ When the French are banned from using their own language, they lose more than words — they lose part of who they are. The story shows that language carries culture, pride, and independence. Losing it feels like losing one’s soul.
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🔹 9. What does Franz mean by “I hardly knew how to write”?
→ Franz realizes that he had wasted his time and never truly learned his language. The ban made him understand how little he knew and how important it was. His regret is a lesson for all students.
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🔹 10. Why was M. Hamel dressed differently that day?
→ He wore his special clothes — green coat, frilled shirt, black cap — which he used only for prize distribution or inspections. This was his way of honoring his last day as a teacher of French.
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🔹 11. Why does M. Hamel say, “We all have a great deal to reproach ourselves with”?
→ He meant everyone shared the blame: villagers, students, and even he himself. People sent children to work, avoided learning, and he gave unnecessary holidays. No one took French seriously until it was lost.
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🔹 12. What is the significance of “Vive La France” in the story?
→ It means “Long Live France.” M. Hamel wrote it at the end of his last lesson. It is a symbol of resistance, national pride, and the eternal spirit of the French people.
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🔹 13. How does the writer use irony in the story?
→ It’s ironic that people value their language only after it is taken away. Franz hated French, villagers ignored school — but now they’re sad and emotional. This irony creates a powerful message about loss.
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🔹 14. How does the war affect the school and its people?
→ The war takes away their freedom to speak French. It also affects the teacher, students, and villagers emotionally. The school becomes a place of mourning instead of learning.
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🔹 15. What values does “The Last Lesson” teach us?
→ It teaches respect for language, teachers, and education. It tells us not to take our culture for granted. It also shows the importance of learning, dedication, and patriotism.
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🔹 16. How does the story explore guilt and realization?
→ The students, teacher, and villagers all feel guilty for neglecting French. The realization comes too late — only when the language is lost. This shared guilt creates a deep emotional impact.
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🔹 17. What is the message for students in the story?
→ Students should never ignore education or delay learning. What is available today may not be tomorrow. Respect teachers and never take knowledge for granted.
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🔹 18. Describe M. Hamel’s last moments in the classroom.
→ He stands near the blackboard, overcome with emotion. He tries to speak but cannot. He writes “Vive La France!” and signals the end of the class with a gesture. It’s a moment of silent farewell.
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🔹 19. What does Franz mean by “It seemed almost as if the poor man wanted to fix everything in his mind”?
→ Franz notices how M. Hamel is observing everything — the class, the walls, the garden. He’s trying to capture every detail, as it’s his last day in the place he served for 40 years.
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🔹 20. How does “The Last Lesson” appeal to readers’ emotions?
→ The story uses regret, patriotism, and nostalgia. The silent class, emotional teacher, and awakening student all touch the reader’s heart and deliver a powerful message without shouting
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✅ 5 Marks Questions & Answers – 20 Q&A
(Long Answer / Tika type – 120–150+ words)
Chapter: The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet
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🔹 1. Describe the central theme of “The Last Lesson”.
→ The story is based on the theme of language, identity, and patriotism. It shows how people ignore their own language and culture until it is taken away. The order to stop teaching French in Alsace shocks the villagers and students. Through the character of M. Hamel, the story stresses the importance of language as a symbol of freedom. The last lesson becomes a moment of realization and regret for everyone. The story teaches us to respect our language and heritage before it’s too late.
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🔹 2. How does Alphonse Daudet use the setting to build emotion in the story?
→ The setting of a small village school, during wartime, plays a big role. The classroom is unusually quiet, the church bell rings slowly, and villagers silently attend the last French class. These elements create a serious and emotional atmosphere. The natural beauty around — chirping birds, peaceful garden — contrasts with the inner sadness of the people. This calm yet emotional setting strengthens the message of loss, regret, and patriotism.
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🔹 3. Analyze the character of M. Hamel as a dedicated teacher.
→ M. Hamel is portrayed as a strict but passionate teacher. He has taught French in the same village for 40 years. On the last day, he wears his special dress and delivers his final lesson with great emotion. He admits his own shortcomings but urges the people to hold on to their language. His pain, dignity, and silent farewell show that he truly loved his students, language, and country. He becomes a symbol of commitment and inspiration.
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🔹 4. How does Franz transform by the end of the story?
→ Franz begins the story as a lazy, careless boy who dislikes French and fears his teacher. But when he learns it’s the last French lesson, his attitude changes completely. He realizes the value of his language and the mistake of taking school for granted. He becomes emotional, attentive, and respectful. His inner transformation shows that true appreciation often comes at the time of loss. Franz’s character teaches students to take learning seriously.
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🔹 5. Explain how “The Last Lesson” is a tribute to language and nationalism.
→ The story shows how language connects us to our culture, pride, and identity. The villagers regret losing French. M. Hamel calls it the most beautiful language. The writing “Vive La France!” shows silent resistance and love for the country. The classroom becomes a space of unity and reflection. This quiet, emotional farewell is a powerful tribute to language and nationalism.
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🔹 6. What is the significance of the title “The Last Lesson”?
→ The title is simple but carries deep meaning. It is not just about the final French class, but about losing one’s culture and freedom. It marks the end of an era — when people ignored learning and now regret it. It’s a wake-up call to value what we have before we lose it. The last lesson teaches more than grammar — it teaches patriotism, memory, and identity.
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🔹 7. How does the story show the power of regret?
→ The villagers, Franz, and even M. Hamel feel regret. The villagers regret ignoring their language. Franz regrets being lazy. M. Hamel regrets not being stricter. But all this regret comes too late. The story shows how people often understand the value of something only when it’s gone. This regret is not just personal — it is social and cultural, and the emotion gives the story its strength.
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🔹 8. How does the banning of French symbolize political control?
→ The Prussian order to ban French from schools is not just about language — it’s about power and control. By removing the native language, the rulers try to erase identity and dominate the people. Language is a tool of resistance, and banning it is an act of political suppression. The story exposes how colonizers use language to break the spirit of the people.
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🔹 9. Why is M. Hamel’s silence more powerful than words at the end?
→ At the end, M. Hamel tries to speak but cannot. He is choked with emotion. Instead, he writes “Vive La France!” on the board. His silence says more than any speech. It reflects deep pain, love, and helplessness. Sometimes, silence expresses what words cannot. That moment becomes unforgettable and powerful.
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🔹 10. How does “The Last Lesson” speak to today’s students?
→ The story reminds today’s students not to take education lightly. Just like Franz, many students avoid schoolwork until it’s too late. It teaches that language is power, and learning is freedom. It also reminds us to respect teachers, culture, and time. The story, though set in the past, gives lessons that are timeless.
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🔹 11. What role does patriotism play in the story?
→ Patriotism is quietly woven throughout the story. The villagers’ presence, M. Hamel’s passionate speech, Franz’s change, and the phrase “Vive La France!” — all reflect love for country and language. The people realize that language is a symbol of nationhood, and their emotions express silent rebellion against foreign rule.
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🔹 12. How is education portrayed in the story?
→ Education is shown as something people take for granted. Students like Franz skip class, villagers send children to work. But once the language is banned, everyone realizes how important learning was. M. Hamel represents sincere education. The story warns against wasting time and ignoring the gift of knowledge.
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🔹 13. Discuss the symbolism of the classroom in “The Last Lesson”.
→ The classroom becomes a symbol of loss, memory, and realization. It transforms from a place of noise and carelessness into one of silence, reflection, and emotion. It’s the space where personal and public grief merge. It becomes sacred — the final space of resistance and farewell.
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🔹 14. What message does the story convey about freedom?
→ The story says freedom is not just political — it’s also cultural and linguistic. Losing the right to speak one’s own language is like losing identity. M. Hamel’s last class becomes a fight for dignity. The story teaches that freedom must be protected, starting with respecting one’s own culture.
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🔹 15. How is the theme of loss presented in the story?
→ The loss of language, education, and identity is central to the story. Everyone feels they have lost something — their chance to learn, to teach, to be free. This loss brings realization and emotion. It makes the story powerful and moving.
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🔹 16. How does the story show the emotional strength of a teacher?
→ M. Hamel stands with pride and dignity on his last day. He doesn’t show anger but speaks with emotion and love. He takes responsibility, teaches passionately, and says goodbye in silence. His strength inspires both his students and the reader.
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🔹 17. What does Franz’s fear at the beginning reveal?
→ Franz’s fear of punishment shows how disconnected he was from learning. Like many students, he feared the teacher more than he respected the subject. But his change shows how powerful good teaching and emotional connection can be.
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🔹 18. How is “The Last Lesson” a call to action for society?
→ It urges society to take language and education seriously. It shows what happens when people neglect their roots. The story warns that without awareness, cultural freedom can be lost. It’s a reminder for students, teachers, and parents alike.
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🔹 19. Describe the emotional journey of the story.
→ The story moves from carelessness (Franz) → surprise (silent class) → regret (everyone’s emotion) → realization (importance of French) → farewell (M. Hamel’s silence). It is a slow, touching journey of awakening and loss.
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🔹 20. What lessons can modern youth learn from “The Last Lesson”?
→ Respect your language, use time wisely, never take teachers for granted, and value freedom. The story’s old setting has modern lessons. It warns us: if we don’t care now, we may lose what matters most.
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