The Last Lesson- 2 - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions, Class 12 English

The villagers had gathered to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of dedicated service. They wished to express their respect for the country they were losing. Many felt regret for not attending school more often.

That day Franz was expected to be prepared with participles because M. Hamel had said that he would question them on participles.

The order from Berlin allowed only German language to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Hence their teacher, M. Hamel, was in a sad and sombre mood. So he did not scold Franz for reaching school late that day.

He tells all the students that an order has come from Berlin to teach German in the schools of Alsace in place of French. These words astonish little Franz and later make him realize the importance of his mother tongue.

On his last day, Mr. Hamel brought new notebooks for his students. This gesture was significant as it symbolized his dedication to teaching and the importance of education. During this final lesson, he taught grammar and writing, and provided each student with a new notebook. He also wrote the words ‘France, Alsace, France, Alsace’ in beautiful handwriting on each notebook. After the writing lesson, the class continued with a history lesson.

Little Franz was tempted to run away and spend the day outside instead of attending school as it was a warm and bright day with the birds chirping merrily. Moreover, he was tempted to watch the Prussian soldiers’ drill. All these things appeared rather tempting considering he did not know his participles and feared the French teacher M. Hamel’s scolding on that day.

Franz was surprised to see M. hamel because he was dressed in his best Sunday cloths and did not even scold Franz for being late. Because he was overwhelmed by the joy of his first discovery.

The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The order from Berlin stated that only German was to be taught to students in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The order brought all the routine hustle-bustle of the school life to a stand-still. The teacher, M. Hamel, became more sympathetic to his students and taught his lessons with more patience.

The students were anxious about being questioned on participles that morning. Participles are words derived from verbs that can act as adjectives or gerunds.

The protagonist thought about running away because of a strong fear of being scolded. They were particularly anxious about being unprepared for questions on participles that day.

The Prussian soldiers were drilling in the field behind the sawmill. This activity involved soldiers performing military exercises and movements in a structured manner.

Franz was surprised to see the village people sitting quietly in the back benches of the classroom, a sight that was unusual as those benches were typically empty. This unexpected presence added to the solemn and strange atmosphere that Franz noticed that day.

M. Hamel's choice of attire, including his green coat, frilled shirt, and embroidered cap, indicated that it was a special occasion—specifically, an inspection or prize day at the school. This outfit was not typically worn on regular days, highlighting the significance of the event.

Franz felt embarrassed and frightened when entering the classroom because he had hoped to sneak in unnoticed due to the usual noise and commotion of the school day. However, on that day, everything was quiet, and he had to face M. Hamel's kind but unexpected attention upon his entrance.

The narrator felt regretful during the last French lesson because they realized the value of education and the significance of their schoolbooks and lessons, which had become cherished companions. This moment highlighted the narrator's newfound appreciation for learning and the impact of M. Hamel's impending departure on their education.

M. Hamel acknowledges that he has contributed to the students' academic shortcomings by giving them holidays when he wanted to go fishing instead of focusing on their learning. This practice may have inadvertently reinforced a culture of procrastination and delayed learning.

M. Hamel provided new copies to the students with “France, Alsace” written on them in a beautiful round hand. These copies resembled little flags hanging throughout the classroom, creating a quiet and focused atmosphere among the students.

The emotional atmosphere during the last lesson with M. Hamel was serious and somber. The students, villagers, and M. Hamel himself were affected by the gravity of losing their language and heritage. The tone was solemn, with everyone realizing the importance of their mother tongue only at the moment of its loss. While feelings of nostalgia and reflection were present, the overall mood was marked by seriousness and sadness.

The blacksmith's comment, calling out to the protagonist to slow down and not rush to school, prompted the protagonist to quicken their pace.

The presence of the village people, including the former mayor and postmaster, in the classroom alongside the students symbolized a sense of community involvement in education. This sight reflected a shared interest in the school's activities and a connection between the school and the local community.