The Last Lesson

Introduction:
"The Last Lesson" is a short story written by French author Alphonse Daudet. It is set in the year 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. The story revolves around the theme of the importance of language and the impact of losing one's cultural heritage.

Year of Writing:
The correct answer to the question is option 'B', which states that the story was written in the years 1870-1871.

Explanation:
1. Context of the Story:
- The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War, which took place from 1870 to 1871.
- This war marked a significant historical event in France and had a profound impact on its people.

2. Author's Personal Experience:
- Alphonse Daudet, the author of "The Last Lesson," was a French writer who lived during the 19th century.
- Daudet experienced the effects of the Franco-Prussian War firsthand, as he was living in France at the time.
- He was deeply affected by the war and its consequences, which influenced his writing.

3. Relevance of the War:
- The Franco-Prussian War resulted in the annexation of the region of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany.
- The loss of this region had a significant impact on the French culture and language.
- The story reflects the sentiment of losing one's cultural identity, as the protagonist, Franz, is forced to learn German instead of his beloved French language.

4. Historical Accuracy:
- The story accurately portrays the historical context of the Franco-Prussian War.
- It captures the emotions and struggles of the French people during this period.
- The author's personal experience and the historical accuracy of the story further indicate that it was written around the time of the war, i.e., 1870-1871.

Conclusion:
"The Last Lesson" story was written in the years 1870-1871. This period aligns with the historical context of the Franco-Prussian War, which serves as the backdrop for the story. Alphonse Daudet's personal experience and the accurate portrayal of the war's impact on French culture and language add credibility to the assertion that the story was written during this time.