Worksheet Solutions: The Last Lesson | English Class 12 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: M. Hamel taught ________ in the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine.
Ans: French
M. Hamel taught French in the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine, preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

Q2: The Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of ________ in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
Ans: French
The Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, erasing the native language from education.

Q3: Franz was afraid of going to school because he had not learned his lesson on ________.
Ans: participles
Franz was afraid of going to school because he had not learned his lesson on participles, fearing punishment from his teacher.

Q4: The old people of the village sat quietly on the ________ benches.
Ans: back
The old people of the village sat quietly on the back benches, witnessing the last French lesson with sadness.

Q5: M. Hamel wrote on the blackboard, “Vive La ________.”
Ans: France
M. Hamel wrote on the blackboard, “Vive La France,” expressing his love and patriotism for his country and language.

Q6: According to M. Hamel, the French language is the most ________, ________, and ________ language in the world.
Ans: beautiful, clear, logical
According to M. Hamel, the French language is the most beautiful, clear, and logical language in the world, emphasizing its significance.

Q7: M. Hamel advised the students to keep their mother tongue close to their hearts as it is the key to the ________ of slavery.
Ans: prison
M. Hamel advised the students to keep their mother tongue close to their hearts as it is the key to the prison of slavery, highlighting language's power.

Q8: The story is set in the year ________.
Ans: 1870
The story is set in the year 1870, during the time of the Prussian occupation of Alsace and Lorraine.

Q9: Franz realized the importance of ________ on the day of his last French lesson.
Ans: French
Franz realized the importance of French on the day of his last lesson, understanding his cultural connection and heritage.

Q10: M. Hamel was forced to teach the last lesson in French due to an order from ________.
Ans: Berlin
M. Hamel was forced to teach the last lesson in French due to an order from Berlin, reflecting the political influence on education in the region.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Franz dreaded going to school.
Reason: He had not learned his lesson on participles.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Franz's dread of going to school is evident from the text, and the reason stated, his lack of preparation on participles, directly supports this assertion. His fear of facing punishment due to unpreparedness substantiates the reason, making it a correct explanation of the assertion.

Q2: Assertion: M. Hamel wrote on the blackboard, “Vive La France.”
Reason: He wanted to show his love for the French language and his country.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
M. Hamel's act of writing "Vive La France" clearly indicates his love and patriotism for his country. The reason aligns perfectly with the assertion, providing a genuine explanation for his action, making it true and correct.

Q3: Assertion: The Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in Alsace and Lorraine.
Reason: They wanted to suppress the cultural identity of the region.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The Prussian rulers' decision to discontinue French teaching in Alsace and Lorraine is historically accurate. The stated reason, suppressing the cultural identity of the region, aligns perfectly with the action taken. The suppression of language often accompanies the suppression of culture, making this reason a valid explanation for the assertion.

Q4: Assertion: Franz regretted not taking his French lessons seriously earlier.
Reason: He realized the significance of the French language on the day of his last lesson.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Franz's regret is evident from the text when he realizes the importance of the French language on the day of his last lesson. The reason, his newfound understanding of the language's significance, directly explains why he regrets not valuing his French lessons earlier, making it a correct explanation of the assertion.

Q5: Assertion: M. Hamel believed that language is the key to the prison of slavery.
Reason: Language empowers people to express their thoughts and ideas freely, breaking the chains of oppression.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
M. Hamel's statement emphasizes the importance of language in breaking free from oppression, indicating his belief in the power of language. The reason, which explains how language empowers people, aligns perfectly with M. Hamel's assertion. Language indeed enables individuals to express themselves and challenge oppression, making the reason a correct explanation for the assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Why was Franz afraid of going to school?
Ans: Franz was afraid of going to school because he had not learned his lesson on participles.

Q2: What did Franz notice upon reaching school?
Ans: Franz noticed an unusual silence, villagers occupying the back benches, and M. Hamel well dressed.

Q3: What did M. Hamel write on the blackboard?
Ans: M. Hamel wrote, “Vive La France,” on the blackboard.

Q4: Why did the Prussian rulers discontinue the teaching of French in Alsace and Lorraine?
Ans: The Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French to suppress the cultural identity of the region.

Q5: According to M. Hamel, what is the French language?
Ans: According to M. Hamel, the French language is the most beautiful, clear, and logical language in the world.

Q6: Why did M. Hamel dress in his fine Sunday clothes?
Ans: M. Hamel dressed in his fine Sunday clothes because it was the last lesson in French, and he wanted to show his respect for his language and country.

Q7: What did Franz realize on the day of his last French lesson?
Ans: Franz realized the importance of the French language on the day of his last lesson and regretted not taking it seriously earlier.

Q8: Why did M. Hamel advise the students to keep their mother tongue close to their hearts?
Ans: M. Hamel advised the students to keep their mother tongue close to their hearts as it is the key to the prison of slavery.

Q9: What happened to the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine during the story?
Ans: The French districts of Alsace and Lorraine went into Prussian hands, and the teaching of French was discontinued in schools.

Q10: Who issued the order to discontinue French teaching in Alsace and Lorraine?
Ans: The order to discontinue French teaching in Alsace and Lorraine was issued by Berlin.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Why was M. Hamel dressed in his fine Sunday clothes on that day?
Ans: M. Hamel dressed in his fine Sunday clothes because it was the last French lesson. He wanted to show his respect for his language and country, knowing that the Prussian rulers had ordered the discontinuation of French teaching in Alsace and Lorraine.

Q2: How did Franz react when he realized that the day's lesson would be the last lesson in French?
Ans: Franz regretted not taking his French lessons seriously earlier. He understood the significance of the French language on that day and realized why M. Hamel and the villagers looked sad. He deeply felt the loss of his language and culture.

Q3: What message did M. Hamel convey about the importance of language?
Ans: M. Hamel emphasized that the French language is the most beautiful, clear, and logical language in the world. He advised the students to keep their mother tongue close to their hearts as it is the key to breaking free from the chains of oppression and slavery.

Q4: How did the Prussian rulers suppress the cultural identity of Alsace and Lorraine?
Ans: The Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. They asked French teachers to leave, and the French language was replaced with German. By doing so, they suppressed the cultural identity of the region, erasing the French language and its cultural significance.

Q5: Why did Franz fear going to school that day?
Ans: Franz feared going to school because he had not learned his lesson on participles. He anticipated punishment from M. Hamel, whom he dreaded.

Q6: What made Franz realize the importance of the French language?
Ans: Franz realized the importance of the French language on the day of his last lesson when he understood that it was the last opportunity to learn his native language. Seeing M. Hamel's devotion and the villagers' sadness, he deeply regretted not valuing his language earlier.

Q7: How did the villagers react to the last French lesson?
Ans: The villagers sat quietly on the back benches, displaying a somber demeanor. They attended the last French lesson to pay their respects to their language and the teacher, M. Hamel.

Q8: Why did M. Hamel write, “Vive La France,” on the blackboard?
Ans: M. Hamel wrote, “Vive La France,” on the blackboard to express his love for his language and his country, France. It was his way of emphasizing the significance of the French language and culture in the face of suppression.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the impact of the Prussian rulers' decision to discontinue teaching French in Alsace and Lorraine on the cultural identity of the region.
Ans: The Prussian rulers' decision to discontinue teaching French in Alsace and Lorraine had a significant impact on the cultural identity of the region. French had been the predominant language in the area for centuries, and it was deeply intertwined with the local culture, traditions, and way of life. By discontinuing the teaching of French, the Prussian rulers aimed to suppress the French influence and enforce their own German culture and language. This decision not only disrupted the linguistic balance but also threatened the cultural heritage and identity of the region. The local population felt a sense of loss and alienation as their language, which played a crucial role in defining their identity, was being marginalized. The discontinuation of teaching French resulted in a gradual erosion of the French language and its associated cultural practices, leading to a transformation in the cultural identity of Alsace and Lorraine.

Q2: Reflect on the transformation of Franz's understanding of the French language throughout the story.
Ans: Throughout the story, Franz's understanding of the French language undergoes a transformation. Initially, he is shown as an indifferent student who does not appreciate the value of learning French. He considers it a burden and resents having to attend school. However, as the story progresses and he realizes that it is the last French lesson, he starts to pay attention and becomes more engaged. He notices the beauty of the French language and regrets not having taken it seriously before. Franz's perspective shifts from seeing French as a chore to recognizing its importance as a part of his cultural heritage. By the end of the story, his understanding of the French language deepens, and he realizes the significance of preserving and cherishing it.

Q3: Discuss the role of M. Hamel as a teacher in the story, emphasizing his dedication and love for the French language.
Ans: M. Hamel plays a crucial role as a teacher in the story, and his dedication and love for the French language are evident throughout. Despite knowing that it is his last day as a teacher, he conducts the lesson with utmost sincerity and passion. M. Hamel's love for the French language is palpable in the way he teaches, emphasizing its beauty and importance. He encourages his students to value their language and heritage, reminding them that language is the key to their freedom. Despite facing the threat of Germanization, M. Hamel remains steadfast in his commitment to teaching French and instilling a sense of pride in his students. His dedication is evident in his willingness to continue teaching until the last moment, despite the difficult circumstances. M. Hamel serves as an inspiring figure, symbolizing the power of education and the unwavering love for one's language and culture.

Q4: How does the story "The Last Lesson" highlight the universal importance of language in preserving cultural heritage and identity?
Ans: "The Last Lesson" highlights the universal importance of language in preserving cultural heritage and identity through its depiction of the impact of language suppression on a community. The story showcases the consequences of discontinuing the teaching of French on the cultural fabric of Alsace and Lorraine. It illustrates how language is not merely a means of communication but a vital part of a community's identity. The discontinuation of teaching French threatens the cultural heritage of the region, causing a loss of identity and a sense of alienation among the local population. The story emphasizes that language is an integral part of a community's history, traditions, and way of life. It serves as a vehicle for preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations. By showcasing the consequences of language suppression, the story underscores the universal importance of language in maintaining cultural diversity, heritage, and identity.

Passage Based Questions

“When I passed the town hall there was a crowd in front of the bulletin-board. For the last two years all our bad news had come from there — the lost battles, the draft, the orders of the commanding officer — and I thought to myself, without stopping, ‘What can be the matter now?’ Then, as I hurried by as fast as I could go, the blacksmith, Wachter, who was there with his apprentice, reading the bulletin, called after me, ‘Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of time!’ I thought he was making fun of me, and reached M. Hamel’s little garden all out of breath.”

Q1: What was the narrator’s reaction to seeing the crowd in front of the bulletin-board?
A. He stopped to read the news
B. He felt relieved
C. He ignored it completely
D. He was curious but kept walking
Ans: D. He was curious but kept walking
The narrator wondered what the news could be but didn’t stop to find out and continued on his way to school.

Q2: Why did the narrator think Wachter was making fun of him?
Ans: The narrator thought Wachter was making fun of him because of the tone in which Wachter spoke and the unexpected nature of his comment. The narrator was already anxious about being late, and Wachter’s remark seemed sarcastic to him.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
Wachter told the narrator that he would get to school in ______________(plenty / short) time.
Ans: plenty

Q4: What significance did the bulletin-board have for the townspeople?
Ans: The bulletin-board was significant because it was the source of all the bad news the townspeople had received over the past two years, such as lost battles, the draft, and orders from the commanding officer. It symbolized the ongoing hardships and changes brought by the war.

2. Read the given extract and answer the following question

“But nothing happened. M. Hamel saw me and said very kindly, ‘Go to your place quickly, little Franz. We were beginning without you.’ I jumped over the bench and sat down at my desk. Not till then, when I had got a little over my fright, did I see that our teacher had on his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and the little black silk cap, all embroidered, that he never wore except on inspection and prize days. Besides, the whole school seemed so strange and solemn. But the thing that surprised me most was to see, on the back benches that were always empty, the village people sitting quietly like ourselves.”

Q1: What surprised the narrator most about the school on that day?
A. The noise in the classroom
B. The absence of the teacher
C. The presence of village people in the back benches
D. The decorations in the classroom
Ans: C. The presence of village people in the back benches
The narrator was surprised to see the usually empty back benches filled with village people, which was unusual and made the atmosphere seem strange and solemn.

Q2: How did M. Hamel react when the narrator arrived late to class?
Ans: M. Hamel reacted kindly and gently when the narrator arrived late, asking him to quickly take his seat. This was different from the stern reaction the narrator expected, which contributed to the unusual atmosphere in the classroom that day.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
M. Hamel was wearing a ______________(simple / beautiful) green coat, his frilled shirt, and a little black silk cap.
Ans: beautiful

Q4: Why did the narrator feel a sense of fear and embarrassment when he entered the classroom?
Ans: The narrator felt fear and embarrassment because he was late and expected to be scolded. Additionally, the unusually quiet and solemn atmosphere in the classroom, combined with the presence of village elders, made him even more anxious.

3. Read the given extract and answer the following question

“While I was wondering about it all, M. Hamel mounted his chair, and, in the same grave and gentle tone which he had used to me, said, ‘My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.’ What a thunderclap these words were to me! Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write! I should never learn any more!”

Q1: What shocking news did M. Hamel deliver to the class?
A. The school was closing permanently
B. He was resigning from his position
C. This was their last French lesson
D. There would be no more exams
Ans: C. This was their last French lesson
M. Hamel informed the class that this would be their last French lesson because the order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

Q2: How did the narrator feel when he realized this was the last French lesson?
Ans: The narrator felt a deep sense of regret and sorrow when he realized it was the last French lesson. He was suddenly aware of how little he knew and felt remorseful for not paying more attention to his studies. The importance of his language and education hit him hard, making him wish he had appreciated his lessons more.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
M. Hamel’s announcement felt like a ______________(thunderclap / whisper) to the narrator.
Ans: thunderclap

Q4: Why did the narrator suddenly feel a strong attachment to his French lessons and books?

Ans: The narrator suddenly felt a strong attachment to his French lessons and books because he realized that he might never have the chance to learn French again. The knowledge that this was the end of his education in his native language made him regret not taking it more seriously before, and he felt a sense of loss for the opportunities he had taken for granted.