The first lesson in the Flamingo textbook for Class 12
English, titled "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet, includes
several questions under different sections: Think As You Read, Understanding
the Text, Talking About the Text etc. We from chandraststudyroom giving you answers to all the questions from the
NCERT textbook for this chapter, based on the latest CBSE syllabus (2024-25). We are also giving you some extra question which are not in the textbook but important for the examination point of view. The answers are concise yet comprehensive, tailored to help you understand the
concepts and prepare for exams.
Think As You Read (Textbook Page 7)
Q1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school
that day?
Answer: Franz was expected to be prepared with the lesson on
participles, as his teacher, M. Hamel, had announced that he would question the
class on this topic. Franz, however, did not know anything about participles.
Q2. What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school
that day?
Answer: Franz noticed that the school was unusually quiet,
like a Sunday morning. There was no usual bustle of opening and closing desks,
repeating lessons in unison, or the teacher’s ruler rapping on the table. His
classmates were already in their places, and the village elders were seated at
the back of the classroom.
Q3. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
Answer: The bulletin-board displayed an order from Berlin
stating that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine,
and French would no longer be taught. This marked the end of French lessons in
the region.
Q4. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school
that day?
Answer: The order from Berlin caused significant changes: it
was the last French lesson, taught by M. Hamel, who was leaving the next day.
The school was unusually quiet, the village elders attended the class to pay
respect, and Franz felt regret for not learning French earlier. M. Hamel taught
with great passion, emphasizing the importance of the French language.
Understanding the Text (Textbook Page 9)
Q1. The people in this story suddenly realize how precious
their language is to them. What shows you this? Why does this happen?
Answer: The realization of the preciousness of their
language is shown through several instances: the villagers’ presence in the
classroom, the silence replacing the usual bustle, M. Hamel’s emotional praise
of French as the most beautiful language, and Franz’s regret for not learning
it earlier. This happens because the order from Berlin to stop teaching French
makes them aware of losing their linguistic identity, which is tied to their
culture and freedom. M. Hamel’s statement that language is the “key to their
prison” for enslaved people further highlights this.
Q2. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even
the pigeons?” What could this mean?
Answer: Franz’s thought reflects his realization that the
Prussians can impose German on humans but cannot control nature, like pigeons.
It symbolizes the limits of human authority and suggests that the French
people’s love for their language and culture cannot be fully suppressed, as
natural instincts (like a pigeon’s cooing) remain free. It also expresses
Franz’s frustration and sorrow over the forced imposition of a foreign
language.
Some extra questions:
Write the character Sketch of Franz. (80 words)
Franz, the young narrator of The Last Lesson, is a relatable
student who initially takes his French lessons lightly, preferring outdoor
activities over studies. His fear of M. Hamel’s strictness and unpreparedness
for participles reveal his carefree nature. However, the announcement of the
last French lesson transforms him. He feels deep regret for neglecting his
language and develops a newfound appreciation for it, symbolizing the awakening
of cultural pride and maturity in the face of loss.
Write the character Sketch of M. Hamel. (80 words)
M. Hamel, the dedicated French teacher in The Last Lesson,
is strict yet passionate about his profession. His emotional delivery during
the final lesson reveals his deep love for the French language, which he calls
the “most beautiful.” Dressed in his best attire, he teaches with patience and
pride, despite the pain of leaving. Blaming himself and others for neglecting
French, M. Hamel symbolizes patriotism and the role of educators in preserving
cultural identity.
Explain the significance of the title The Last Lesson in the
context of cultural identity.
The title The Last Lesson holds profound significance in the
context of cultural identity. It refers to the final French lesson taught by M.
Hamel in Alsace after the Prussian order to teach only German. The lesson
becomes a poignant symbol of the impending loss of the French language, a key
element of the region’s cultural identity. Franz’s realization of its value and
M. Hamel’s emotional praise of French as the “most beautiful” language
underscore how language preserves heritage. The title thus highlights the
tragedy of cultural erosion under oppression.
I think these answers will satisfy all your needs. Stay connected with us and enjoy learning.
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