Flamingo (NCERT Class 12 English)
Complete Guide with Summaries, Q&A, Grammar, and
More
1. The Last Lesson
Summary
Set during the Franco-Prussian war, the story revolves around Franz, a
French schoolboy, and his teacher M. Hamel. The Prussian order
mandates that only German be taught in schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. On the last day of French lessons, Franz realizes the
importance of his mother tongue and feels regret for not learning it
earlier. M. Hamel delivers a heartfelt lesson, emphasizing the value of
language and patriotism.
Key Themes
Love for one’s language
Patriotism
Regret and realization
Impact of war on common people
Character Sketch
Franz: A young, carefree boy who matures by the end of the
story.
M. Hamel: Dedicated, passionate French teacher, proud of his
language.
Important Q&A
Short Q: Why was Franz afraid to go to school?
A: He hadn’t prepared his lesson on participles and feared M. Hamel’s
scolding.
Long Q: Discuss the significance of the last lesson.
A: The last lesson symbolizes the loss of linguistic and cultural identity.
It highlights the importance of one’s mother tongue and the pain of
losing it due to political changes.
, 2. Lost Spring
Summary
This chapter presents the struggles of two children, Saheb (a ragpicker
in Seemapuri) and Mukesh (a bangle maker in Firozabad). Both are
trapped in poverty and child labour, deprived of education and
childhood joys.
Key Themes
Child labour
Poverty and exploitation
Lost childhood
Character Sketch
Saheb: Innocent, curious, dreams of a better life.
Mukesh: Determined, aspires to become a motor mechanic.
Important Q&A
Short Q: What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps?
A: Gold, i.e., anything valuable to support his family.
Long Q: How does the author portray the plight of bangle makers?
A: The author shows their hazardous working conditions, poverty, and
the generational curse of child labour.
3. Deep Water
Summary
William Douglas recounts his childhood fear of water and how he
overcame it through determination and perseverance. The story
inspires readers to face and conquer their fears.
Key Themes
Overcoming fear
Courage and determination
Perseverance
, Character Sketch
William Douglas: Courageous, determined, persistent in
overcoming his phobia.
Important Q&A
Short Q: What incident made Douglas fear water?
A: He was pushed into the YMCA pool by a big boy.
Long Q: How did Douglas overcome his fear?
A: He hired an instructor and practiced rigorously until he mastered
swimming and conquered his fear.
4. The Rattrap
Summary
A vagabond who sells rattraps is welcomed by an old crofter, then
steals his money. He later finds himself trapped in a metaphorical
rattrap at the ironmaster’s house, but is redeemed by the kindness of
Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter.
Key Themes
Human compassion and redemption
The world as a rattrap (metaphor)
Trust and betrayal
Character Sketch
The Peddler: Poor, cynical, later transformed by kindness.
Edla: Compassionate, empathetic, instrumental in the peddler’s
redemption.
Important Q&A
Short Q: Why did the peddler think the world was a rattrap?
A: He believed people are lured by temptations, just like rats by bait.
Long Q: How did Edla bring about a change in the peddler?
A: Her kindness and trust made him realize his mistakes and choose
honesty.
Complete Guide with Summaries, Q&A, Grammar, and
More
1. The Last Lesson
Summary
Set during the Franco-Prussian war, the story revolves around Franz, a
French schoolboy, and his teacher M. Hamel. The Prussian order
mandates that only German be taught in schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. On the last day of French lessons, Franz realizes the
importance of his mother tongue and feels regret for not learning it
earlier. M. Hamel delivers a heartfelt lesson, emphasizing the value of
language and patriotism.
Key Themes
Love for one’s language
Patriotism
Regret and realization
Impact of war on common people
Character Sketch
Franz: A young, carefree boy who matures by the end of the
story.
M. Hamel: Dedicated, passionate French teacher, proud of his
language.
Important Q&A
Short Q: Why was Franz afraid to go to school?
A: He hadn’t prepared his lesson on participles and feared M. Hamel’s
scolding.
Long Q: Discuss the significance of the last lesson.
A: The last lesson symbolizes the loss of linguistic and cultural identity.
It highlights the importance of one’s mother tongue and the pain of
losing it due to political changes.
, 2. Lost Spring
Summary
This chapter presents the struggles of two children, Saheb (a ragpicker
in Seemapuri) and Mukesh (a bangle maker in Firozabad). Both are
trapped in poverty and child labour, deprived of education and
childhood joys.
Key Themes
Child labour
Poverty and exploitation
Lost childhood
Character Sketch
Saheb: Innocent, curious, dreams of a better life.
Mukesh: Determined, aspires to become a motor mechanic.
Important Q&A
Short Q: What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps?
A: Gold, i.e., anything valuable to support his family.
Long Q: How does the author portray the plight of bangle makers?
A: The author shows their hazardous working conditions, poverty, and
the generational curse of child labour.
3. Deep Water
Summary
William Douglas recounts his childhood fear of water and how he
overcame it through determination and perseverance. The story
inspires readers to face and conquer their fears.
Key Themes
Overcoming fear
Courage and determination
Perseverance
, Character Sketch
William Douglas: Courageous, determined, persistent in
overcoming his phobia.
Important Q&A
Short Q: What incident made Douglas fear water?
A: He was pushed into the YMCA pool by a big boy.
Long Q: How did Douglas overcome his fear?
A: He hired an instructor and practiced rigorously until he mastered
swimming and conquered his fear.
4. The Rattrap
Summary
A vagabond who sells rattraps is welcomed by an old crofter, then
steals his money. He later finds himself trapped in a metaphorical
rattrap at the ironmaster’s house, but is redeemed by the kindness of
Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter.
Key Themes
Human compassion and redemption
The world as a rattrap (metaphor)
Trust and betrayal
Character Sketch
The Peddler: Poor, cynical, later transformed by kindness.
Edla: Compassionate, empathetic, instrumental in the peddler’s
redemption.
Important Q&A
Short Q: Why did the peddler think the world was a rattrap?
A: He believed people are lured by temptations, just like rats by bait.
Long Q: How did Edla bring about a change in the peddler?
A: Her kindness and trust made him realize his mistakes and choose
honesty.
