Chapter 1: The Last Lesson
Author: Alphonse Daudet
Summary
The Last Lesson is a poignant story set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-
71), in which France was defeated by Prussia (now part of Germany). The story explores themes
of nationalism, language, and loss of freedom.
The story is narrated by Franz, a young schoolboy from the French region of Alsace. He is on
his way to school, worried because he hasn’t studied the rules of participles in French and
expects a scolding from his teacher, M. Hamel. As he walks to school, Franz notices unusual
stillness in the village. The atmosphere feels tense, and he notices a crowd gathered near the
town hall bulletin board, where news and orders from the Prussian authorities are posted.
When he reaches his school, Franz is surprised by the quiet, serious environment in the
classroom. Usually, there would be a lot of noise, but on this day, there is a strange silence. He
sees villagers, including the old blacksmith, Hauser, sitting quietly on the benches. Franz
wonders why they have come to school.
M. Hamel then announces that this will be their "last lesson" in French. An order has come from
Berlin, stating that only German will be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This is
their final class in French, and after today, M. Hamel will no longer be their teacher. This news
shocks Franz, who suddenly regrets not taking his studies seriously. He realizes the importance
of his native language and feels a deep sense of loss and guilt for not learning it better.
M. Hamel’s demeanor in the classroom is unusually kind and solemn. He speaks about the
beauty of the French language and its significance, describing it as the most "beautiful language
in the world" and urging the students to hold on to their identity and language even when they
are forbidden to use it.
He explains to the villagers and students how they have all been responsible for neglecting their
language. M. Hamel talks about how people often postponed learning, assuming there would
always be time, but now they face the reality that they will lose the ability to learn and use their
native language freely.
As the lesson comes to an end, M. Hamel, overcome with emotion, writes "Vive La France!" on
the blackboard, which means "Long live France!" His words reflect his pride and love for his
country and language, despite the control imposed by the Prussian authorities.
The story ends with M. Hamel, visibly moved, dismissing the class with a gesture, signifying the
end of an era.
Author: Alphonse Daudet
Summary
The Last Lesson is a poignant story set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-
71), in which France was defeated by Prussia (now part of Germany). The story explores themes
of nationalism, language, and loss of freedom.
The story is narrated by Franz, a young schoolboy from the French region of Alsace. He is on
his way to school, worried because he hasn’t studied the rules of participles in French and
expects a scolding from his teacher, M. Hamel. As he walks to school, Franz notices unusual
stillness in the village. The atmosphere feels tense, and he notices a crowd gathered near the
town hall bulletin board, where news and orders from the Prussian authorities are posted.
When he reaches his school, Franz is surprised by the quiet, serious environment in the
classroom. Usually, there would be a lot of noise, but on this day, there is a strange silence. He
sees villagers, including the old blacksmith, Hauser, sitting quietly on the benches. Franz
wonders why they have come to school.
M. Hamel then announces that this will be their "last lesson" in French. An order has come from
Berlin, stating that only German will be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This is
their final class in French, and after today, M. Hamel will no longer be their teacher. This news
shocks Franz, who suddenly regrets not taking his studies seriously. He realizes the importance
of his native language and feels a deep sense of loss and guilt for not learning it better.
M. Hamel’s demeanor in the classroom is unusually kind and solemn. He speaks about the
beauty of the French language and its significance, describing it as the most "beautiful language
in the world" and urging the students to hold on to their identity and language even when they
are forbidden to use it.
He explains to the villagers and students how they have all been responsible for neglecting their
language. M. Hamel talks about how people often postponed learning, assuming there would
always be time, but now they face the reality that they will lose the ability to learn and use their
native language freely.
As the lesson comes to an end, M. Hamel, overcome with emotion, writes "Vive La France!" on
the blackboard, which means "Long live France!" His words reflect his pride and love for his
country and language, despite the control imposed by the Prussian authorities.
The story ends with M. Hamel, visibly moved, dismissing the class with a gesture, signifying the
end of an era.
