THE LAST LESSON BY ALPHONSE DAUDET
INTRODUCTION
The language of any country is the pride of that country. It not only defines the culture but also tells us about the people,literature and history of of the country.Language for some people is just the medium of communication but for others it is the question of life and death.
The Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War, often referred to in France as the 1870 War[7] (19 July 1870 – 10 May 1871) was a conflict between the Second French Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia. Prussia was aided by the North German Confederation, of which it was a member, and the South German states of Baden, Württemberg and Bavaria. The complete Prussian and German victory brought about the final unification of Germany under King Wilhelm I of Prussia. It also marked the downfall of Napoleon III and the end of the Second French Empire, which was replaced by the French Third Republic. As part ofthe settlement, the territory of Alsace-Lorraine was taken by Prussia to become a part of Germany, which it would retain until the end of World War I when it was given back to France in the Treaty of Versaillesath.
'The Last Lesson' very prominently raises the question of linguistic and cultural hegemony of the colonial and imperial powers and their lust for controlling the world and influencing their cultures and identities.
'The Last Lesson' raises the burning question very innocently through the words of little Franz that "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" This raises the question of immorality of imposing imperial languages and cultures on the colonies. The child questions that when even the birds and animals can't be forced to abandon their language and speak others then what forces the man to think that it would be prudent to force other human beings to accept any language other than theirs.
The language of a country is not only a medium of communication for the people but also the link for identity. Once the native language is snatched away from the people, it's not only the loss of convenient communicating medium but also the loss of identity for people for what they have been and what they might become.
When a small child like Franz can think of the irrationality behind snatching away the right of language and identity from people then why can't the war lords and colonizers understand the fact?
GIST OF THE LESSON
-Franz is afraid of going to school as he is late and he has not learnt participles.
-He wants to enjoy beauty of nature. The bright sunshine, the birds chirruping in the woods, Prussian soldiers drilling but resisted.
-Bulletin board: all bad news, lost battles, the drafts and orders of the commanding officers: wondered what it could be now
-The changes he noticed in the school.
1. Instead of noisy classrooms everything was as quiet as Sunday morning
2. The teacher does not scold him and told him very kindly to go to his seat
3. The teacher dressed in his Sunday best.
4. Villagers occupying the last benches- To pay tribute to M. Hamel for his 40 yrs of sincere service and also to express their solidarity with France.
-M. Hamel making the announcement that that would be the last French lesson; realizes that, that was what was put up on the bulletin board.
-Franz realizes that he does not know his own mother tongue
-Regretted why he had not taken his lessons seriously.
-Also realizes the reason why teacher was dressed in his Sunday best and villagers sitting at the back.
-M. Hamel realizes that all three, he himself, the children and the parents are to be blamed for losing respect and regard for the mother tongue.
-Always keep the mother tongue close to your heart as it is the key to the prison of slavery.
-Atmosphere in class: teacher teaching sincerely and patiently, students and others studying with utmost sincerity.
-Franz wonders sarcastically if Prussians could force pigeons to coo in German.
-M. Hamel overcome with emotions could not speak and wrote on the black board “Long Live France”.
Main Characters
1. M. Hamel
• Sincere French teacher
– knows subject well
• Passionate about French
– considers French-clearest, most beautiful, logical
– feels-key to person’s sense of freedom
– advises to hold on to French
• Proud of being French
– upset by occupation of Alsace by Germans
- attached to town, school, people.
• Hard Task Master
– particular about discipline and learning
– students scared
– last day - exercises on all aspects of language
• Sensitive, Honest
– blames himself for selfishness
– emotional by sound of Prussian soldiers
2. Franz
• Sensitive, Honest
– Blames himself for ignoring lessons
– Wonders if pigeons will coo in German
– Understands feelings of Hauser
• Loves outdoors
– Sunshine, birds, butterflies, collecting bird’s eggs.
• As a student
– repents, good observer, notices changes.
• Empathizes with M. Hamel
– Understands emotions, accepts him with faults
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