“The Last Lesson” Class 12 English Extra Questions and Previous Years CBSE Board Exam Questions: As you prepare for your upcoming exams, we understand the importance of thorough revision and comprehensive study materials. Here we have compiled a set of extra questions specifically designed to help you excel in your Class 12 English Board examination. So, enjoy the free resources here and unlock your academic success!
‘The Last Lesson’ Extra Questions
Previous Years Board and SQP Questions (2022 – 2023)
Q.1 The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidences from the text. [CBSE 2023]
Ans. In “The Last Lesson” the author reflects on the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Here are some evidences from the text to support this assertion:
- In the story, the people of Alsace neglected their own language and culture in favour of the conqueror’s language and culture. This shows a lack of pride and respect for their own heritage, which ultimately left them vulnerable to the loss of their language and culture.
- The character of M. Hamel, the schoolmaster, also reflects on the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. He laments that he himself was too comfortable with the status quo and did not do more to teach the students their own language and culture. This shows the flaw of complacency, where people become too comfortable and do not take action to preserve what is important.
- The fact that the people of Alsace did not realize the value of their language and culture until it was too late also reflects on the flaws in human character. This shows a lack of foresight and appreciation for what is truly important.
In conclusion, “The Last Lesson” reflects on the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. The neglect of their own language and culture, complacency, and lack of foresight and appreciation for what is truly important are all factors that contributed to their unfortunate situation.
Another Answer:
“The Last Lesson” reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. The evidence from the text includes:
- Lack of appreciation for cultural heritage: The suppression of the French language in schools demonstrates a disregard for the people’s unique identity.
- Complacency and indifference: The protagonist’s initial disregard for French lessons reflects a lack of appreciation for their significance.
- Lack of unity and resistance: The absence of organized efforts to resist the imposition of German suggests a flaw in their character, such as a lack of courage or willingness to fight for their rights.
- Reflection of broader societal flaws: The story reveals the consequences of political conflicts and highlights flaws like power hunger, nationalism, and disregard for diversity.
In summary, the story portrays how the flaws in human character, including a lack of appreciation, complacency, indifference, lack of unity, and broader societal flaws, contribute to the sad plight of the people in Alsace.
Q.2. What did M. Hamel say about the language and its importance? [2022]
Ans. M. Hamel said, “The French language was the most beautiful language in the world — the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it, because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison.”
Q.3. Whom did M. Hamel blame for the ignorance in studies and why? [2022]
Ans. M. Hamel blamed parents for their children’s failure to study, claiming that their parents wanted their children to work on the farm in order to earn money. He also blamed students, their parents, and to some extent, himself too for Franz’ inability to answer his questions. M. Hamel expressed his deep regret that for various reasons, especially thinking that there was plenty of time to learn, studying French was not given due importance by the adults, let alone the children.
Previous Years Board and SQP Questions (before 2022)
Q.1. Why was the order from Berlin called a thunderclap by Franz? [CBSE 202-21]
Ans. The order from Berlin was called a thunderclap by Franz because it was a shock for him to know that the study of the French language had been prohibited in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. They would henceforth start teaching German. He would be deprived of the opportunity of learning his mother tongue – ‘French’. This also meant that it would be his last French lesson with M. Hamel.
Q.2. At the end of his last lesson, M. Hamel decides to leave a little note for each of his students for them to find the next day at their desks. Based on your reading of the story, what might his note to Franz read?
You may begin like this:
Dear Franz,
I know you have always preferred to run in the open fields … [CBSE SQP 2021]
Ans.
Dear Franz,
I know you have always preferred to run in the open fields, collect bird’s eggs, and spend time in nature. But I want you to know that I am proud of you for coming to class today, even though you were late. You know, I have been teaching for forty years, and this is the first time I have ever had to give a last lesson. It is a sad day for me, but I am also glad that I had the opportunity to teach you and the other children in this class.
I know that you have not always been the most enthusiastic student, but I have always seen your potential. You are a bright boy, and you have a natural curiosity about the world around you. I believe that you can achieve great things, if you only set your mind to it.
Today, I want to remind you of the importance of learning your mother tongue. French is a beautiful language, and it is a part of our heritage. It is important that we do not forget our language, even though we are now living under German rule.
I know that it is not easy to learn a new language, but I urge you to try your best. Learning German will open up new opportunities for you, but it is important that you do not forget your French. Your French is a part of who you are, and it is something that you should cherish.
I know that you will do great things in the future, Franz. I believe in you.
Vive La France!
Sincerely,
M. Hamel
Q.3. Comment on the significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s classroom. [CBSE SQP, 2020-21]
OR: Why did the elders of the village attend the last lesson? [Delhi, 2020-21]
Ans. The significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s classroom is that they are showing their respect for the teacher and for the French language. The villagers had not always been supportive of M. Hamel or of education in general. But now that the French language is being taken away from them, they realize how important it is. They are sitting at the back of the classroom, as if they are students themselves, to show that they are learning from M. Hamel and that they value what he has to teach.
The villagers’ presence in the classroom also symbolizes the importance of community. They are coming together to support each other and to show that they will not forget their French heritage. Even though they are now living under German rule, they are determined to preserve their culture and their language.
The villagers’ actions are a reminder that education is important, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. When we learn about our history and our culture, we become stronger and more resilient. We are better able to defend ourselves against those who would try to take away our freedom.
The villagers’ actions are also a reminder that it is never too late to learn. Even though the villagers had not always been supportive of education, they are now willing to learn from M. Hamel. They are showing that it is never too late to change our minds and to embrace new ideas.
The villagers’ actions are a powerful statement about the importance of education, community, and perseverance. They are a reminder that we should never take our freedom for granted and that we should always be willing to learn and to grow.
Short Answer:
The significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s classroom is that they are showing their support and respect for the French language. They are also showing their support for M. Hamel, who has been a dedicated teacher for many years. They are also showing their regret for not taking education more seriously when they were younger.
The fact that the villagers are sitting at the back of the classroom shows that they are humble and respectful. They know that they are not as educated as the children, but they are still interested in learning about their language and their culture.
The villagers’ presence in M. Hamel’s classroom is a reminder of the importance of education and of the power of language.
It is also a reminder that even in the face of oppression, people can still find ways to express their culture and their identity.
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Q.4. Educating children is the responsibility of society. Justify the statement in view of “The Last lesson”. [2021]
Ans. This statement holds true. The involvement of society and adults is crucial in inspiring young learners to prioritize education. Having experienced this stage themselves, they can provide guidance based on their own experiences. This aspect is evident in Alphonse Daudet’s story “The Last Lesson.” The narrative revolves around Franz, a boy who initially viewed his studies as burdensome, and M. Hamel, a teacher who initially treated the noble profession of teaching as a joke. However, towards the end of the story, it was M. Hamel who instilled a sense of regret in Franz’s mind for not taking the French language seriously. M. Hamel praised the language as the most logical and clear, motivating Franz to appreciate it and devote his complete and undivided attention to the Last Lesson.
The story of “The Last Lesson” is a reminder that educating children is not just the responsibility of parents. It is also the responsibility of society as a whole. When a society neglects its children’s education, it is neglecting its own future.
Q.5. How is the mother tongue important to a person? What does M. Hamel, the teacher say about it? [Delhi, 2020]
Ans. The mother tongue is important to a person because it is the language that they learn first and the language that is most closely associated with their identity and culture. It is the language that they use to express their thoughts and feelings, to connect with their family and friends, and to learn about the world around them.
In the story “The Last Lesson,” M. Hamel, the teacher, emphasizes the importance of the mother tongue by saying, “A language is the treasure of a people.” He argues that the French language is a beautiful and important language, and that it is essential for the French people to preserve it. He also reminds the students that their mother tongue is a part of who they are, and that it is something that they should cherish.
The importance of the mother tongue is also evident in the way that the villagers in the story react to the news that M. Hamel’s school is being closed. Many of the villagers come to M. Hamel’s classroom to listen to his final lesson, and they are visibly upset when he tells them that they will no longer be able to learn French. This shows that the villagers understand the importance of the mother tongue, and that they are reluctant to see it disappear.
In today’s world, where many people are bilingual or multilingual, it is easy to forget the importance of the mother tongue. However, the story “The Last Lesson” reminds us that the mother tongue is a valuable asset that should be cherished and preserved.
If you are fortunate enough to know your mother tongue, make sure to cherish it and use it often. It is a gift that you should never take for granted.
Q.6. The order from Berlin created a great enthusiasm in the school. Comment. [2020]
Ans. The order from Berlin brought a sense of shock and surprise in the class. They were all dumbstruck. As per the order, this was the last French class. However, it also aroused zeal and patriotism in the hearts of the residents of Alsace and Lorraine. Most of the villagers came to attend the school after the order; they wanted to say good-bye to their beloved teacher M. Hamel. The order made them serious.
Long Answer:
The order from Berlin, which stated that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, created a great enthusiasm in the school. This was because the students realized that this was their last chance to learn French from their beloved teacher, M. Hamel.
The students were all very attentive in class that day. They listened carefully to M. Hamel’s lesson and took notes. They were also eager to participate in the activities, such as writing French words on the board and reciting French poems.
The villagers also came to the school that day to hear M. Hamel’s last lesson. They sat in the back of the classroom and listened attentively. They were all very proud of their children for learning French, and they were sad to see that the language would no longer be taught in the schools.
The order from Berlin created a great sense of urgency among the students and villagers. They knew that this was their last chance to learn French, and they were determined to make the most of it. They were all very enthusiastic about learning the language, and they were determined to never forget it.
The order from Berlin also served as a reminder of the importance of language and culture. It showed how easily a language can be lost, and it taught the villagers the value of preserving their heritage. The last French lesson was a moving and powerful experience for everyone involved, and it is a story that is still relevant today.
Q.7. How did M. Hamel make his last lesson a special one? What did he emphasize in it on? [Delhi, 2019]
Ans. M. Hamel made his last lesson a special one by giving it with utmost devotion and sincerity. He dressed in his best suit and spoke with a grave and gentle tone. He emphasized the importance of the French language, saying that it was the most beautiful, the clearest, and the most logical language in the world. He also said that it was important to guard the language and never forget it, because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison.
He also made the lesson special by giving the students new copies to write, which were written in beautiful round hand with the words “France, Alsace, France, Alsace.” These words looked like little flags floating everywhere in the schoolroom, hung from the rod at the top of the desks.
M. Hamel’s last lesson was a powerful reminder of the importance of language and culture, and the need to fight for them even in the face of oppression.
Q.8. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with” said M. Hamel. Refer to the context and explain what he wanted to convey to his students. [2019]
OR: Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz? [Delhi, 2019]
OR: How were the parents and M. Hamel responsible for the children’s neglect of the French language? [Delhi, 2017]
Ans. M. Hamel was upset that so many of his students did not know how to speak or write French, their native language. He felt that he, the parents, and the students themselves all shared the blame for this.
- M. Hamel felt that he had not done enough to teach his students French. He had sometimes given them holidays when he wanted to go fishing, and he had sent them to water his flowers instead of teaching them their lessons.
- The parents of the students were also to blame. They had put more emphasis on their children learning German, so that they could get better jobs in the German-controlled region.
- Finally, the students themselves were also to blame. They had not taken their education seriously enough. They had often skipped school or talked in class.
M. Hamel’s line “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with” was a way of expressing his regret that so many people in Alsace had neglected their French language and culture. He wanted his students to understand that they had a responsibility to learn their native language and to preserve their heritage.
He also wanted them to understand that it was important to never take their education for granted. They should learn as much as they could, while they still had the chance.
Q.9. Everybody during the last lesson was filled with regret. Comment. [Outside Delhi, 2019]
Ans. Yes, it is true that everybody in the Last Lesson was filled with regret. Even the school appeared solemn and strange as the order had given all a shock. As soon as Franz heard that it was his last lesson of French, he immediately realised the value of learning French, and wished he had done his studies properly. He even wished he had learnt his participles properly. He regretted bunking his classes to search for birds’ eggs and to slide on the Saar.
Mr. Hamel, the teacher regretted that he did not devote all his time in teaching them French. There were times when he had given them a day off as he had gone fishing or he had sent them to water his plants. Now he wished he had utilized each of those moments. The elders were also full of remorse for not sending their children to school. They all wished that they had taken their classes seriously.
Q.10. How different from usual was the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson? [Outside Delhi Set I, 2015]
OR
How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school? [Outside Delhi Set III, 2015]
Ans. The atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson was very different from usual. Usually, the school was a noisy and cheerful place, but on this day, it was very quiet and solemn. The students were all very attentive and serious, and they listened carefully to M. Hamel’s lesson.
There were also a lot of villagers in attendance, which was unusual for a school day. They sat in the back of the classroom and listened attentively to M. Hamel’s lesson. They were all very proud of their children for learning French, and they were sad to see that the language would no longer be taught in the schools.
The atmosphere in the classroom was also very emotional. The students were all feeling a range of emotions, including sadness, regret, and determination. They were sad to see M. Hamel go, and they regretted not having taken their French lessons more seriously. But they were also determined to never forget their language, and they vowed to pass it on to their children.
The last French lesson was a very moving experience for everyone involved. It was a reminder of the importance of language and culture, and it taught the villagers the value of preserving their heritage. The story of the last French lesson is still relevant today, and it is a reminder that we should never take our language or culture for granted.
Q.11. What words did Mr. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did they mean? [2014]
Ans. Mr. Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’. It means Long Live France.
Q.12. Why was Franz not scolded for reaching school late that day? [Delhi, 2015, 2017]
Ans. On reaching the school late that day, Franz was not scolded because the atmosphere in the school was somber. The order had come from Berlin that German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from then on. Everyone was sad that it was going to be their last French lesson. They had limited time and M. Hamel wanted to deliver all he knew at one stroke.
Q.13. Our language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful Mr. Hamel and the village elders are for having neglected their native language, French. [Delhi, 2016]
Ans. In the short story “The Last Lesson”, both Mr. Hamel and the village elders are depicted as being very regretful for having neglected their native language, French. Here are some ways in which their regret is shown:
- Mr. Hamel is described as being particularly sad and serious on the day of the last lesson. Mr. Hamel felt that he had not done enough to teach his students French. He had sometimes given them holidays when he wanted to go fishing, and he had sent them to water his flowers instead of teaching them their lessons.
- The village elders are also shown as being very regretful for having neglected French. When they hear that the order has come to teach only German, they seem to realize the gravity of the situation and wish that they had done more to preserve their language and culture. One of them even says, “We’ve been stupid; we’ve done wrong.”
- The fact that the villagers are all gathered in the classroom on the day of the last lesson is another indication of their regret. They are there to show their support for Mr. Hamel and their appreciation for the importance of French. They are also there to witness the end of an era and to mourn the loss of their language.
Overall, the story portrays a deep sense of regret on the part of Mr. Hamel and the village elders for having neglected their native language. They are proud of their culture and language, and they realize too late the importance of preserving them.
‘The Last Lesson’ Extra Questions
- What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school?
Ans. The order from Berlin stated that only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This caused a great deal of sadness and anger among the people of Alsace-Lorraine, who felt that their culture and language were being threatened. In the school, the mood became somber and quiet, as students and teachers alike realized the significance of this change. - What was the mood in the classroom when M Hamel gave his last French lesson?
Ans. The mood in the classroom was one of sadness, regret, and determination. Students and teachers alike were filled with emotion as they realized that this was the last time, they would be learning French together. M Hamel himself was visibly moved, and he spoke with great passion and eloquence during his lesson. - Who did M Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
Ans. M Hamel blamed the parents for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz. He said that the parents were too quick to send their children to work, and that they did not value education as much as they should. He also said that the children themselves were to blame for their lack of interest in learning, as they often skipped school and played truant. - What did Franz realize when he saw the Prussian soldiers drilling in the woods?
Ans. Franz realized that the Prussian soldiers represented the force that was threatening his culture and language. He saw that they were strong and disciplined, and he knew that they would not hesitate to enforce the order from Berlin. This realization made him even more determined to learn French, so that he could preserve his cultural heritage. - What did, you think, Franz do after M Hamel’s last lesson?
Ans. Franz went home and studied his French books for hours. He realized that he had taken his language and his education for granted, and he was determined to make up for lost time. He also went to the village church and prayed for the preservation of the French language in Alsace-Lorraine. - What is the central theme of the story?
Ans. The central theme of the story is the importance of language and culture. The story shows how the loss of a language can lead to the loss of a culture, and it reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. - How does the story reflect the political situation in Alsace-Lorraine at the time?
Ans. The story reflects the political situation in Alsace-Lorraine at the time by showing how the German government was trying to suppress the French language and culture in the region. The story also shows the resistance of the people of Alsace-Lorraine to this suppression, and their determination to preserve their language and culture. - What is the significance of the title of the story?
Ans. The title of the story, “The Last Lesson,” is significant because it reflects the theme of loss and the importance of memory. The story is about the last time that French will be taught in Franz’s school, and it reminds us of the importance of remembering our past and our heritage. - How does Franz’s attitude towards learning French change throughout the story?
Ans. Franz’s attitude towards learning French changes throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, he is bored and uninterested in learning French. However, after M Hamel gives his last lesson, Franz realizes the importance of learning French and he becomes determined to learn as much as he can. - What is the message of the story?
Ans. The message of the story is that language and culture are important, and that we should never take them for granted. The story also shows the importance of education and the power of one person to make a difference.