“English” Notes Chapter 4.5 The Last Lesson Class 9 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 9

(A) Introduction

• “The Last Lesson” is a short story written by Alphonse Daudet.
• It is set in Alsace and Lorraine, two regions in France that were taken over by Prussia (Germany) after the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
• The story highlights the importance of one’s mother tongue and the regret of not learning it earlier.
• The story is told through the eyes of Franz, a young schoolboy, who realizes too late the value of his language and education.

(B) Main Characters

(C) Summary of the Story

1. Franz is Late for School

• Franz, a young schoolboy, is reluctant to go to school because he had not studied participles.
• The weather is pleasant, and he is tempted to skip school and enjoy nature.
• However, he gathers courage and rushes to school, fearing M. Hamel’s scolding.

2. Strange Silence in School

• Franz notices an unusual silence in the school, unlike the usual noise of students talking and desks opening.
• M. Hamel is dressed in his best clothes, which he usually wears only on special days.
• Villagers, including old men, the mayor, and the postmaster, are sitting quietly in the classroom, which surprises Franz.

3. The Shocking News

• M. Hamel announces that this is his last lesson in French because the Prussian government has ordered that only German will be taught in schools in Alsace and Lorraine.
• A new German teacher will arrive the next day.
• Franz realizes why the town hall bulletin board was crowded that morning.

4. Franz’s Regret

• Franz feels guilty for not paying attention in class and for wasting time playing instead of learning French.
• His books and grammar, which once seemed like a burden, now feel like old friends that he does not want to lose.
• He feels sad that he will never hear M. Hamel’s lessons again.

5. M. Hamel’s Emotional Speech

• M. Hamel explains that people often delay learning, thinking they have plenty of time, but now they have lost their language forever.
• He blames parents for not encouraging education and blames himself for sometimes neglecting lessons.
• He tells the class that French is the most beautiful and logical language and that they should never forget it.

6. The Final Lesson

• M. Hamel gives his last French grammar lesson, and for the first time, Franz listens carefully and understands everything.
• The students practice writing “France, Alsace” on their notebooks, showing their love for their country.
• The classroom is silent, except for the sound of pens scratching on paper.

7. The Emotional Ending

• M. Hamel looks around the classroom, as if trying to remember every detail.
• When the church clock strikes twelve, M. Hamel tries to speak but is too emotional.
• He writes “VIVE LA FRANCE!” (Long live France!) on the blackboard, then dismisses the class with a silent gesture.

(D) Important Themes in the Story

1. Love for One’s Language → The story highlights the importance of preserving one’s mother tongue and how language is connected to national identity.
2. Regret for Lost Opportunities → Franz realizes too late that he should have valued his education earlier.
3. Patriotism and National Identity → The villagers and M. Hamel show deep love for their country and language.
4. Effects of War and Colonization → The loss of language shows how wars and foreign rule can erase a nation’s culture.
5. Dedication of Teachers → M. Hamel teaches till the last moment, showing his love for teaching and his students.

(E) Moral of the Story

1. Value Education → We should never take learning for granted, as knowledge is a precious gift.
2. Respect Your Mother Tongue → Language is the identity of a nation, and we must preserve it.
3. Time is Precious → We should not waste time, as opportunities once lost never return.
4. Patriotism and Dedication → M. Hamel teaches us to love and respect our country and culture.