CBSE

The Last Lesson Summary – CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo

Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 12 English Textbook – Flamingo includes a prose titled “The Last Lesson.” Prussia defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 and took control of certain French districts, including Alsace. “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet is set during this period. The story revolves around the final day of school in Alsace, highlighting how the students realize the value of freedom they had taken for granted. M. Hamel, the teacher, knows it’s his last class and makes it memorable, instilling a sense of patriotism in his students and everyone present. The story emphasizes the importance of appreciating our freedom.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- The Last Lesson.

CBSE Class 12 English The Last Lesson Summary

The story is narrated by Franz, a student in M. Hamel’s class. One morning, Franz was running late for school. M. Hamel had informed the class that he would be quizzing them on participles that day. Franz considered skipping school for a moment but decided against it and headed to school. On his way, he noticed people gathered around the bulletin board, and he assumed there was bad news, as had often been the case since Prussia had taken over their district of Alsace.

That day felt different from the usual ones, as there was no noise in the classroom. Everything was silent, and instead of scolding him, M. Hamel asked Franz to quickly take his seat. Franz noticed something unusual about his teacher—M. Hamel wasn’t wearing his everyday clothes but had on his special attire, typically reserved for school inspections or prize days. Another strange thing about that day was that many villagers, including the former mayor and the former postmaster, were seated on the back benches, looking sad.

As the class began, M. Hamel announced that this would be his last French lesson, as the Prussians had decreed that French would no longer be taught in schools. Franz felt a sudden wave of regret. He understood that the bad news on the bulletin board was that French lessons were being discontinued. Franz felt sorry for skipping classes and neglecting his studies. He realized that the villagers had come to pay their respects to M. Hamel for his forty years of service as a teacher. Their presence was also a way of honoring their country, which no longer belonged to them.

When it was Franz’s turn to recite, M. Hamel was patient and didn’t scold him. He highlighted the problem in their district: the belief that they always had plenty of time, which led to neglecting their lessons. M. Hamel blamed himself and the parents for prioritizing chores over studies. He emphasized the beauty and importance of the French language, urging them to hold on to it as a key to regaining freedom. M. Hamel also brought new notebooks for the students and decorated the classroom.

Franz found that everything his teacher was explaining was clear and easy to understand. He blamed himself for not paying attention to the lessons earlier. He also learned that M. Hamel was leaving the country. Franz realized how hard it must have been for his teacher to leave a place where he had lived and served for forty years. When the clock struck twelve and the Prussians blew their trumpets, the class ended. M. Hamel, too emotional to speak, wrote ‘Vive La France’ on the blackboard to say goodbye. He then leaned his head against the wall and gestured with his hand to indicate that school was dismissed.

Conclusion of The Last Lesson

At the end of “The Last Lesson,” Franz and the villagers feel deeply sad as they attend their final French class with M. Hamel. They realize how important their language and culture are, now threatened by the Prussian takeover. M. Hamel teaches them a powerful lesson about holding onto their language, which represents their identity and freedom. He ends the class by writing ‘Vive La France’ on the board, showing his love for his country. It’s a touching moment that leaves Franz and everyone deeply moved, realizing the significance of their cultural heritage and education. The story reminds us to appreciate and preserve our cultural heritage and to never take our education for granted.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Prose, “The Last Lesson,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.