The Last Lesson is the opening chapter of the Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. Written by Alphonse Daudet, this story is based on the historical setting of the Franco-Prussian War and focuses on language, identity and loss. The chapter tells the story of Franz, a young schoolboy from Alsace, who is about to attend his last French lesson without even realising it. Through the eyes of a child, the writer explores what happens when people lose the right to learn and use their own language.
I’m writing about this chapter because it’s not only important for board exam preparation, but also a deeply emotional story with a powerful message. Many students struggle with literature because they treat it like just another subject. But stories like The Last Lesson connect directly with our emotions and history. They make us reflect on our attitude towards learning. I remember reading this chapter for the first time and feeling a bit guilty about all the times I took language and school for granted. That’s why I feel every student should understand this story not just to score marks, but also to develop respect for their language and education.
Summary of The Last Lesson
The story is set in the 1870s, during the time when the Prussian army had defeated France and taken over the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. The German authorities had ordered that French would no longer be taught in schools of these regions. Instead, only German would be allowed. This sudden change becomes the central theme of the story.
The narrator, Franz, is a schoolboy who usually avoids studying French. On the day of the story, he is running late for school and is scared of being scolded for not learning his grammar. But when he reaches the school, he is surprised by the calm and serious atmosphere. His teacher, M. Hamel, announces that it is the last French lesson they will ever have.
This announcement shocks everyone. Franz, for the first time, regrets not learning his mother tongue seriously. M. Hamel speaks about the importance of one’s own language, calling it the key to freedom. He delivers the lesson with deep emotion, and the people of the village, who have also come to attend the class, sit quietly, full of sadness and guilt.
Important Themes in The Last Lesson
Here are the main ideas explored in the chapter:
- Loss of Language: The story shows how losing the right to speak and learn your own language can feel like losing your identity.
- Patriotism: Learning and respecting one’s own language is a form of love for your country.
- Regret and Realisation: Franz realises the value of French only when it’s taken away from him.
- Education as Empowerment: M. Hamel explains that when people can speak and write their language well, no one can enslave them.
Character Sketches
- Franz: A young boy who slowly realises the value of his language and education.
- M. Hamel: A dedicated teacher who deeply loves his language and country. He represents all those who care about culture and learning.
- Villagers: Their presence in the classroom shows how the whole community is affected by the loss of their language.
Download PDF – NCERT Class 12 Flamingo Chapter 1
You can download the official NCERT PDF of The Last Lesson from this website. Here’s the link:
