The Last Lesson Class 12 Questions Answers 2024 have been prepared for the students of class 12 of the CBSE Board with various types of questions prescribed by NCERT in the ‘Flamingo’ Textbook in English for Class XII (Core Course).
Summary of The Last Lesson Class 12
“The Last Lesson” is a poignant tale set in a small Alsace village under Prussian rule in France. It revolves around young Franz, narrating the last French lesson by his beloved teacher, M. Hamel. The Prussians had mandated teaching German, threatening the French identity.
In a heartfelt class, M. Hamel educates about the beauty of the French language, history, and their lost freedom. Franz regrets his prior indifference towards learning. The emotional lesson concludes with M. Hamel leaving a lasting message for the students, emphasizing the importance of their heritage and the love for their language.
The story captures the impact of cultural oppression on a community’s identity, showcasing the value of language and education. It highlights the regret of neglecting one’s heritage and serves as a poignant reminder to cherish and preserve one’s culture amidst adversity. “The Last Lesson” remains a timeless reflection on the significance of language, cultural pride, and the enduring power of education.
Translation
“द लास्ट लेसन” फ्रांस में प्रशिया शासन के तहत एक छोटे से अलसैस गांव में स्थापित एक मार्मिक कहानी है। यह युवा फ्रांज के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है, जो अपने प्रिय शिक्षक एम. हैमेल द्वारा आखिरी फ्रांसीसी पाठ का वर्णन करता है। प्रशियावासियों ने फ्रांसीसी पहचान को खतरे में डालते हुए जर्मन पढ़ाना अनिवार्य कर दिया था।
एक हार्दिक कक्षा में, एम. हैमेल फ्रांसीसी भाषा की सुंदरता, इतिहास और उनकी खोई हुई स्वतंत्रता के बारे में शिक्षा देते हैं। फ्रांज को सीखने के प्रति अपनी पूर्व उदासीनता पर पछतावा है। भावनात्मक पाठ एम. हैमेल द्वारा छात्रों के लिए एक स्थायी संदेश छोड़ने के साथ समाप्त होता है, जिसमें उनकी विरासत के महत्व और उनकी भाषा के प्रति प्रेम पर जोर दिया गया है।
कहानी एक समुदाय की पहचान पर सांस्कृतिक उत्पीड़न के प्रभाव को दर्शाती है, भाषा और शिक्षा के मूल्य को दर्शाती है। यह किसी की विरासत की उपेक्षा के अफसोस को उजागर करता है और प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के बीच किसी की संस्कृति को संजोने और संरक्षित करने के लिए एक मार्मिक अनुस्मारक के रूप में कार्य करता है। “द लास्ट लेसन” भाषा के महत्व, सांस्कृतिक गौरव और शिक्षा की स्थायी शक्ति पर एक कालातीत प्रतिबिंब बना हुआ है।
The moral story of ‘The Last Lesson’
The moral lesson in “The Last Lesson” is to cherish one’s cultural heritage and language. It reminds us not to take education for granted, highlighting the value of learning and preserving our identity, especially in challenging times. The story prompts appreciation for one’s roots, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride and the enduring significance of language in shaping our sense of self and community.
Translation
“द लास्ट लेसन” में नैतिक पाठ अपनी सांस्कृतिक विरासत और भाषा को संजोना है। यह हमें शिक्षा को हल्के में न लेने की याद दिलाता है, सीखने के मूल्य पर प्रकाश डालता है और हमारी पहचान को संरक्षित करता है, खासकर चुनौतीपूर्ण समय में। कहानी किसी की जड़ों के प्रति सराहना को प्रेरित करती है, सांस्कृतिक गौरव के महत्व और स्वयं और समुदाय की हमारी भावना को आकार देने में भाषा के स्थायी महत्व पर जोर देती है।
Q3 The Last Lesson Class 12 Multiple Choice Questions Answers Extract Based 1
Read the extract carefully and choose the correct option
A.Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes, and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in the back of the room. It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone to school more. It was their way of thanking our master for his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.
i Why does the narrator refer to M. Hamel as ‘Poor man!’?
a) He empathizes with M. Hamel as he had to leave the village.
b) He believes that M. Hamel’s “fine Sunday clothes” clearly reflected that he was not rich.
c) He feels sorry for M. Hamel as it was his last French lesson.
d) He thinks that M. Hamel’s patriotism and sense of duty resulted in his poverty.
Ans: c) He feels sorry for M. Hamel as it was his last French lesson.
ii Which of the following idioms might describe the villagers’ act of attending the last lesson most accurately?
a) ‘Too good to miss’
b) ‘Too little, too late’
c) ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’
d) ‘Too cool for school’
Ans: b) ‘Too little, too late’
iii Choose the option that might raise a question about M. Hamel’s “faithful service”.
a) When Franz came late, M. Hamel told him that he was about to begin class without him. b) Franz mentioned how cranky M. Hamel was and his “great ruler rapping on the table”.
c) M. Hamel often sent students to water his flowers, and gave a holiday when he wanted to go fishing.
d) M. Hamel permitted villagers put their children “to work on a farm or at the mills” for some extra money.
Ans: c) M. Hamel often sent students to water his flowers, and gave a holiday when he wanted to go fishing.
iv Choose the option that most appropriately fills in the blanks, for the following description of the given extract.
The villagers and their children sat in class, forging with their old master
a (i) _____ togetherness. In that moment, the class room stood (ii) _____. It was France itself, and the last French lesson a desperate hope to (iii) ______ to the remnants of what they had known and taken for granted. Their own (iv) _______.
a) (i) graceful; (ii) still; (iii) hang on; (iv) country
b) (i) bygone; (ii) up; (iii) keep on; (iv) education
c) (i) beautiful; (ii) mesmerised; (iii) carry on; (iv) unity
d) (i) forgotten; (ii) transformed; (iii) hold on; (iv) identity
Ans: d) (i) forgotten; (ii) transformed; (iii) hold on; (iv) identity
Q3 The Last Lesson Class 12 Multiple Choice Questions Answers Extract Based 2
Read the extract carefully and choose the correct option
B.M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it 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. Then he opened a grammar book and read us our lesson. I was amazed to see how well I understood it. All he said seemed so easy, so easy!
i Which of the following can be attributed to M. Hamel’s declaration about the French language?
a) subject expertise
b) nostalgic pride
c) factual accuracy
d) patriotic magnification
Ans: d) patriotic magnification
ii Read the quotes given below. Choose the option that might best describe M. Hamel’s viewpoint.
(i) Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(ii) Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going. – Rita Mae Brown
(iii) A poor man is like a foreigner in his own country. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib
(iv) The greatest propaganda in the world is our mother tongue, that is what we learn as children, and which we learn unconsciously. That shapes our perceptions for life. – Marshal McLuhan
a) Option (i)
b) Option (ii)
c) Option (iii)
d) Option (iv)
Ans: b) Option (ii)
iii “I was amazed to see how well I understood it.” Select the option that does NOT explain why Franz found the grammar lesson “easy”.
a) Franz was paying careful attention in class this time.
b) M. Hamel was being extremely patient and calm in his teaching.
c) Franz was inspired and had found a new meaning and purpose to learning.
d) Franz had realized that French was the clearest and most logical language.
Ans: d) Franz had realized that French was the clearest and most logical language.
iv Franz was able to understand the grammar lesson easily because he was
a) receptive.
b) appreciative.
c) introspective.
d) competitive.
Ans: a) receptive.
Q 5. The Last Lesson Class 12 Stand-alone MCQs Questions Answers
i Franz saw a huge crowd assembled in front of the bulletin board, but did not stop. How would you evaluate his reaction?
a) Franz was too little to care about the news of lost battles.
b) Nobody in Franz’s family was in the army, so it did not matter.
c) Bad news had become very normal, so he went about his task.
d) It was too crowded for Franz to find out what news was up on the board.
Ans: c) Bad news had become very normal, so he went about his task.
ii There was usually great bustle and noise when school began, but it was all very quiet. Which of the following describes Franz’ emotions most accurately?
a) shock and awe
b) disappointment and anxiety
c) confusion and distress
d) curiosity and uncertainty
Ans: b) disappointment and anxiety
iii “I never saw him look so tall”. Which of the following best captures M. Hamel on the last day of school?
a) cranky, miserable, dedicated, resigned
b) patient, dignified, emotional, courageous
c) calm, nostalgic, disappointed, patriotic
d) proud, reproachful, persistent, heroic
Ans: b) patient, dignified, emotional, courageous
iv Look at the table below. Column A provides instances from the story ‘The Last Lesson’. Column B provides titles of some famous English language poems. Choose the option that correctly matches items of Column A with Column B.
Column A
Column B
1. M. Hamel distributed new copies that looked like little French flags, and ended the class with an emphatic “Vive La France!”.
(i) ‘Remorse is memory awake’ (Emily Dickinson)
2. Hauser sat at the end of the class, thumbing his primer, desperately trying to learn with the children, even as he cried.
(ii) ‘A House called Tomorrow’ (Alberto Rios)
3. M. Hamel shared how Alsace always put off learning, and how its people always thought they had plenty of time.
(iii) ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ (John Donne)
4. Class ended when the churchclock struck twelve. And then the Angelus. Simultaneously, Prussian trumpets sounded under the school windows.
(iv) ‘Do Not Go gentle into that Good night’ (Dylan Thomas)
a) 1 – (i); 2 – (ii); 3 – (iii); 4 – (iv)
b) 1 – (ii); 2 – (iii); 3 – (iv); 4 – (i)
c) 1 – (iii); 2 – (iv); 3 – (i); 4 – (ii)
d) 1 – (iv); 2 – (i); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iii)
Ans: d) 1 – (iv); 2 – (i); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iii)
Q10 The Last Lesson Class 12 Questions Answers in 30-40 words
i If this had been M. Hamel’s first lesson, how do you think the school experience of the students might have been impacted?
Ans: Had M. Hamel’s initial lesson occurred earlier, the students might have developed a profound attachment to their heritage and language. Their school experience could have been richer, fostering a stronger sense of cultural pride, engagement, and dedication to learning, potentially altering their academic journey significantly.
ii Little Franz is the narrator of the story. The name ‘Franz’ means ‘from France’. In what way does the story being told as a first-person narrative of Franz impact your reading and understanding of the story?
Provide at least one evidence from the text to support your opinion.
Ans: The first-person narrative as Franz allows readers to witness the impact of historical and cultural changes on a child. Franz’s viewpoint intimately conveys emotions, like regret for neglecting learning, evoking empathy. When he describes regretfully, “I had often said to myself that I would… put off learning until later,” it reveals his personal remorse and growth.
iii 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 …
Ans: Dear Franz,
I understand your love for the open fields over sitting in the classroom. Remember, knowledge is a garden that blooms with time. Embrace your heritage; it’s your compass. Never cease to learn; it’ll guide you on your journey. Stay curious, my boy.
With warm regards,
M. Hamel
Q12 The Last Lesson Class 12 Questions Answers in 120-150 words
i Though tempted by the bright day, Franz stated that he had “the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.” As the story progresses, the reader realizes that Franz, M. Hamel and the villagers would perhaps need “the strength to resist” much larger forces.
Discuss how the story provides strategies for resistance and protection of one’s identity and community through its events and characters. Provide relevant textual details to support your argument.
Ans:
The story “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet illustrates strategies for resistance against cultural oppression and the preservation of identity. Despite the impending loss of their language, characters like M. Hamel display resilience by valuing their heritage. His dedication to teaching the last lesson signifies resistance against the forced imposition of German language. Additionally, Franz’s decision to attend school despite the allure of the bright day symbolizes his commitment to learning and preserving his cultural identity.
Furthermore, the villagers’ attendance at the classroom window reflects communal solidarity in the face of adversity. This collective act demonstrates their determination to safeguard their language and traditions. The text highlights the importance of education and remembrance as tools for protecting one’s identity. By emphasizing the significance of the French language and heritage, the story inspires resistance against oppressive forces, encouraging individuals and communities to preserve their cultural essence amidst external pressures.
ii On the day of the last lesson, Franz felt that the “whole school was strange”. Throughout the story, the reader encounters Franz’ account of how school usually was, and what it was like on the last day of class with M. Hamel. This contrast comes across through events, and the actions and viewpoints of various characters.
a.In what way can the story be seen as a comment on schooling in general?
b.Does Franz’ description of school life resonate with your own experience?
c. Do you think the story might also provide advice on what good education entails?
Substantiate your argument with relevant instances from the text.
Ans: “The Last Lesson” reflects broader commentary on schooling by contrasting the routine atmosphere of learning with the disruptive event of M. Hamel’s final class. It highlights the tendency of individuals to take education for granted until faced with its potential loss. Franz’s depiction of school life—initially filled with monotony and reluctance—evolves when faced with the realization of its abrupt end, emphasizing the value of education and cultural heritage.
Franz’s experience of school may resonate with many who initially overlook the significance of education in their daily lives. The story prompts reflection on the importance of cherishing learning opportunities, especially when they’re threatened or limited.
Moreover, the narrative subtly suggests the essence of good education—emphasizing the teacher-student relationship, cultural preservation, and the genuine love for learning. M. Hamel’s dedication to imparting the last lesson despite adversity underscores the role of passionate educators and the value of embracing one’s cultural identity in education, advocating for a holistic and meaningful learning experience.
Extra The Last Lesson Class 12 Questions Answers 2024
What is the theme of The Last Lesson?
Ans: The primary theme of “The Last Lesson” is the significance of cultural identity, language, and the impact of their preservation amidst adversity. It underscores the value of heritage, the importance of embracing one’s linguistic and cultural roots, and the poignant consequences of cultural oppression on a community’s identity.
Why was it The Last Lesson answer?
Ans: “The Last Lesson” refers to the final French lesson conducted by M. Hamel in an Alsace village under Prussian rule. It became the last lesson due to the Prussian decree mandating the teaching of German, marking the end of French education. The story captures this significant moment of cultural transition and loss.
Why was Franz unhappy while going to school?
Ans: Franz was unhappy on his way to school due to the beautiful, sunny day outside. He longed to be outdoors, enjoying the freedom of nature, rather than being confined within the classroom walls for his studies.
What is the moral story of The Last Lesson?
Ans: The moral lesson in “The Last Lesson” is the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage and language. It emphasizes the value of education, cultural identity, and the regret of overlooking these aspects until they’re threatened or lost.
What does The Last Lesson symbolize?
Ans: “The Last Lesson” symbolizes the preservation of cultural heritage and the power of language. It represents the significance of education, the impact of language on identity, and the poignant consequences of cultural imposition and loss.
Who is M Hamel?
Ans: M. Hamel is the beloved French teacher in “The Last Lesson.” He is dedicated to teaching French language and culture in a small Alsace village, particularly during the final lesson when Prussia mandates German education, marking his poignant farewell.
What type of teacher is Hamel?
Ans: M. Hamel is portrayed as a dedicated and passionate teacher in “The Last Lesson.” He is deeply committed to teaching French language and culture, displaying care, devotion, and a profound love for imparting knowledge to his students.
Who did Mr Hamel blame?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” Mr. Hamel did not blame anyone. Instead, he expressed regret and acknowledged that everyone, including himself, had been neglectful by not valuing the French language and heritage enough until they were forced to part with it.
What is the full name of Mr Hamel?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” the full name of the teacher is Monsieur Hamel.
Who is Franz in the last lesson?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” Franz is the protagonist and the narrator of the story. He is a schoolboy in a small Alsace village during the time when Prussia has taken control, imposing German as the new language of instruction.
What is the nature of M Hamel?
Ans: M. Hamel in “The Last Lesson” is depicted as a dedicated, passionate, and caring teacher. He exhibits a deep love for teaching French language and culture, displaying a sense of devotion and commitment to his students’ education.
How many years was Mr Hamel?
Ans: In the story “The Last Lesson,” the exact age of Mr. Hamel is not explicitly mentioned. Therefore, it is not specified how many years old he was.
Where did Mr Hamel live?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” Mr. Hamel lived in a small village in Alsace, a region located in northeastern France.
What did M Hamel teach first?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” M. Hamel taught French language and literature as his primary subject to the students in the village school.
How did Mr Hamel look?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” the story does not provide a detailed physical description of Mr. Hamel’s appearance. It focuses more on his character, dedication to teaching, and the events surrounding his last lesson.
How did Mr Hamel dress?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” the story does not explicitly mention Mr. Hamel’s attire or clothing details. The narrative focuses on his role as a teacher, his sentiments, and the significance of his final lesson amidst the change in the village’s educational direction.
What did Mr Hamel regret?
Ans: In “The Last Lesson,” Mr. Hamel regretted his own and the villagers’ neglect of their French language and heritage. He lamented not valuing their native language until it was too late, expressing remorse for not appreciating it more when they had the chance.
Why was Mr Hamel sad?
Ans: Mr. Hamel felt saddened in “The Last Lesson” because it was his final opportunity to teach French to his students. The Prussian authorities mandated teaching German, marking the end of French education, causing him sorrow as he cherished his language and cultural heritage deeply.
