TLDR;
This video provides a detailed explanation of Alphonse Daudet's "The Last Lesson," a story set during the Franco-Prussian War. It explores the impact of Prussian rule on the Alsace and Lorraine districts, focusing on the imposition of German language in schools and the resulting sense of loss and patriotism among the French-speaking population. The video introduces Franz, a young student, and his experiences on the day of the last French lesson, highlighting themes of regret, appreciation for one's native language, and the importance of education.
- The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), where France lost the Alsace and Lorraine districts to Prussia (Germany).
- The Last Lesson refers to the last French lesson in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, as German was imposed.
- The story is told through the eyes of Franz, a young student who initially dislikes school but comes to appreciate his French heritage.
Introduction to "The Last Lesson" [0:00]
The video introduces the chapter "The Last Lesson," explaining its setting, author, and significance. The author, Alphonse Daudet, was a French novelist and short story writer. The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), where France was defeated by Prussia, led by Bismarck. As a result, the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine were handed over to Prussian rule. The video highlights that the story explores the impact of this change on the lives of the people, particularly in schools, where French language instruction was to be replaced by German. The title "The Last Lesson" signifies the end of French language education in these districts.
Background of the Story and Author [0:27]
The video provides background information on Alphonse Daudet, the French novelist and short story writer who authored "The Last Lesson." It explains that the story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), a conflict between France and Prussia (which later became Germany). Prussia, led by Bismarck, defeated France, resulting in the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine being ceded to Prussian control. The video emphasizes that the story examines the effects of this transition on the schools in these districts, particularly the shift from French to German language instruction.
Franz's Late Start and Fear of Scolding [5:01]
The video introduces Franz, a young student who is late for school and dreads being scolded, especially because his teacher, M. Hamel, plans to question the class on participles, which Franz has not studied. He contemplates running away and spending the day outdoors, enticed by the warm weather, bright sunshine, birds chirping, and Prussian soldiers drilling in an open field. However, he resists the temptation and hurries to school, demonstrating a sense of duty.
The Town Hall and the Bulletin Board [11:00]
As Franz passes the town hall, he notices a large crowd gathered in front of the bulletin board, which has been the source of bad news for the past two years, including news of lost battles, drafts, and orders from commanding officers. He wonders what the matter is this time but continues to school. A blacksmith, Wachtel, tells him not to rush, as he will get to school in plenty of time, leading Franz to believe he is being mocked.
Arrival at School and Unusual Quietness [15:34]
Franz arrives at M. Hamel's garden, out of breath. He notes the unusual stillness of the school, contrasting with the usual hustle and bustle of opening and closing desks, repeating lessons, and the teacher's ruler rapping on the table. The quietness reminds him of a Sunday morning. He reflects on how he had hoped to slip into his desk unnoticed amidst the commotion, but now everything is quiet.
Inside the Classroom: A Strange and Solemn Atmosphere [19:32]
Through the window, Franz sees his classmates already in their places and M. Hamel walking up and down with his iron ruler. He imagines how embarrassed and frightened he will be to enter late. However, nothing happens; M. Hamel speaks kindly and tells him to go to his place quickly, as they were about to begin without him. Franz jumps over the bench and sits down. He notices that M. Hamel is wearing his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, and black silk cap, which he usually only wears on inspection and prize days. The whole school seems strange and solemn.
The Presence of the Village Elders [24:15]
Franz observes that the back benches, usually empty, are occupied by village elders, including old Hauser with his three-cornered hat, the former mayor, and the former postmaster. Everyone looks sad. Old Hauser has brought his old primer, worn at the edges, and holds it open on his knees, reading it with his spectacles.
The Announcement of the Last Lesson [28:31]
M. Hamel sits down and announces in a grave and gentle tone that this is their last French lesson. An order has come from Berlin that only German will be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master will arrive tomorrow. M. Hamel urges the students to be very attentive.
Franz's Regret and Realization [30:21]
Franz is shocked by the news, realizing that this was what the crowd at the town hall had been discussing. He regrets not learning French properly, realizing he barely knows how to write it. He feels sorry for wasting time seeking birds' eggs or sliding on the Saar River instead of studying. His books, once a nuisance, now seem like old friends he cannot give up.
Appreciation for M. Hamel and the French Language [36:04]
Franz realizes he doesn't want to give up M. Hamel either. The thought of M. Hamel leaving makes him forget about the teacher's ruler and crankiness. He understands that M. Hamel is wearing his best clothes in honor of the last lesson. Franz also understands why the village elders are sitting at the back of the room: they are sorry for not attending school more often and are there to thank M. Hamel for his 40 years of faithful service and to show respect for the country that is no more.
Franz's Attempt to Recite and M. Hamel's Words [41:38]
Franz's name is called, and it is his turn to recite. He wishes he could recite the rule for participles without any mistakes, but he gets mixed up on the first word and stands there, holding onto his desk, his heart beating fast. M. Hamel tells him he will not scold him, saying that Franz must feel bad enough. M. Hamel reflects on how they always put off learning until tomorrow, and now they see where it has led them.
M. Hamel's Reflections on Alsace and the French People
M. Hamel laments that the people of Alsace are prone to putting off learning until tomorrow. He says that the Prussians will have the right to ask them how they can pretend to be Frenchmen when they can neither speak nor write their own language. However, he adds that Franz is not the worst, and they all have reason to reproach themselves. He blames the parents for preferring to have their children work on a farm or at the mills to earn money. He also blames himself for often sending Franz to water his flowers instead of learning his lessons and for giving him a holiday when he wanted to go fishing.
M. Hamel's Praise for the French Language [50:12]
M. Hamel begins to talk about the French language, calling it the most beautiful, clearest, and most logical language in the world. He says that they must guard it among themselves and never forget it. He states that when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they have the key to their prison.
The Grammar Lesson and the Writing Exercise [52:52]
M. Hamel opens a grammar book and reads their lesson. Franz is amazed at how well he understands it. He thinks he has never listened so carefully, and M. Hamel has never explained everything with so much patience. It seems as if the poor man wants to give them all he knows before going away and put it all into their heads in one stroke. After grammar, they have a writing lesson. M. Hamel has brought new copies with "France, Alsace" written on them in a beautiful round hand.
The Quiet Concentration and the Sound of Pigeons [56:44]
The copies look like little flags floating everywhere in the schoolroom, hung from the rods at the top of their desks. Everyone is focused on their work, and the only sound is the scratching of pens over paper. Even when beetles fly in, no one pays attention, not even the youngest children, who are busy tracing fishhooks. Franz wonders if the Prussians will make the pigeons sing in German.
M. Hamel's Gazing and the Familiarity of the Schoolroom [1:00:26]
Franz notices M. Hamel sitting motionless in his chair, gazing at everything in the room as if he wants to fix in his mind how everything looks in the little schoolroom. M. Hamel has been there for 40 years, with his garden outside the window and his class in front of him. Only the desks and benches have become worn smooth. The walnut trees in the garden are taller, and the hopvine he planted has twined about the windows to the roof.
The Heartbreak of Leaving and the Courage to Continue [1:03:54]
Franz reflects on how heartbreaking it must be for M. Hamel to leave everything behind. He can hear M. Hamel's sister moving about in the room above, packing their trunks, as they must leave the country the next day. Despite this, M. Hamel has the courage to hear every lesson to the very last. After writing, they have a lesson in history, and then the babies chant their "Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu."
The Old Hauser's Emotion and the Church Clock [1:06:10]
At the back of the room, old Hauser puts on his spectacles and holds his primer in both hands, spelling the letters with them. He is crying, and his voice trembles with emotion, making it both funny and moving to hear him. Franz reflects on how well he will remember that last lesson.
The End of the Lesson and M. Hamel's Farewell [1:11:40]
Suddenly, the church clock strikes twelve, and the Angelus rings. At the same moment, the trumpets of the Prussian soldiers returning from drill sound under the windows. M. Hamel stands up, very pale, and Franz has never seen him look so tall. M. Hamel tries to speak, saying "My friends..." but something chokes him, and he cannot go on. He turns to the blackboard, takes a piece of chalk, and writes as large as he can, "Vive La France!" Then he stops, leans his head against the wall, and, without a word, gestures to them with his hand: "School is dismissed—you may go."
Conclusion: Reflection on the Story's Themes [1:18:48]
The video concludes by summarizing the main themes of the story, emphasizing the importance of one's native language and the regret felt by the characters for not valuing it enough. The name "The Last Lesson" is significant because it was the last French lesson, marking the end of an era. The video encourages viewers to appreciate their own native languages and to learn from the mistakes of the characters in the story. It also advises viewers to pay attention to both the English and Hindi meanings of words to improve their understanding and performance in exams.
