The Last Lesson — 20 MCQs | CBSE Class 12 English Core (Code 301)

Chapter Overview

A poignant story set in Alsace after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. Daudet captures the moment when the people of a French district learn that henceforth only German will be taught in their schools. Through young Franz's eyes, the lesson becomes a meditation on language, identity and the cost of taking one's mother tongue for granted.

Key Themes

Linguistic chauvinism · imposition of language as a tool of conquest
Mother tongue as the soul of cultural identity
Procrastination — 'we always have plenty of time' — and its bitter price
The dignity of the teacher and the value of his work, recognised too late

Key Concepts

Setting

Alsace, 1870 — newly annexed by Prussia after France's defeat

Narrator

Franz, a young schoolboy, in first person

M. Hamel

French teacher of 40 years, dressed in his Sunday best for his last lesson

Bulletin board

Posts the order from Berlin: only German in schools henceforth

Old Hauser

Former mayor with a primer at the back — villagers honour the language

Final line

M. Hamel writes 'Vive La France!' on the blackboard, then dismisses class

Sample MCQs

Q1. Where is the story 'The Last Lesson' set?

A. German province of Bavaria during WWI

B. French district of Alsace under newly imposed Prussian rule

C. A village in northern England during the Industrial Revolution

D. Belgium during the Nazi occupation in WWII

The story is set in Alsace, taken over by Prussia after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.

Q2. What does M. Hamel call 'the most beautiful language in the world'?

A. Latin

B. German

C. French

D. English

M. Hamel calls French the most beautiful, clearest and most logical language in the world.

The LastLesson

The Last
Lesson