Critical Appreciation of "The Last Lesson"
"The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet is a touching story set during the Franco-Prussian War when the
regions of Alsace and Lorraine were taken over by the Prussians. The story is about the importance of
language and how it is deeply connected to one’s identity and culture. The main character, Franz, a young
boy, narrates his experience of attending his last French lesson, where he realizes the value of his language
only when it is too late.
Themes
The Importance of Language
The main theme of the story is the importance of language. Through M. Hamel, the French teacher, the
story shows that language is more than just a tool for communication; it represents a country’s culture and
heritage. M. Hamel emphasizes that when a country loses its language, it loses its identity. Franz and the
townspeople only realize the value of their mother tongue when they are no longer allowed to learn it.
Patriotism
The story highlights a deep sense of patriotism. Franz’s realization that French is his language and a part of
his identity fills him with regret for not taking it seriously before. M. Hamel also shows his love for France
by giving his final lesson with passion and writing ‘Vive La France!’ on the board at the end. This reflects
the idea that love for one’s country is shown by respecting its language and culture.
Regret
Franz regrets not paying attention to his French lessons earlier. He understands the importance of education
only when it is too late. This theme is relatable to many people who fail to appreciate what they have until
they are about to lose it.
Characters
Franz
Franz, the narrator, is a young boy who initially dislikes going to school and learning French. However, on
the day of the last lesson, he realizes how important it is to know his language. He feels guilty for wasting
time in the past and becomes emotional about the loss of his language.
M. Hamel
M. Hamel, the French teacher, is a symbol of dedication and patriotism. He has been teaching in the school
for forty years and is deeply saddened by the loss of the French language in the school. His love for his
country is evident when he teaches his last lesson with pride and leaves the class with the message, "Vive
La France!" on the blackboard.
Style and Devices
Alphonse Daudet uses simple and direct language to convey deep emotions in the story. The story is
narrated from Franz’s perspective, which makes it relatable to young readers. The imagery used in the
story, such as the description of M. Hamel’s sad but proud face and the villagers sitting quietly in the
classroom, adds to the emotional impact of the story.
Conclusion
"The Last Lesson" is a powerful story that teaches us to value our language and culture before it’s too late.
It shows that language is a key part of our identity, and losing it is like losing a piece of ourselves. The
story also emphasizes the importance of education and makes us realize that we should never take it for
granted. Through Franz’s experience, readers learn about the deep emotional impact of losing one's
language and culture due to war and occupation.
About the Author: Alphonse Daudet
Alphonse Daudet (1840–1897) was a French writer and novelist known for his short stories and novels that
reflect the life and culture of France during the 19th century. Born in Nîmes, France, Daudet grew up in a
family that faced financial struggles. He moved to Paris to start his writing career and eventually became
famous for his realistic and emotional portrayal of rural French life.
One of his most famous works is "Letters from My Windmill," a collection of short stories that beautifully
capture the spirit of Provence, a region in southern France. "The Last Lesson" is part of his collection
"Tales of Monday," which reflects the impact of the Franco-Prussian War on ordinary people. Daudet’s
writing is known for its simplicity, emotional depth, and rich depiction of French traditions and values.
