Character Sketch from JKBOSE Class 10 English Poem 8 – Last Lesson of the Afternoon of the Teacher and the Students
A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of the Teacher and the Students from JKBOSE Class 10 English Tulip Book Poem 8 – Last Lesson of the Afternoon
- Character Sketch of the Teacher
- Questions related to the Character of the Teacher
- Character Sketch of the Students
- Questions related to the Character of the Students
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Character Sketch of the Teacher
The teacher in the poem “Last Lesson of the Afternoon” by D.H. Lawrence is portrayed as a tired and disheartened individual. He is emotionally drained and deeply frustrated by the lack of interest and enthusiasm shown by his students. Despite his duty as an educator, he feels that his efforts are going to waste, as the students are not willing to learn or respond. He compares his job to a meaningless battle, highlighting his sense of futility and hopelessness. The teacher is not angry or harsh; instead, he expresses quiet resignation and emotional fatigue. His thoughts reflect the inner struggles of a person who once had passion but has now lost all motivation due to repeated failure and disappointment. The poem gives us a glimpse into the mental exhaustion that many teachers experience when faced with continuous disinterest and lack of appreciation from their students.
Questions related to the Character of the Teacher
- How does the teacher’s mood reflect the overall tone of the poem?
- What does the teacher compare teaching to in the poem, and why?
- How does the teacher describe his students’ attitude towards learning?
- What are the key emotions experienced by the teacher in the poem?
- What makes the teacher feel that his efforts are wasted?
- Why does the teacher choose not to punish or scold the students?
- How does the teacher’s inner conflict reflect his dedication to teaching?
- In what way does the teacher represent a larger issue in the education system?
- What literary devices are used to express the teacher’s frustration and fatigue?
- How does the title “Last Lesson of the Afternoon” connect with the teacher’s emotional state?
Character Sketch of the Students
The students in the poem “Last Lesson of the Afternoon” are portrayed as disinterested, inattentive, and unmotivated learners. They attend class without any eagerness to learn or participate. Their attitude toward education is lazy and careless, which frustrates the teacher deeply. They appear emotionally disconnected from their studies, and their lack of effort makes the teacher feel that all his attempts are meaningless. The poet uses words like “sluggish” and “unwilling” to describe them, suggesting they are physically present but mentally absent. These students do not value knowledge or appreciate the teacher’s efforts. Their behavior reflects the loss of discipline and a lack of curiosity that is essential in a classroom. Overall, the students in the poem represent the kind of audience that leads passionate teachers to lose their motivation.
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Questions related to the Character of the Students
- How are the students described in the poem “Last Lesson of the Afternoon”?
- What is the attitude of the students towards learning?
- How do the students’ actions impact the teacher emotionally?
- What do the words “sluggish,” “unwilling,” and “unresponsive” tell us about the students?
- Why does the teacher feel that teaching the students is a waste of time?
- Do the students make any effort to understand the teacher or the subject? Justify your answer.
- In what way are the students responsible for the teacher’s loss of interest in teaching?
- How does the poet use the students to reflect the larger problems in the education system?
- Do the students feel any guilt or regret for not participating in class? Explain.
- What message do the students’ attitudes convey about the importance of motivation in learning?