CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Book Chapter 1 The Last Lesson Long Answer Questions
Here are the Long Answer questions of 5 Marks for CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Book Chapter 1 The Last Lesson. The questions we have compiled will help the students to brush up on their knowledge about the subject. Students can practice Class 12 English Long Answer Questions for Board preparation.
Q1. Explain the significance of the last lesson in the story “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet.
A. The story signifies the end of an era for the characters and the hamlet, it tells us about the final lesson in French, and so, the title “The Last Lesson” is significant. The schoolteacher, M Hamel, who has been instructing in the community for many years, gives the final class. The subject of the lesson is the French language, which is representative of French identity and culture. The class is also the last one for the pupils because the school is closing and the Germans are preparing to take over the village. With this, the French way of life comes to an end and a new period ruled by Germany begins. The final lesson is equally noteworthy because it demonstrates how crucial language and culture are in forming a person’s identity. The pupils’ shock at learning that they won’t be able to learn how to speak or write French serves as a potent reminder of how important language and culture are in defining one’s identity.
Q2. How does the story “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet portray the themes of nationalism and identity?
A. Through the villagers’ responses to the German takeover of their village, Alphonse Daudet’s short novel “The Last Lesson” explores themes of nationalism and identity. The prospect of losing the characters’ identity-defining French language, culture, and way of life to German authority is heartbreaking. Since Franz has devoted his life to teaching the French language and culture, he is especially touched by this. The idea of the German occupation and the demise of the French way of life breaks his heart. This has an impact on the pupils as well since they understand how crucial language and culture are in creating unique identities. The narrative illustrates how language and culture are integral to a person’s sense of national identity and how losing either of these components may be disastrous. The narrative also illustrates the notion that nationalism encompasses language and culture in addition to national pride.
Q3. Give a character sketch of M Hamel
A. In Alphonse Daudet’s short novel “The Last Lesson,” M. Hamel plays the role of the principal. He has spent his entire life as a dedicated educator in the small French community. He is sincerely committed to his students and to the French language and culture.
M.Hamel is a patient and caring educator who never hesitates to go above and beyond for his students. He believes in teaching discipline and morals in his students and is a strong disciplinarian. He cares a great deal for their welfare and education. He has a solid moral foundation and is committed to teaching his kids about French culture and language despite the impending threat of German occupation.
M. Hamel is a person of tremendous integrity who, in the face of difficulty, stands up for what he believes in. As he tries to empower the French students in the face of the German occupation, he serves as a symbol of both optimism and resistance in the narrative. He is adamant about teaching the French language and culture till the very end and remains upbeat and motivated.
The end of the French way of life have a significant impact on M Hamel, who is also a sentimental and emotional figure. The idea of losing his students and his cherished French language and culture breaks his heart. He is a person who arouses pity, respect, and admiration.
Q4. Describe the impact of the German occupation on the characters and their way of life in the story “The Last Lesson”.
A. The German occupation significantly affects the characters and their way of life in Alphonse Daudet’s story “The Last Lesson.” For the community and its residents, the occupation marks the end of an era. The protagonists are forced to face the loss of their French identity, which includes their language, culture, and way of life.
The occupation has a significant impact on the schoolteacher M Hamel because he has spent his entire life teaching the French language and culture. The idea of the German occupation and the demise of the French way of life breaks his heart. Until the very end, he is committed to teaching the French language and culture, but his efforts are in vain.
The occupation has an impact on the pupils as well. They are aware of how language and culture influence who they are. Their shock at learning that they won’t be able to speak or write French serves as a potent reminder of how important language and culture are in defining one’s identity.
The characters experience anxiety and insecurity as a result of the German occupation. They are concerned about the future and what living in a German-occupied area will do to them and their hamlet. The protagonists experience hopelessness and despair as a result of the occupation because they believe their French way of life is being taken away from them.
Overall, the characters and their way of life are greatly impacted by the German occupation. The loss of their French language, culture, and way of life, which are significant components of their identities, signifies the end of an era. The characters also experience a sense of fear, uncertainty, hopelessness, and despair as a result of it.
Q5. Analyze the significance of the French language and culture in the story “The Last Lesson” and how it relates to the theme of identity.
A. The French language and culture are essential in regard to the subject of identity in “The Last Lesson.” The story takes place in a little Alsatian community that Germany has annexed, and the German government forbids the teaching of French in schools. The peasants, who take great pride in their French history, are being directly attacked in this act.
The story’s characters, especially the protagonist Franz and the educator M. Hamel, struggle to reconcile their sense of self with the new cultural identity that has been thrust upon them. M. Hamel is compelled to stop teaching French, which signifies a loss of his pride and sense of self.
The story also explores how identity is shaped by outside forces and how it can be lost or gained through the processes of integration, assimilation, and suppression. The characters in the story struggle between their loyalty to their native culture and their the enforcement of the German culture.
In conclusion, “The Last Lesson” uses the French language and culture to symbolically depict the fight for identity and the opposition to cultural repression. This emphasises the value of cultural legacy and identity preservation.