Chapter 1: The Last Lesson

Ans: The announcement made by M. Hamel that it was their last French lesson was a thunderclap to Franz. He was shocked because he hardly knew how to write, and now he would never learn. The thought that M. Hamel was leaving forever made him forget about the teacher's ruler and crankiness.

Ans: The elders were sitting on the back benches to show their respect for the country that was no longer theirs. They were also there to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service and to express regret for not having gone to school more often in their youth.

Ans: This line highlights the absurdity of linguistic chauvinism. Franz wonders if the Germans, in their attempt to force their language on the people, would also force nature (the pigeons) to change its language. It emphasizes that language is natural and cannot be completely suppressed by authority.

Ans: Usually, the school began with a great bustle of opening and closing desks and lessons repeated in unison. However, on the day of the last lesson, everything was as quiet as a Sunday morning. M. Hamel was dressed in his formal green coat, usually worn on inspection days. The back benches, usually empty, were occupied by sad village elders. The atmosphere was solemn and heavy with patriotism.

Ans: M. Hamel believes that as long as an enslaved people hold fast to their language, it is as if they have the key to their prison. Language is the essence of identity and unity. By keeping their language alive, the people of Alsace could spiritually resist German oppression and eventually regain their freedom.

Ans: Franz was expected to be prepared with his lesson on participles. M. Hamel had announced that he would question the class on them, but Franz did not know the first word about them.

Ans: Usually, there was a great commotion when school began. But that day, it was all very still and quiet, "as quiet as Sunday morning." His classmates were already in their places, and M. Hamel was walking up and down with his iron ruler under his arm, instead of rapping it on the table.

Ans: An order from Berlin had been put up on the bulletin board. It stated that only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. A new master was coming the next day.

Ans: Franz used to dread school and found his books a burden. He also feared M. Hamel's ruler. However, after learning it was the last lesson, his books suddenly felt like "old friends." He forgot about M. Hamel's crankiness and felt pity and respect for him, realizing the teacher was leaving after 40 years of service.