The Last Class by Alphonse Daudet
"The Last Class" by Alphonse Daudet is a poignant short story set in an unnamed town in Alsace during the early days of the Prussian occupation, around 1873. The narrative is seen through the eyes of young Franz, who anxiously rushes to school on what turns out to be the last day of French instruction. Upon arrival, he finds an unusual atmosphere of solemnity, as Monsieur Hamel, his teacher, is dressed in his Sunday best and a group of villagers has come to witness the lesson.
The story reveals the emotional weight of the occasion when Monsieur Hamel announces that from the following day, German will be the language of instruction, marking the end of their education in French. This revelation prompts reflections on missed opportunities and regrets, as both students and villagers express a newfound appreciation for their language and teacher. Throughout the lesson, a sense of loss permeates the classroom, culminating in a touching moment when Monsieur Hamel writes "Vive La France" on the blackboard before dismissing the class. The narrative captures themes of patriotism, nostalgia, and the importance of cultural identity, making it a significant piece of literature reflecting on the impact of political changes on education and personal lives.
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The Last Class by Alphonse Daudet
First published: "La Dernière Classe," 1873 (English translation, 1900)
Type of plot: Social realism
Time of work: About 1873
Locale: A town in Alsace, France
Principal Characters:
Franz , the young boy, the narratorMonsieur Hamel , the teacher
The Story
"The Last Class" is the tender story of a young Alsatian boy and his last French lesson. The setting is an unnamed town in Alsace, and the story takes place near the beginning of the Prussian occupation of Alsace and Lorraine, about 1873. Little Franz is the narrator of the story. Having gotten a late start on this beautiful warm morning, Franz rushes to school. He is fearful that Monsieur Hamel will scold him because he is late and has not prepared his French lesson on participles.
On his way to school, Franz passes through the town square, and in front of the town hall he sees a small group of people reading notices posted on a grating. These are notices posted by the Prussians concerning orders issued from headquarters. While Franz is running across the square, Wachter, the blacksmith, calls to him that there is no need to hurry. Franz thinks that Wachter is teasing him.
Out of breath, he arrives at school. To his dismay, there is no noise or confusion to cover his entrance. Instead, this day, there is the silence and stillness of the Sabbath. Frightened and red-faced, he enters the classroom; instead of giving Franz a harsh scolding, however, Monsieur Hamel gently directs Franz to his seat.
Once settled in his seat, Franz begins to notice the differences that this day has brought. Monsieur Hamel is all dressed up in his Sunday best, the clothes that he wears when prizes are given or on inspection days. Franz's classmates are especially solemn this day. Then his attention is drawn to the back of the room, where villagers are seated, and to Hauser, there with his old primer spread across his knees. Everyone has an air of sadness and anticipation.
Monsieur Hamel gently announces that orders have come from Berlin that beginning tomorrow, German only will be the language of instruction. Today, he tells them, is the last lesson that they will receive in French. Franz regrets the time that he has wasted. The villagers are sorry that they have not visited more often and now wish to express their gratitude for Monsieur Hamel's forty years of service.
It is Franz's turn to recite, but, unprepared, he struggles to express himself and fails. Monsieur Hamel does not belittle or scold him. Instead he expresses the regret that Franz and all the children should have for not having learned when the time was at hand. He points out that it is not Franz who is chiefly at fault. He blames himself and the parents especially for not having been sufficiently concerned with their children's education.
With great patriotic fervor, Monsieur Hamel speaks of the French language as the best language in the world. He continues by reading their lesson to them. The grammar lesson is followed by the writing lesson, with the model provided by Monsieur Hamel's beautiful handwriting of "France, Alsace! France, Alsace." Every student in the class is intent on his work, and nothing but the scratching of pens can be heard.
From time to time, Franz observes Monsieur Hamel, who is studying every detail of the room in which he has taught for the past forty years, and sorrow for this man fills Franz's heart. The writing lesson is followed by history. Hauser joins with the little children to spell out the letters. Then the Angelus and a trumpet blast of the Prussians sound at the same moment. Monsieur Hamel rises from his chair and, in a choked voice, tries to address the class, but he cannot. Taking a piece of chalk, he writes on the blackboard in his largest hand, "Vive La France," and then dismisses them with a motion of his hand.