Introduction
The story represents the days of Franco - Prussian was . After gaining vectory over Alsace and Lorraine in France , Berlin had ordered that only German will be taught in the schools of France .
Franz is Reluctant to go to School
Franz had started for school very late that morning . He was afraid of a scolding from his teacher as his French teacher , M Hamel , had announced that he would question the class on participles . As a result Franz thought of running away and spending the day outside . But , he hurried to school . On his way to school , Franz passed the town hall and noticed a crowd in front of the bulletin board .
M Hamel's Strange Behaviour and Many Unusual Things
When Franz reached the school , he was very surprised to find that everything was quiet . Franz noticed that all of his classmates were already in their seats and M Hamel was walking up and down with his iron ruler under his arm . Instead of scolding him , M Hamel spoke very kindly to him and told him to take his seat . After Franz had calmed down , he noticed that M Hamel was wearing a special attire , which he wore only on special occasions . He was surprised to see the village people sitting quietly on the back benches . They all looked very sad .
The Order from Berlin
M Hamel mounted on his chair and made the dreadful announcement . He told the class that it was their last French lesson . The order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine and he would be leaving the school the next day . These words were a shock to little Franz . Now he remembered the gathering at the town hall . He regretted not having learnt his lessons when there was still time . Now , he will never be able to learn them . The thought that M Hamel was going away and Franz would never see him again , made him forget all about how cranky M Hamel was . Franz was feeling very sorry for him . It was in honour of his ' last lesson ' that he had put on his fine clothes , and the village people had gathered there to express their gratitude towards him , and to show their respect for their country and their language .
M Hamel Criticises Himself and the People of Alsace
While Franz was thinking of all this , he heard his name called out ; it was his turn to recite . But unfortunately , he got mixed up on the first words . He was ashamed and stood holding his desk . M Hamel said that he would not scold him .
He criticised the people of Alsace for their habit of putting off learning for some time in the future . He blamed their parents for not taking interest in their studies . He also blamed himself for this .
Importance of Mother Tongue
M Hamel then talked about the French langu age . He called it the most beautiful , the clearest and the most logical language in the world .
The Last Lesson
M Hamel opened a grammar book and taught them their last lesson . Franz was amazed to see how well he understood everything . After that they had a lesson in writing .
The Final Good Bye
All this while , M Hamel sat motionless in his chair . Franz thought that M Hamel wanted to imprint this classroom scene in his mind . Everybody became emotional towards the end ; some even started crying , but M Hamel had the courage and patience to hear every lesson to the last .
Finally , as the church - clock struck twelve , M Hamel stood up . He tried to speak , but choked . Then he turned to the blackboard and wrote as large as he could ' Vive La means ' long live France ' . He France ! ' which then dismissed the class , signalling vod everyone to leave.
