Fr 139 Reading Questions
Alphonse Daudet:  "The Last Lesson"

Note that this story takes place just after the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).  Alsace had previously belonged to France, but was annexed by Prussia after the French defeat in 1871.

1.  What odd little details does the narrator notice as he runs to school?


2.  What does Monsieur Hamel reveal at the start of class?


3.  Why does the teacher advise the children and townspeople to hold onto their French?


4.  Why does the narrator pity Monsieur Hamel?