Chapter the-last-lesson: The Last Lesson | Short Questions

When Franz finally reached his desk, he noticed that M. Hamel was dressed exceptionally well. The teacher was wearing his beautiful green coat, a delicately frilled shirt, and a little black silk cap that was completely embroidered. This attire was highly unusual for a regular school day. M. Hamel only wore these specific formal clothes on special occasions, such as inspection days and prize distribution ceremonies. This special outfit immediately signaled to Franz that something incredibly important and solemn was happening that day.

The old men of the village, including old Hauser and the former mayor, were sitting quietly on the back benches to express their deep regret and respect. They felt sorry that they had not attended school more when they had the chance. Furthermore, it was their heartfelt way of thanking M. Hamel for his forty years of faithful and dedicated service as a teacher. They were also there to show their utmost respect for their beloved country that was no longer theirs.

For the past two years, the bulletin board at the town hall had been the sole source of all the bad news for the townspeople. It displayed depressing updates about lost battles, the harsh military draft, and the strict orders of the commanding Prussian officer. Whenever there was a crowd gathered in front of it, as Franz saw that morning, it invariably meant that another troubling event had occurred, keeping the conquered citizens in a constant state of anxiety and fear.

During the final writing lesson, the students displayed an unprecedented level of dedication and focus. M. Hamel had prepared new copies with "France, Alsace" beautifully written on them, which looked like little flags around the room. Every single student set to work quietly and diligently. The classroom was completely silent, with the only audible sound being the scratching of pens over paper. Even when some beetles flew into the room, nobody paid any attention to them, showing their intense concentration on learning.

M. Hamel concluded the last lesson in a highly emotional and dramatic manner. When the church clock struck twelve and the Prussian trumpets sounded, he stood up, looking very pale and choked with emotion, entirely unable to speak. Instead of using words, he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk, and gathered all his remaining strength. He wrote "Vive La France!" as large as he could. Finally, leaning against the wall, he gestured with his hand that school was dismissed.