Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet for 6th Grade

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

Question 1. Summary of the story

Little Phrang planned to skip school and go play because he was late and hadn't prepared his lesson. However, he was able to overcome this urge.

In a rush, Phrang ran to school. Along the way, he noticed things were different from usual. Upon entering the classroom, he was even more surprised. Mr. Ha-men was dressed formally, as if it were a holiday. Instead of scolding, he spoke to Phrang gently. The atmosphere in the class was solemn. At the back of the room sat the old man Hô-de, the postman, and several others. It turned out to be the last French lesson. Phrang regretted not having learned his lesson properly.

Mr. Ha-men taught the final lesson with deep emotion.

Phrang had never seen him teach with such patience and clarity.

At the end of the class, Mr. Ha-men wrote a phrase on the board expressing the patriotism of the people: “Long live France!”

Question 2. Through Phrang's account of the last French lesson in the occupied region of Alsace, the author praised the love for the French language and the devotion to France. This story also highlighted the proper attitude towards language, a valuable asset for every nation.

The story successfully developed the characters of Mr. Ha-men and Phrang, depicting their appearance, gestures, emotions, and words.

II. GUIDELINES FOR READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Question 1. The story takes place in a classroom in a village in the Alsace region of France, after the Franco-Prussian War. France lost and had to cede the Alsace region to Prussia. By order of the Prussian government, schools in this region were no longer allowed to teach French. The last lesson was the final French lesson, not the end of the school year.

Question 2. The story is told from the perspective of young Phrang, in the first person. Other characters include the blacksmith Ost, his apprentice, old Hô-de, the postman, the villagers, Mr. Ha-men, the teacher's younger sister, and the students. The character who makes the most impression is Mr. Ha-men, who has served the country for forty years as a teacher and expressed his deep love for France with all his heart.

Question 3. On the morning of the final lesson, Phrang noticed several unusual things. On his way to school, many people were standing in front of public notices. The school was silent, unlike the usual noisy mornings, almost like a Sunday morning. Inside the classroom, the atmosphere was formal. Mr. Ha-men wore formal attire, and his tone was gentle, not angry. Old Hô-de, the postman, and many villagers sat at the back of the classroom.

These signs indicated that this was indeed the last French lesson, as announced at the village office.

Question 4. Phrang had always disliked learning French. He preferred playing around to studying grammar rules.

When he realized he hadn’t prepared his lesson, Phrang deeply regretted it. He wished he could speak French “loudly, clearly, without making any mistakes.” From his initial aversion, he began to feel a closeness to the French books, like “an old friend.” Phrang found Mr. Ha-men’s teaching exceptionally clear and easy to understand. He began to appreciate his strict teacher. From disliking and fearing French and his teacher, Phrang gradually focused, enjoyed, and made an effort to learn French on his own.

Question 5. Mr. Ha-men’s character in the final lesson

- He wore special attire reserved for important occasions, like when there is an inspection or reward ceremony: a green frock coat with pleated lily-of-the-valley trim, and a black silk cap embroidered with the French coat of arms.

- He spoke gently with the students, not angrily. He patiently explained the lesson and prepared it carefully.

- He praised the French language and self-criticized himself and others for neglecting to learn and teach French in the past. He considered French as a weapon, a key to escaping from oppression.

- At the end of the lesson, Mr. Ha-men was deeply moved, pale and choked up, unable to finish his sentence. He wrote on the board: “Long live France!”

- Mr. Ha-men was a dedicated teacher, a lover of his native language, and a deeply patriotic man.

Question 6. Some comparisons in the story

- Usually, the noise at the start of class would echo through the streets like a market breaking apart...

- ...the villagers sat quietly, just like us, old Hô-de, the former mayor with his three-cornered hat, the postman, and many others.

- ...as long as they preserve their language, it’s like holding the key to the prison of oppression...

- The little notices hanging above the desks looked like small flags fluttering around the classroom.

- ...they worked diligently, tracing the “writing lines” with such dedication, as if it too were French...

These comparisons add vivid imagery to the writing, enhancing its emotional and thought-provoking expression.

Question 7. Mr. Ha-men’s quote: “...when a nation falls into slavery, as long as they retain their language, it’s like holding the key to the prison of oppression...” This statement emphasizes the immense value of a nation’s language. As long as a people hold onto their language, they have the means to fight for independence and freedom, to escape from slavery. Cherishing, studying, and preserving the native language is a profound expression of patriotism.

III. PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Question 1. To summarize the story, focus on the characters and events. The two main characters are Phrang and Mr. Ha-men. The events revolve around the French lesson during the final class. Refer back to section I in part I of the lesson to practice your summary.

Question 2. First, choose to describe either Phrang or Mr. Ha-men. In the story, Mr. Ha-men is described through Phrang’s words. Phrang reveals himself through his emotions and thoughts. When describing Mr. Ha-men, focus on his appearance, gestures, speech, and actions. For Phrang, focus on describing his feelings and thoughts.

Understanding the Author and the Work

1. The Author

- Alphonse Daudet (1840 – 1897), a French writer, is known for his many famous short stories.

- His writing is light and clear, beautifully expressing pain and love, particularly the love for one's homeland.

- He is the author of several notable short story collections, such as 'A Youthful Time', 'The Wonderful Adventures of Tartarin of Tarascon', and more.

2. The Work

- 'The Last Lesson' is set against the backdrop of a historical event: After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, France lost, and the two regions of Alsace and Lorraine, bordering Prussia, were annexed by Prussia. Prussia was an autocratic state in the territory of Germany before. As a result, schools in these areas were forced to teach in German. The story describes the last lesson in French at a village school in Alsace.

- The story is divided into three parts:

+ Part 1 (from the beginning to "... absent in class"): The first difference observed before Franz arrives at class.

+ Part 2 (up to "... the last lesson"): The final lesson and the emotions of everyone involved.

+ Part 3 (the rest): The conclusion of the last lesson.

3. Summary of the Story

The story tells about the emotional final French lesson between the teacher, students, and the local people in a region occupied by Prussian troops. Through the eyes of Franz, a playful boy, the atmosphere of the lesson was different that day, filled with love for the national language.

One morning, just like usual, Franz went to school. Along the way, he noticed many strange things. Upon entering the classroom, his surprise grew. Monsieur Hamel was dressed formally as if it were a holiday. The teacher did not scold but spoke gently to Franz. The atmosphere in the room was solemn. At the back of the room were the elderly Ho-de, the postman, and many others. It turned out to be the last French lesson. Franz regretted not having studied, especially as Monsieur Hamel taught the final lesson with great emotion. At the end of the class, Monsieur Hamel wrote on the blackboard a phrase expressing the love for one's country: 'Long live France!'.

Read and Understand

1 - Page 54 Textbook

Where and when does the story take place, and how do you interpret the title 'The Last Lesson'?

Answer

The story takes place in Alsace, a region of France, which after losing the war, was ceded to Prussia. The Prussian government ordered that French, the mother tongue, no longer be taught, and German was introduced instead. 'The Last Lesson' refers to the last time the people could learn their native language, French, from patriotic teachers and students.

2 - Page 55 Textbook

Who narrates the story, and what perspective is it told from? What other characters are involved, and who stands out the most?

Answer

The story is narrated by Franz, in the first person.

The story includes several characters: the blacksmith’s assistant, the elderly Ho-de, the postman, villagers, Monsieur Hamel, and the students.

The most impressive character is Monsieur Hamel, whose immense love for the teaching profession and for spreading the national language to generations is evident.

3 - Page 55 Textbook

On the morning of the last lesson, what did Franz notice as he made his way to school, at school, and inside the classroom? What did these signs indicate?

Answer

On the morning of the last lesson, Franz noticed that many people were gathered in front of notice boards, and the blacksmith’s assistant spoke in unusual phrases. The atmosphere at school was quiet. Inside the classroom, Monsieur Hamel was dressed formally, and the villagers sat quietly in the back.

This signaled something sad: they would no longer be taught in French.

4 - Page 55 Textbook

What was Franz’s attitude toward learning French, especially in the final lesson? How did his feelings change during the lesson?

Answer

Before realizing it was the last lesson, Franz was playful and lazy about his studies.

After hearing Monsieur Hamel’s announcement, he felt regretful for neglecting his studies.

When Monsieur Hamel called on him to read, Franz felt embarrassed and wished he could read the lesson clearly without mistakes.

At the end of the lesson, he was saddened, moved by his teacher, and filled with a newfound love for French.

5 - Page 55 Textbook

How is the character of Monsieur Hamel depicted in the last lesson? To understand this, identify the details that describe him in terms of:

- His attire;

- His attitude toward students;

- His words about learning French;

- His actions at the end of the lesson.

What impression does Monsieur Hamel leave on you?

Answer

- Attire: Monsieur Hamel was formally dressed in a dark green coat with a fine pleated collar, and a black silk hat.

- Attitude toward students: He was gentle, patient, and did not scold anyone.

- Words about learning French: He praised the French language, viewing it as the key to freedom and escape from oppression.

- Actions at the end of the lesson: Monsieur Hamel was emotionally overwhelmed, pale, and choked up, pouring all his love into the words 'Long live France'.

6 - Page 55 Textbook

Find sentences in the story that use similes, and explain the effect of these comparisons.

Answer

Examples of similes:

- The noise was like the market bursting out into the street.

- The villagers sat quietly like we did.

- ... just like holding the key to a prison.

- The sample sheets were like little flags...

- ... a consciousness, as if it were also French.

* Effect: These comparisons create vivid imagery, making the emotions more tangible, thus enhancing the emotional impact of the author’s message.

7* - Page 55 Textbook

In the story, Monsieur Hamel says, '...when a nation falls into slavery, as long as they preserve their language, it's as if they hold the key to escape from prison...'. What do you understand from this, and what is your opinion on this statement?

Answer

This is a powerful affirmation of the strength of one's native language. Loving and learning the national language is a way to break free from oppression and preserve national identity.

Practice

1 - Page 56 Textbook

Summarize the story of 'The Last Lesson'.

Answer

As usual, that morning Franz went to school, but he noticed many strange things on his way. Even the schoolyard was unusually quiet, like a Sunday.

Entering the classroom, Franz was even more surprised as the atmosphere was solemn, Monsieur Hamel was dressed very formally, and the elderly people were also attending the class. Through the teacher's emotional words, Franz realized that this was the last French lesson.

Franz regretted his past laziness and felt embarrassed when he couldn’t read the lesson properly. Monsieur Hamel spoke about the beauty of the French language and its importance, and everyone was deeply moved. At the end of the lesson, Monsieur Hamel wrote 'Long live France!' on the board.

2 - Page 56 Textbook

Write a description of Monsieur Hamel or Franz during the final French lesson.

Answer

- Describe Monsieur Hamel: Focus on his attire, words, attitude, and actions during the lesson.

- Describe Franz: Focus on his thoughts and feelings before school, during the lesson, and as he observes the teacher and imagines what’s happening...

Answer questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on page 29 of the Workbook (SBT) Literature 6, Volume 2. 1. The opening lines of "The Last Lesson" describe what little Phrang hears and sees on his way to school, along with his thoughts at that moment.

Exercise

1. The first lines of the story "The Last Lesson" describe what Phrang hears and sees on his way to school. What is the significance of these details in revealing Phrang's character in the story?

2. Upon entering the classroom, what surprised Phrang the most? How did this affect him?

3. "Mr. Ha-men spoke to us about the French language, saying it is the most (...) language in the world, (...) the most (...) one: we must preserve it in ourselves and never forget it, for when a nation falls into slavery, as long as they still (...) their language, it's like holding the key to the prison...".

a) Fill in the missing words in the parentheses.

b) The italicized sentence uses a metaphor. Identify the two parts of the comparison and the term used for comparison.

c) What is meant by "holding the key to the prison"?

d) Between the two interpretations below, which one do you find deeper and more complete?

A - Language is a tool for communication; through it, people can communicate and organize efforts to fight for independence.

B - A unified language is a key feature of a nation. Preserving it means never forgetting one's homeland and nurturing patriotism, which leads to efforts to reclaim lost territories and protect the nation's sacred culture.

4. Were there any unusual actions or words from Mr. Ha-men at the end of the story? What do these details reveal about him?

5. The title of a story is often closely related to its content and theme. Which of the following interpretations of the title "The Last Lesson" do you agree with?

a) The title encapsulates the entire story's content.

b) The title summarizes the main content and deeply conveys the story's theme.

c) The title clearly and directly represents the story's theme.

Suggested Answer

Question 1: The opening lines of "The Last Lesson" show that Phrang is a playful and lazy boy. Not only that, Phrang is distracted by the sight of "Prussian soldiers training", unaware that they are the enemies of his people.

A child with such traits and awareness is ultimately transformed by the special atmosphere of the "last lesson", which changes his mindset and feelings toward the country, homeland, and attitude toward education and mother tongue.

Question 2: Upon entering the classroom, Phrang was surprised by Mr. Ha-men's "gentle" attitude (which normally would have been reprimanded for being late), the formal attire of the teacher,... but what amazed him most was the composition of the class. It no longer felt like a typical classroom but more like a meeting or assembly, with not only students but also most of the village's elders (an old man, the postman, the village chief). Everyone was "quiet", "sad"; one of the most striking details for Phrang was the village chief Ho-de, who, despite being well-read, still "carried an old, worn-out spelling book" to open on his lap with large glasses resting on the pages.

This solemn atmosphere created a special mindset in Phrang, allowing for the rapid change in his thoughts and emotions.

Question 3: b) - The part being compared: (preserve) one's language;

- The part used for comparison: (hold) the key (to the prison);

- The comparison term: like.

c) "Holding the key to the prison" means breaking the shackles of slavery, driving out invaders, and regaining the nation's independence and sovereignty.

d) I agree with interpretation B.

Question 4: Read the final part of the story carefully to observe the unusual actions and gestures of Mr. Ha-men.

The church bell tolls twelve, and the Prussian soldiers' bugle suddenly sounds, signaling the end of the lesson, marking the end of teaching and learning French in the region. At that moment, Mr. Ha-men's sorrow and emotion reach their peak, revealed through unusual gestures: his pale face, choked voice, unable to finish his sentence, then he writes "Long live France!" on the blackboard with all his remaining strength, before leaning exhausted against the wall, signaling to the students.

Through these extraordinary gestures, emotions, and actions, what do you perceive about Mr. Ha-men? (His love for his country, his reverence for the national language, his sorrow over the prohibition of teaching French in schools, etc.)

Question 5: I agree with interpretation B.

I. A Brief Introduction to the Author: An-phông-xơ Đô-đê (1840 - 1897)
- Hometown: Nimes, Southern France
- Life:
His childhood was filled with hardships as his father's business went bankrupt, and his parents divorced. He dropped out of school during his secondary education and began his career in Paris at the age of 12.
- Literary Career:
He started writing at the age of 14 and continued to create prolifically throughout his life. His works were widely appreciated and achieved significant success. He wrote across various genres, with notable achievements in poetry and novels.
Notable Works: "The Little Boy", "Letters from My Windmill", "Fromont Junior and the Old Man Riler", "Tartarin of Tarascon"...

II. A Brief Overview of the Story 'The Last Lesson'
1. Origin
The story 'The Last Lesson' (A Story of a Little An-dat Boy) is a short story from the collection "Stories for Monday" by the author An-phông-xơ Đô-đê.

2. Setting
The story takes place after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, where France was defeated, and the regions of An-dat and Lorraine bordering Prussia were annexed by Germany. Consequently, schools in these regions were required to teach German. The story depicts the final French lesson in a village school in An-dat.

3. Genre
- Short story

4. Mode of Expression
- Narrative technique combining description and expression

5. Narrative Perspective
- First-person perspective, using the pronoun "I".
- Effect: This perspective makes the narrative more vivid, authentic, and emotionally engaging, easily stirring the reader's heart.

6. Summary of 'The Last Lesson'
The story recounts the final French lesson in the region of An-dat through the narration of the student, Phrang. On that morning, Phrang arrives at class a little late and is surprised to find the classroom different than usual. He is stunned when teacher Ha-men announces that it is the last French lesson. He feels regret and guilt for having wasted time, having skipped lessons to play, and even had to struggle to come to school that day. The atmosphere in the classroom is solemn as Ha-men passionately teaches about the importance of the French language, continuing the lesson until the clock strikes 12. At the end of the lesson, the teacher, with tears in his eyes, writes on the board: "LONG LIVE FRANCE".

7. Structure of the Text 'The Last Lesson'
- The text consists of three parts:
Part 1: From the beginning to "and I was absent": Describing the scene on the way to school and the classroom before the lesson, observed by Phrang.
Part 2: From "I walked past the desks" to "I will never forget this last lesson": Describing the course of the last lesson and the emotions of everyone involved.
Part 3: The remaining part: The ending scene of the last lesson.

8. Themes in 'The Last Lesson'
The story poignantly portrays a final French lesson in An-dat, a region occupied by Prussian forces, and the emotional response of teacher Ha-men. The narrative highlights patriotism, with a clear message that preserving the national language is akin to holding the key to freedom. The story conveys the truth: "When a nation falls into slavery, as long as they keep their language, it is like holding the key to their prison..."

9. Artistic Value of the Text
- Characters are vividly portrayed through detailed descriptions of their appearance, gestures, speech, and emotions.
- The first-person narrative makes the story dynamic, authentic, and compelling.
- The natural language used, with a sincere, emotional, and heartfelt tone, resonates deeply with readers.

10. Significance of the Title
The title 'The Last Lesson' foreshadows the content of the story, which is about the final French lesson for the people of An-dat. It also serves as a painful announcement to the people of An-dat that they would no longer be able to learn French from that point on.

III. Answering the Questions

Question 1 (Page 54 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

The story takes place in a classroom in An-dat, France, after the Franco-Prussian War, where France lost and had to cede the An-dat region to Prussia.

- The title means the last lesson taught in French.

Question 2 (Page 54 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

The story is narrated from the first-person perspective of Phrang.

- Other characters in the story include: the blacksmith Oat-sto, the apprentice boys, the old man Hode, the mailman, the villagers, teacher Ha-men, the teacher's younger sister, and students.

- The teacher, Ha-men, stands out as the most impressive character, who has been teaching for forty years and demonstrates his deep love for France with all his heart.

Question 3 (Page 49 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

On the morning of the last lesson, Phrang noticed several oddities:

+ Several people were standing in front of the board posting a notice.

+ The classroom was quieter than usual, a calm atmosphere.

+ The mood in the class was serious; Ha-men wore a formal outfit, and his tone was gentle, not angry.

+ There were also old man Hode, the mailman, and other villagers in the classroom.

=> These signs foreshadowed the announcement of the final French lesson, which had been posted on the town hall notice board.

Question 4 (Page 55 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Phrang had a reluctance towards studying French and preferred to play rather than memorize grammar rules.

- When unable to recite the lesson, Phrang felt regret.

+ He wished he could read French "loud and clearly, without making a single mistake".

+ He felt the French textbook was "like an old friend".

+ He began to appreciate the clarity of Ha-men's lesson, developing affection for his strict but caring teacher.

=> The last lesson completely changed Phrang's attitude, emotions, and thoughts, igniting a newfound interest in studying French.

Question 5 (Page 55 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Teacher Ha-men was described as follows:

+ Attire: He wore a formal suit.

+ His attitude toward students: gentle and kind.

+ His remarks on French language: He praised French as a "weapon" and expressed self-criticism about past negligence in learning French.

+ His actions at the end of the lesson: The teacher was deeply moved, pale, choked up, unable to finish his sentence. He wrote on the board, "Long live France".

=> Teacher Ha-men was a dedicated educator who cherished his native language and demonstrated profound patriotism.

Question 6 (Page 55 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Several instances of metaphor are used in the story:

+ Normally, the noise at the beginning of a lesson is like the chaos of a market spilling into the streets.

+ ... the villagers sat quietly... and many others.

+ ... as long as they retain their language... it is like holding the key to a prison.

+ The notice sheets hung on the desks looked like small flags fluttering around the classroom.

+ ... we are struggling to draw... this is also French.

=> These metaphors add clarity and evoke vivid imagery, enhancing the expression of deep emotions and thoughts in the narrative.

Question 7 (Page 55 of the 6th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

In the story, Ha-men says: "... when a nation falls into slavery... it is like holding the key to the prison".

- This quote reflects the deep love for the French language, as it is as essential as air and life itself.

- It emphasizes the importance of the national language.

- Retaining the language symbolizes the hope for freedom and the fight to reclaim independence.

- Valuing, studying, and preserving one's native language is a clear and profound expression of patriotism.

III. EXERCISES

Question 1: Summarize

The story narrates the last French lesson in An-dat through the eyes of Phrang. On that morning, Phrang arrives late and is surprised by the unusual atmosphere in the classroom. He is shocked when Ha-men announces it is the last French lesson. Filled with regret for his wasted time, Phrang realizes the importance of studying French. The atmosphere is solemn, and Ha-men passionately teaches until the clock strikes 12. At the end of the lesson, Ha-men, overwhelmed with emotion, writes "LONG LIVE FRANCE" on the board.

Question 2: Write a descriptive paragraph about Ha-men or Phrang during the last French lesson.

Tip: Focus on describing the features like attire, voice, and attitude of Ha-men during the last class (if writing about Ha-men).

Alternatively, describe the actions, attitudes, thoughts, and emotions of Phrang when witnessing Ha-men's emotional farewell (if writing about Phrang). The paragraph should be concise, highlighting key details that emphasize the character's personality.

Answer to question 1 (page 54, Literature 6, Volume 2):

What is the setting of the story 'The Last Lesson'? What is your understanding of the title 'The Last Lesson'?

Detailed answer:

The story takes place during the last French lesson in a classroom taught by Mr. Ha-men in a village school in the An-dat region. This occurred after the Franco-Prussian war, where France lost and had to cede the regions of An-dat and Lorraine to Prussia. Following this, the Prussian authorities ordered that French no longer be taught in schools in these areas. Hence, the author titled the story 'The Last Lesson'.

Answer to question 2 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

Who narrates the story and what is their point of view? What other characters appear in the story, and which one left the strongest impression on you?

Detailed answer:

- The story is narrated by Phrăng, a student in Mr. Ha-men’s class, from the first-person point of view.

- The story also features Mr. Ha-men and a few minor characters who are not described in detail. Phrăng left the most lasting impression on me.

Answer to question 3 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

On the morning of the last lesson, what did Phrăng notice as different on his way to school, the scenery at school, and the atmosphere in the classroom? What did these things indicate?

Detailed answer:

- On his way to school, Phrăng noticed a crowd in front of a bulletin board with a notice covered by a net near the commune office.

- The schoolyard was unusually quiet, resembling a Sunday morning.

- Phrăng arrived late but was not reprimanded by the teacher.

- At the back of the classroom, villagers were silently sitting, including some elders who had come to attend the lesson, all appearing solemn and sorrowful.

=> These things indicated that this was not a normal class; something unusual had happened: it was the last lesson.

Answer to question 4 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

How did Phrăng's thoughts and feelings (especially his attitude towards learning French) evolve during the last lesson?

Detailed answer:

* Phrăng’s thoughts and feelings:

- He was stunned and shocked when Mr. Ha-men announced it was the last lesson.

- He felt regretful and ashamed for his past laziness in studying and his tendency to play instead of studying.

- His regret turned into self-anger.

- He was astonished by how much he understood Mr. Ha-men’s lesson on grammar, realizing that everything Mr. Ha-men said was so clear to him. 'Everything he said, I found so easy, so easy. I also thought I had never listened so attentively before...'

* Phrăng heard and understood the most heartfelt words of Mr. Ha-men and his awareness and mood underwent profound changes. He grasped the sacred meaning of learning French and longed to continue studying, but now there was no chance to study French anymore at school.

Answer to question 5 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

How is the character of Mr. Ha-men depicted in the last lesson? To clarify this, find details describing this character. What feelings does Mr. Ha-men evoke in you?

Detailed answer:

Mr. Ha-men in the last lesson:

- Attire: A black silk hat with embroidery, a greenish-blue coat, and neatly pleated lily leaf edges – a formal outfit usually worn during solemn ceremonies.

- His attitude towards students: His speech was gentle, he did not scold Phrăng for being late or not knowing his lesson, and he taught with passion and patience, eager to pass on all his knowledge to the students during the final lesson.

- The most heartfelt message Mr. Ha-men wanted to convey to his students and everyone in the An-dat region was to cherish, preserve, and cultivate their language, as it represents love for their country.

- A particularly moving moment was when Mr. Ha-men, at the very end of the lesson, was so overwhelmed with emotion that he was pale and choked up, unable to finish his sentence. He gathered all his strength to write on the board: 'Long live France!'

=> Thus, together with Phrăng, Mr. Ha-men contributed significantly to expressing the theme and message of the story in a direct and profound way. His character’s beauty is seen through Phrăng’s eyes, filled with admiration and gratitude, and is vividly depicted in the heartfelt and unforgettable recount of the last lesson.

Answer to question 6 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

Find some sentences in the story that use comparisons, and explain the purpose of these comparisons.

Detailed answer:

Sentences with comparisons:

- The noise was like a broken market.

- Everything was as calm as a Sunday morning.

- ... Mr. Ha-men stood still at the podium, staring at the objects around him as if he wanted to carry the entire school in his eyes (this comparison shows Mr. Ha-men’s attachment to the school)...

- '... When a nation falls into slavery, as long as they keep their language, it is as if they hold the key to their prison' (this emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s language for national independence).

Answer to question 7 (page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2):

In the story, Mr. Ha-men says: '... When a nation falls into slavery, as long as they keep their language, it is as if they hold the key to their prison...' What do you understand from this, and what is your opinion about this statement?

Detailed answer:

Mr. Ha-men’s statement highlights the sacred value and immense power of a nation’s language in the struggle for independence and freedom. The language of a nation, created and nurtured by generations over thousands of years, is an invaluable treasure. Thus, one must love, preserve, and master their language, especially when the nation is under occupation, for language is not only a precious asset but also an important tool for fighting for independence and freedom.

PRACTICE

Answer to question 1 (page 56, Literature 6, Volume 2):

Summarize the story 'The Last Lesson'.

Answer:

The story tells about the last French lesson in the An-dat region, narrated by the student Phrăng. On that morning, Phrăng arrived at school a bit late and was surprised to find the classroom unusually quiet. He was shocked when Mr. Ha-men announced it was the last French lesson. He felt regret and shame for wasting time, for skipping school and playing around, and even for struggling to come to school that day. During the final lesson, the atmosphere was very solemn. Mr. Ha-men spoke profoundly about the French language, teaching with enthusiasm until the clock struck twelve. At the end of the lesson, Mr. Ha-men choked up, unable to speak, but with all his strength, he wrote on the board: 'LONG LIVE FRANCE!'

Answer to question 2 (page 56, Literature 6, Volume 2):

Write a paragraph describing Mr. Ha-men or Phrăng during the last lesson in French.

Answer:

On a beautiful morning, Phrăng had planned to skip school and run on the grassy fields of Ríp-pe, listen to the birds singing by the forest, catch bird nests, or skate on the lake. But he resisted the urge and hurried to school. Mr. Ha-men informed him that this was the last French lesson. Phrăng was stunned, his face flushed with anger, then turned pale from shock. His innocent eyes no longer held the mischievous glint but instead reflected a sense of loss and a vague fear. His small hands trembled as he gently placed his books on the desk, turning the pages slowly. His gaze followed Mr. Ha-men’s every move, as if afraid he might disappear. When called to recite, Phrăng fidgeted on his seat, feeling gloomy and too embarrassed to look up. He watched the classroom, observing the faces and actions, and Mr. Ha-men’s patience, trying to memorize every detail of this lesson before they were forced to learn German. Throughout the class, Phrăng listened attentively to Mr. Ha-men’s words, soaking them in as the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.

Structure

Structure: 3 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1 (From the beginning... to 'but missing me'): Phrăng’s observations on the way to school and at school.

- Paragraph 2 (Next... to 'this last lesson'): The progression of the last lesson.

- Paragraph 3 (The rest): The conclusion of the last lesson.

Main content

Through the story of the last French lesson in the An-dat region, under Prussian occupation, Phrăng appears as an active, intelligent, sensitive boy, deeply in love with his teacher and his country.

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE:

1. Author:

An-phông-xơ Đô-đê (1840 – 1897).
He was a French writer, known for his famous short story collections.

2. Work:

The Last Lesson
Context: After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, France was defeated and had to cede the regions of An-dát and Lorain, which bordered Prussia, to the German state. As a result, the inhabitants of these regions were forced to learn in German.

3. Summary:

The story is about a morning, like any other, when the boy Phrăng goes to school. On the way, he notices strange things happening. As he enters the classroom, he is even more surprised. Teacher Ha-men is dressed in formal attire as if it were a holiday. The teacher doesn't scold him but speaks gently to Phrăng. The atmosphere in the classroom is serious. At the back of the class, there are elderly Mr. Hô-de, the mailman, and many other villagers. It turns out that it is the last French lesson. Phrăng feels regretful for not having studied properly, especially when teacher Ha-men delivers the final lesson with great emotion. At the end of the lesson, the teacher writes on the board the phrase that reflects the love for the nation: "Long live France!".

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: Page 54, Literature 6, Volume 2

What is the setting, time, and place of the story? What do you understand by the title The Last Lesson?

Answer:
Context and time: After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, France was defeated and had to cede the An-dát region to Prussia. By Prussian decree, schools in the region were no longer allowed to teach in French.
Place: The story takes place in a village school in the An-dát region of France.
The title "The Last Lesson" refers to the last French lesson, not the last lesson of the school year.

Question 2: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
Who narrates the story, and in which language? What other characters are there, and which one made the greatest impression on you?

Answer:
The story is told from the perspective of the boy Phrăng, using the first-person narrative.
=> This method of narration creates the impression of a true story and allows the narrator's thoughts and emotions to be expressed.
The main characters are the boy Phrăng and teacher Ha-men.
Other secondary characters include Mr. Hô-de, the mailman, fellow students, and villagers.
The most impressive character is teacher Ha-men: who devoted forty years of service to teaching and expressed his deep love for France with all his heart.

Question 3: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
On the morning of the last lesson, what did Phrăng notice that was different on the way to school, at school, and in the classroom? What did these signs indicate?

Answer:
On the morning of the last lesson, Phrăng noticed several unusual things:
On the way to school, there were many people standing in front of a posted notice.
The school was unusually quiet, not the usual sounds of bustling students; "It was as calm as a Sunday morning."
In the classroom, the atmosphere was solemn, and teacher Ha-men was dressed in ceremonial attire. He spoke kindly, not angrily.
At the back of the room, there were Mr. Hô-de, the mailman, and several villagers sitting.
=> These signs indicated that this was the last French lesson, as was announced at the town hall.

Question 4: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
What were Phrăng's feelings and attitude (especially towards learning French) during the final lesson?

Answer:
Phrăng was initially indifferent towards learning French, preferring to play rather than study grammar. However, upon hearing that it was the last French lesson, Phrăng's attitude changed:
At first, he was stunned by the sudden news.
He felt regret for only knowing "broken" French.
He was ashamed of his laziness and neglect of studying.
From disinterest, he began to feel a deep connection with his French books, which seemed like "old friends".
He found the lesson easier to understand and came to admire his strict teacher, Ha-men.
From avoiding French and his teacher, Phrăng became focused and eager to learn French on his own.

Question 5: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
How is the character of teacher Ha-men depicted during the last lesson? To clarify this, look for descriptions of his appearance, attitude toward students, views on teaching French, and his actions at the end of the lesson. What do you think of teacher Ha-men?

Answer:
Teacher Ha-men is described as follows:
Appearance: He wore formal attire reserved for special occasions, like when inspectors visit or awards are given: a greenish-brown frock coat, with finely pleated collar, and a black silk top hat with embroidery.
Attitude towards students: He was gentle, not angry, and patient with his explanations.
Views on teaching French: He praised the French language, acknowledged the failures of himself and others in teaching and learning it, and considered French as a key to freedom.
Actions at the end of the lesson: Teacher Ha-men became emotional, his face pale and choked with emotion. He struggled to finish his sentence, but summoned all his strength to write on the board "Long live France!".
=> Ultimately, teacher Ha-men is portrayed as a devoted educator, a passionate lover of the French language, and a patriot. His character embodies the theme and the deep message of the work. The love and respect Phrăng holds for him reflects the admiration and gratitude Phrăng felt during that unforgettable last lesson.

Question 6: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
Find some sentences from the story that use similes, and explain the effect of these similes.

Answer:
Some sentences with similes include:
"The noise was like a market in chaos."
"Everything was as quiet as a Sunday morning."
"The villagers sat silently just like we did."
"... teacher Ha-men stood still at the podium, staring at the objects around him as if trying to carry the entire small classroom in his eyes." (This simile reflects the teacher’s emotional attachment to the school) ...
"... When a nation falls into slavery, as long as it holds onto its language, it is like holding the key to freedom."
=> These images serve to:
Make the language more vivid and concrete, enhancing its emotional impact and expression of deep thoughts and feelings.
Reflect the contrast between the bustle and the quiet of the final lesson.
Express the characters’ emotions, especially the teacher's deep attachment to the school and the language.

Question 7*: Page 55, Literature 6, Volume 2
In the story, teacher Ha-men says: "... when a nation falls into slavery, as long as it preserves its language, it is like holding the key to freedom...". What do you understand from this, and what are your thoughts on this statement?

Answer:
Teacher Ha-men's words "... when a nation falls into slavery, as long as it holds onto its language, it is like holding the key to freedom..." represent the essence of the entire story. It emphasizes the sacred value and tremendous power of a nation's language in the struggle for independence and freedom. The language is a creation of many generations, developed over thousands of years, and is an invaluable treasure for every nation. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and cherish the language, especially when the country faces oppression.

Practice
Exercise 2 - Page 56, Literature 9, Volume 2
Write a paragraph describing either teacher Ha-men or the boy Phrăng during the last lesson in French.

Answer:
On a beautiful morning, Phrăng had planned to skip school and run around the Rip-pe meadow, listen to the birds sing in the forest, catch bird nests, or skate on the lake. But he resisted and ran to school. Teacher Ha-men told him that it was the last French lesson. Phrăng was stunned. His face turned red with anger, then gradually pale with shock. His innocent black eyes no longer showed mischievousness, but instead a sense of loss, a vague fear. His little hands trembled as he took his book from his bag, turning the pages gently. Phrăng's eyes followed teacher Ha-men as if afraid the teacher would disappear. When called to read, Phrăng hesitated and swayed in his seat, feeling embarrassed and not daring to look up. He observed the classroom, the faces, the actions, and the patience of teacher Ha-men to keep this memory of the final lesson before being forced to learn German. Throughout the lesson, Phrăng listened attentively to the teacher's words as if absorbing every sentence until the noon bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.