The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidences from the text.

Question :The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidences from the text.

The correct answer is -“The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet is a story about the loss of a language and culture due to war and political conflicts. The story highlights the flaws in human character that lead to the sad plight of people in Alsace.

One of the key flaws is the tendency of people to take their language and culture for granted. The protagonist, Franz, was a young boy who did not take his French lessons seriously, believing that he could always learn it later. He only realized the importance of his language when it was too late, and he was about to lose it. This is evident from the following lines from the story: “The Germans had forbidden the teaching of French in the schools, and this was the last French lesson Franz was ever to have.”

Another flaw highlighted in the story is the tendency of people to prioritize their personal interests over the greater good. The German officials were more concerned with asserting their power and control over the region than with preserving the local language and culture. They did not consider the emotional and cultural impact that their actions would have on the people of Alsace. This is evident from the following lines from the story: “It was the first time I had seen him [Franz’s teacher] cry. That day, he said to us, ‘My friends, we must forget our French. The Germans will punish us if we continue to speak it. […] The school will be closed until further notice.'”

In conclusion, “The Last Lesson” portrays the tragic consequences of human flaws such as taking language and culture for granted and prioritizing personal interests over the greater good. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of valuing and preserving one’s language and culture, and the dangers of political conflicts that threaten to destroy them.