The Last Lesson — Class 12 English PYQs

"I've plenty of time. I'll learn it tomorrow. And now you see where we've come out." (The Last Lesson)
What does M. Hamel mean to convey through these lines ?

I heard M. Hamel say to me, 'I won't scold you, little Franz; you must feel bad enough. See how it is! Every day we have said to ourselves, "Bah! I've plenty of time. I'll learn it tomorrow." And now you see where we've come out.' 'Your parents were not anxious enough to have you learn. They preferred to put you to work on a farm or at the mills to have one extra sou.' 'Haven't I often sent you to water my flowers instead of learning your lessons? And when I wanted to go fishing, did I not give you a holiday?' Then, from one thing to another, M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language. He said that it was the most beautiful language in the world and that we must guard it among us and never forget it because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they had the key to their prison. We've all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.

Why does M. Hamel not scold Franz?

What does M. Hamel blame the parents for?

Complete the following sentence appropriately.
M. Hamel compares language to a key to prison because _________.

The phrase 'We've all a great deal to reproach ourselves with' suggests

State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the extract.
M. Hamel always prioritised teaching over his personal interests.

What does M. Hamel's statement reveal about the importance of language?

Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line; 'Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons.'

Franz from 'The Last Lesson' and the peddler from 'The Rattrap' demonstrate the importance of learning from one's mistakes. Both characters undergo a transformation — Franz realises the value of his language and education, while the peddler is transformed by Edla's kindness. Discuss how both texts convey the theme of redemption and self-realisation.