Last Lesson

Author: [French] Alphonse Daudet
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: "The Last Lesson" is considered a masterpiece in the history of world literature, where the ideological depth and artistic excellence are perfectly combined. In less than three thousand words, it is set against the historical backdrop of France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, where the eastern provinces of Alsace and Lorraine were ceded to Prussia. The story portrays the tragedy of the people of Alsace being reduced to slavery. The author utilizes the characteristics of the short story, employing the artistic method of "showing the big in the small," to incorporate socially significant historical themes within a highly refined artistic form. He chose the scene of a primary school class having their last French lesson under the Prussian decree that banned the teaching of French in Alsace schools, elevating this lesson to the level of a farewell ceremony to the homeland. Through this single lesson, the tragic outcome of the Franco-Prussian War is vividly and prominently depicted.