The Last Lesson (Full Translation with Illustrations)

Author: (French) Alphonse Daudet
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The Last Lesson is a collection of three significant works by the 19th-century French Realist writer Alphonse Daudet, including the short story collection The Monday Tales, the prose and story collection Letters from a Miller, and the novel Little Florent and Little Rousselle. With exquisite brushwork and ingenious composition, the works depict the sincerity, integrity, kindness, and resilience of people living in the lower strata of French society, portray the picturesque landscapes of Southern France, reflect the deep patriotic sentiments of the French people, and embody the author's ultimate humanistic concern and masterful artistic craftsmanship. Daudet is one of the great masters of modern French literature. This piece (The Last Lesson) is written in the voice of a primary school student in the department of Arches, describing the tragedy of territorial cession to incite the patriotic spirit of the French people. This short story is of the highest caliber. — Hu Shi
He (Daudet) has a calm and natural style that is very appealing. His tone is rich in emotion and charm, subtle and gentle, unassuming yet captivating. After being exposed to loud and forceful noises, this is no less than an oasis that brings spiritual tranquility. — Liu Mingjiu
Daudet's style is that of a skilled storyteller, light, flexible, and fluent in prose. Sometimes, a gesture or a smile from the narrator is enough to bring the story to life. — Anatole France (French)