The Rattrap-Questions-Answers-Selma Lagerlof-English for Class XII

4. The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)

Very Short Ans/Questions (Useful for Comprehension Passages)

1.       The name of the writer of ‘The Rattrap’ is

Ans.   Salma Lagerlof

2.       The man-made rattraps from the material he got by begging.

3.       He made his living by begging and thieving and selling rat traps.

4        What gleamed through the man’s eyes?

Ans.   hunger

5.       His business of selling rattraps has not been profitable

6.       The crofter was without a wife or child.

7.       He served the rattrap seller porridge in super.

8.       He played ‘majlis’ (a game of play card) with the rattrap seller.

9.       He also shared confidences and showed him (the rattrap seller) his thirty kronor (three wrinkled ten kronor notes)

10.     The rattrap seller did not expect the kind of hospitality which he received from the crofter.

11.     The crofter lived alone. He had no one to talk to. So he was talkative and friendly with the peddler.

12.     The crofter thought that the peddler was not believing about 30 kronor. So he showed them to him.                                                            

13.     The peddler did not respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. He robbed him of his thirty kronor.

14.     The crofter did not go on the public highway. He was afraid of being caught.

15.     He entered the Ramsjo ironworks to pass the night.

16. Master Smith gave him a haughty consent without honouring him with a word.

17.     The ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old acquaintance.

18.     Iron master’s daughter Elizabeth is dead, his boys are abroad; he lives with his oldest daughter -Edla Williamsson.

19.     The name of a master blacksmith is Stjernstorm

20.     The name of the old acquaintance of the ironmaster is captain Von Stable.

21.     Edla Williamson came in a carriage to take the peddler with her. Her valet was also with her.

22.     She was not at all pretty, but seemed modest and shy.

23.     The peddler was used to sleeping with one eye open.

24.     Edla guessed that the peddler had either stolen something or escaped from jail.

25.     Edla gave her fur coat to the peddler and he wore it on his rags.

26.     The valet bathed the peddler, cut his hair, and shaved him.

27.     He was also dressed in a good-looking suit of the ironmaster.

28.     The ironmaster at once ordered him to leave his house as he was not the real captain.

29.     Edla didn’t let him go.

30.     For the whole forenoon he lay slept on the sofa.

31.     In the evening, he ate Christmas fish and porridge.

32.     At Church, Edla came to know that the rattrap seller had robbed the old crofter.

33.     He left a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes and also a letter.

Q.1    From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rat-trap?

Ans.   The idea of the world being a rat-trap came to his mind suddenly while walking on his way, he started thinking about his rat-traps.

Q.2    How does the peddler compare the world to a rat-trap What explanation does he give?

Ans.   The peddler says that the whole world is a rat-trap. It is a big rat-trap for human beings. The small rat-trap cheese and pork for rats as bait. But the big rat-trap (i.e. the world) offers riches, joys, shelter, food, and all its worldly things as bait for human beings. Once a person touches it, he is caught in it.

Q.3    Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Ans.   The crofter lived alone without a wife or child. He had no one to talk to. He was very happy to meet the peddler. So he was talkative and friendly to him.

Q.4    What confidences (secrets) did the crofter share with the peddler?

Ans.   The crofter told the peddler about his confidences. He said that he worked once at Ramsjo Ironworks. Now he was unable to do hard labour. His cow supports him. He sells its milk. Last month he got thirty kronor. He stood up and showed that money to the peddler.

Q.5    How did the peddler hob the poor crofter? Why?

Ans.   The business of the peddler was not giving him a livelihood. So the thirty kronor of the crofter tempted him. The peddler broke the window pane. Then he put his hand inside and took out the pouch containing the money.

Q.6    Why did the peddler take his way through the forest?

Ans.   The peddler was afraid of being caught. He might be chased and caught on the highway. SO he took the way which went through the forest.

Q.7    What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rat trap?

Ans.   The peddler lost his way in the forest. He tried his best to find the straightway. He walked and walked and ultimately came to the same place. He was too tired to walk further. Then he realised that he had indeed fallen into a .big rattrap.

Q.8    Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Ans.   The ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old acquaintance of the army. It was also Christmas eve. The ironmaster felt pity for the miserable condition of the peddler. So he spoke kindly to the peddler.

Q.9    Why did the peddler decline (refuse) the iron master’s invitation to come to his home?

Ans.   The peddler had stolen the crofter’s money. It was in his pocket. He was afraid of being exposed. Going to the iron master’s house was putting himself at risk. So he declined the invitation.

Q.10  What made the peddler accept Edla Willimans?

Ans.   Edla’s was very much polite to the peddler. She showed her friendly manners to him. She told him that he could leave her house according to his sweet-will. Moreover, being a lady, she won his confidence easily. So he accepted her invitation.

Q.11  What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Ans.   Edla’s observation about the peddler was very correct She studied his behaviour at one She understood that the peddler had either stolen something or he had escaped from jail. She also understood that he was not educated.

Q.12  When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Ans.   The iron master’s valet had bathed him, cut his hair, and shaved him. He was also dressed in a good suit. The iron master saw him in clear daylight. Then he realised that he had done a mistake. The peddler was not his old acquaintance.                                      

Q.13  What explanation did the peddler give for not revealing his identity? How did he defend himself?

Ans.   He explained (said) that he did not pretend to be anybody but a poor trap-trader. Moreover, he did not accept his invitation to stay in his house.  He had requested the iron master again and again for not compelling him. He had wished to pass the night at the forge.

Q.14  Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? Why did she intercede for the vagabond (wanderer)?

Ans.   Edla was very happy that morning. She had planned to make eatables for the poor peddler on Christmas Eve Although she knew the peddler’s fault, she interfered with the vagabond.

Q.15  Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Ans.   Edla had also heard at the church that the rat-trap seller was a thief. She was very disappointed. But she was happy to see the gift. The peddler had left the thirty kronor put in a rat trap. It was really a gift for Edla.

Q.16  Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Van stable?

Ans.   The peddler was mistaken for Captain Van Stable. He visited the iron master’s house as the Captain. While performing the role of a captain, he proved his honesty He left the stolen money in the house. So he signed as captain Van Stable.

Q.17  What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Ans.   The peddler’s identity became known to the ironmaster and his daughter. The ironmaster ordered him to leave his house at once. But his daughter did not let the peddler go. She also entertained him with food and eatables on Christmas Eve. She was so kind and polite to the peddler. This made him finally change his ways.

 

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q.1    How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?  How does the peddler himself, succeeds in coming out of the big rattrap of the world? Or ‘theme’

Ans.   The rattrap seller was the metaphor of ‘rattrap’ to highlight the human predicament. The peddler calls his world a rattrap. To catch rats, people put cheese and park as bait in the rattraps. In the same way, this world is a big rattrap. All attractions of the world are baits for human beings. Those attractions are - all lands (countries), villages, cities, seas, joys, riches, food, shelter, heat, and clothing. The peddler always thinks ill of others. He believes that the world has been very unkind to him. His business of selling rattraps is not profitable for him. So he does begging and petty stealing to keep himself alive. It is his past time to enjoy gloomy thoughts about to people whom he knows. He knows who has already been caught or is about to be caught in this big trap. He steals the crofter’s money in thirty kronor. It puts him into trouble. At last, Edla’s good nature and his own raised status of a Captain enable him to escape from the big rattrap.

Q.2    The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of their surprises.

Ans.   We find some unexpected reactions from the characters in this story. The crofter’s behaviour to the peddler is unexpected. He never thought that he would get shelter at the crofter’s house so easily and happily. The crofter’s face was not sour. He gives him both food and shelter. But the peddler robs him of his thirty kronor. This surprises us. Then at the blacksmith’s workshop, he is given a haughty consent for shelter. The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for his old acquaintance. He wants to take him to his house. But the peddler did not want to go with him. Then, unexpectedly, he sends his daughter to take him with her. After a few hours, the true identity of the peddler becomes known to the ironmaster. He, at once, orders him to leave the house. But the ironmaster’s daughter does not let him go. She entertains him with food and eatables at Christmas Eve. Finally, the peddler also surprises us with his unexpected behaviour. While leaving the house, he puts thirty kronor in a rattrap along with a letter. This is a sweet surprise for Edla and the readers.

Q.3    What are the instances in the story that show the characters of the ironmaster and that of his daughter different in many ways?

OR

          Compare and contrast the characters of the ironmaster and that of his daughter.

Ans.   The characters of both these persons are quite different. But there is one similarity.  Both of them are kind and generous. The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for his old acquaintance. He is full of pity for his miserable condition. So he wants to take him to his house. But the peddler does not go with him. Then he sends his daughter to persuade him. He does so become he really wants to help the person. But, when the truth about the peddler becomes known, he orders him to go at once. Here, he is a practical man. He does not want to keep a stranger in his house anymore. On the other hand, his daughter does not blame the peddler for that situation. Moreover, she is full of human kindness. She wants to serve a hungry man on Christmas Eve. She does not care for her father’s warnings to her. She behaves politely to the peddler. Finally, it is her politeness which ultimately changes the poor person.

Q.4    How does the peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter?

Ans.   The peddler usually meets people who are not kind to him. He is surprised to meet the crofter. He is given a warm welcome. He talks with the peddler in a friendly way. He gives him both food and shelter. But the peddler takes it otherwise. He thinks that the crofter was alone. So he gave him shelter and talked to him in a friendly way. The peddler took the crofter’s hospitality in a light way. He did not feel obliged. Rather, he robbed the crofter of his thirty kronor. Then the ironmaster was very kind to him. His hair was cut. He is bathed and his clothes are changed. Then the ironmaster realised his mistake. The peddler was not his old acquaintance. So he orders him to leave his house at once. The peddler must have thought that the ironmaster’s kindness was based on his selfishness. After that, the ironmaster’s daughter entertained the peddler without any selfishness. She shows her politeness, kindness, and generosity to him.

Deep Water-Questions-Answers-William Douglas-English for Class XII

 3.  Deep Water (William Douglas)

Passages for Comprehension / Very Small Ans. type questions

1.  P (23) “I had decided to learn to swim ........... the drop was gradual”

Q.1    Name the lesson and the writer.

Ans.   The name of the lesson is Deep Water and the writer’s name is William Douglas.

Q.2    What does Y.M.C.A. stand for?

Ans.   Youngmen Christian Association.

Q.3    What would the mother warn the writer about?

Ans.   About Yakima river being treacherous.

Q.4    How was the YMCA pool safe?

Ans.   (i) It was 2-3 feet deep at the shallow end (ii) it was nine feet deep at the other end (iii) the drop was gradual (iv) all the above.

Ans.   All the above

Q.5    Which river was treacherous?

Ans.   Yakima

Q.6    When did the narrator decide to learn to swim?

Ans.   At the age of ten or eleven.

2. P (25) From the beginning ........... force of the waves”

Q.1    What aversion did the writer have?

Ans.   Aversion (strong dislike) to water

Q.2    Why did the writer hang on to his father?

Ans.   Because he feared the waves would knock him down.

Q.3    What made the father laugh?

Ans.   To see how the waves knocked him (child) down.

Q.4    What filled the writer with terror?

Ans.   The overpowering force of waves.

Q.5    Where did the writer’s father take him to?

Ans.   To the beach in California.

Q.6    What was the writer’s age at that time?

Ans.   Three or four years old.

Q.7    Whom did the waves knock down?

Ans.   The writer

3.  (P 25-26)  It seemed a long way ............... yellow tinge do it”

Q.1    What ‘long way down’ is the writer talking of?

Ans. The depth of the Y.M.C.A. pool.

Q.2    What did the writer do when his feet hit the bottom?

Ans.   He tried to spring (jump) upwards.

Q.3    What did the writer see when he opened his eyes?

Ans.   He saw nothing but water all around.

Q.4    Where did this incident occur?

Ans.   At the Y.M.C.A. pool.

Q.5    What was the effect on his lungs?

Ans.   They were about to burst.

Q.6    What did he imagine?

Ans.   He imagined that he would come up to the surface like a cork.

Q.7    What colour was of water?

Ans.   A dirty yellow tinge.

4.  (P-27)  “The next I remember ............. sick to my stomach.”

Q.1    What happened to the writer?

Ans.   He was nearly drowned and was unconscious.

Q.2    What next did the writer remember?

Ans.   He was lying beside the pool, vomiting.

Q.3    Who had made the writer lie on his stomach?

Ans.   The boy who threw him into the pool.

Q.4    Why was the writer made to lie on his stomach?

Ans.   …so that water may come out of it.

Q.5    What did the boy who threw the writer into the narrator say?

Ans.  “But I was only fooling”

Q.6    What did someone say?

Ans.   “The kid nearly died .......... “

Q.7    How was the writer feeling as he went home?

Ans.   He was weak and trembling.

Q.8    What made him wobbly (feeling about falling down)?

Ans.   The slightest exertion.

Q.9    What was the deep effect of this incident on the writer’s mind?

Ans.   He feared water.

5.  (P-29)   The experience had a deep meaning for me ........... grew in intensity”

Q.1    What experience is the writer talking about here?

Ans.   The incident at the Y.M.C.A. pool.

Q.2    What had the writer learned from the experience he talks of?

Ans.   (i) That in death there is peace

          (ii) That there is terror only in the fear of death.

          (iii) Both of these             (iv) Neither of these

Ans.   (iii)

Q.3    What had Roosevelt said?

Ans.   He had said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.”

Q.4    What had the writer experienced?

Ans.   (i) The sensation of dying (ii) The terror that fear of death can produce.

Ans.   Both of these

Some other Questions/Ans.

Q.1    Why did the writer hate to walk naked?

Ans.   He didn’t want to show his skinny (thin) legs.

Q.2    Why did the writer sit on the side of the pool?

Ans.   He was afraid of going into the pool alone.

Q.3    Who threw the writer into deep water of the pool?

Ans.   A big boy of eighteen

Q.4    What did the writer plan while going down the water of the pool?

Ans.   To make a big jump by touching the bottom.

Short Answer Type questions :

Q.1    Describe the writer’s experience when he was of three or four years.

OR

          Which incident created water aversion in the writer’s mind?

Ans.   The writer’s father took him to the beach in California. Both of them were in sea water.  The writer hung on to his father. Then a wave is knocked him down. It swept over the writer and buried him in water. His breath was gone. The incident created an aversion to water in the writer’s mid.

Q.2    What did the 18-years old boy do the writer and why?

Ans.   The writer was afraid of going into the pool alone. So he was waiting for someone to come. Then a boy of eighteen came there. First, he made fun of the writer. He called him skinny. After that, he picked him up and threw into deep water. He did it just out of fun.

Q.3    Why was the writer at first not much frightened when he was thrown into the pool?

Ans.   The writer was hopeful to come at the surface very soon. While going down into the water, he made a plan. He would spring up as soon as his feet touched the bottom of the pool. So he was not frightened.

Q.4    How did the writer feel when he stopped all efforts to save himself?

Ans.   The writer felt relaxed. Even his legs became inactive. He felt darkness in his brain. There was no fear and panic. All was quiet and peaceful. He felt drowsy. He was too tired to jump. Those were the moments of giving up all to God.

Q.5    What did the writer remember as he came to his senses after the misadventure at the pool?

Ans.   He remembered that he was lying on his stomach. He was vomiting. The boy who had thrown him into the pool was also there. He was saying that he had done that only as fun. Another person was saying that the kid had nearly died.

Q.6    How was the writer affected by his misadventure at the pool?

Ans.   It affected the writer badly. It created fear from water in his mind. After that, he never went to the pool On that night, he reached home trembling. He could not eat that night. Thus the misadventure affected him physically and mentally.

Q.7    Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?

Ans.   The writer wanted to bathe in warm lakes and cascades or wade in Tieton or Bumping river. But the fear of water would paralyse his legs. His heart would freeze. Sometimes he wished fishing, boating, and swimming. So the writer determined to get over his fear of water.

Q.8    How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?

Ans.   First, he got training from an instructor. He taught him swimming piece by piece. He continued to practice swimming for four months. Then he swam two miles in Wentworth lake. Fear of water came off and on. But he did not case for it. Finally, in the warm lake, he succeeded in overcoming the fear of water.

Q.9    How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the old terror?

Ans.   After training of swimming, the writer wanted to make sure that he had conquered the old terror. For this, he practiced swimming alone in the pool. Then he went to Wentworth Lake. He swam into it for two miles. Finally, he conquered the fear of water in a warm lake.

Q.10  The writer says, “The instructor was finished. But I was  not finished.” Why?

Ans.   The writer’s instructor trained him in swimming. Then he said his job was finished. But the writer’s job was still unfinished. He was to finish his fear of water by practising swimming alone. That is the reason why the writer says “ ..... I was not finished.”

General Answer :

         The writer Douglas, had fear of water since childhood. But he had a strong desire for swimming. The swimming pool of Y.M.C.A was safe for swimming. So the writer bought a pair of water wings. He tried to swim into the pool three or four times. One day a misadventure happened. A boy of 18 threw him into deep water just for fun. He was nearly drowned. That incident created almost permanent fear in his mind. The terror for water became stranger in is mind. Whenever he put his feet into the water, the fear of water made him weak. But he wanted to conquer fear in order to enjoy swimming, bathing, fishing, and boating. He got training of swimming. After that, he practised swimming for months alone. He swam alone in the Y.M.C.A. pool and in Wentworth lake. He swam in the lake for two miles. Finally, he conquered fear in the warm lake. Now he got full confidence in swimming. Thus, his strong willpower and his instructor’s training made him a perfect swimmer.

Q.1    How did Douglas overcome /conquer his fear of water?

Q.2    How did the instructor make a swimmer out of Douglas?

Ans.  For Q.1 & Q. 2, see answer above (General)

Q.3    How does Douglas describe the panic that gripped him as he was almost drowned? What makes the description so vivid (clear)?

OR

          Narrate briefly the writer’s emotions and fears when he was thrown into the pool. What plans did he make to come to the surface?

OR

          What was the misadventure’ the Y.M.C.A. pool that the writer William Douglas speaks about?

Ans.   The writer had a strong desire for swimming. He got a pair of water wings. He tried to swim in the Y.M.C.A. pool three or four times on different days. One day, he was waiting for someone to come. He was afraid of swimming alone in the pool. Then a big boy of eighteen came. He picked up the writer and threw him into the deep water of the pool. In the beginning, he was not so much afraid. He had a plan in his mind. As soon as his feet touched the bottom of the pool he would spring up and come to the surface. But he failed to do so. He felt weak. His legs and arms would not move. He became panicky. Twice he tried to come up, but in vain his effort proved.  He tried to cry; he tried to call his mother, but all was dark before his eyes. At last, his efforts stopped. He left everything to God. He became unconscious when he came to his senses, he found himself lying on his stomach and he was vomiting Thus he was nearly drowned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Last Lesson -Question-Answers-Alphonse Daudet-English for Class XII

 Flamingo : The Last Lesson  (Alphonse Daudet) [ Notes Prepared By Shish Pal Chauhan]

Short Answer Type Questions : (Modified in July)

 Q.1 Why was Franz afraid of going to school? OR What dread did little Franz have when he started for school in the morning?         OR what was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day?        OR Why did Franz think of spending the day out of school?

Ans.    Franz had not prepared his lesson on participles. So he was afraid of being punished by Mr. Hamel, his teacher. He was expected to learn his homework on the rules of participles.

Q.2     What sights did Franz see on his way to school?

Ans.    He saw that Prussian soldiers were drilling in the open field. He saw a crowd of people reading something from the bulletin board.

Q.3     What things did Franz find tempting to keep him away from school?

Ans.    The morning was bright and warm. Birds were chirping in trees. At some distance, Prussian soldiers were drilling. All these sights were tempting Franz.

Q.4     What usual noise could be heard in the street during school time? What unusual did Franz see on that day?

Ans.    It was about the opening and closing of desks. Lessons could be heard being repeated in a chorus. The sound of Mr. Hamel’s ruler being rapped on the table also could also be heard. . But there was no noise on that day.                       

Q.5     How was Mr. Hamel dressed on that day and why?

Ans.    Mr. Hamel was in his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, and black silk cap. It was Mr. Hamel’s last day in school. So he was in his special dress.

Q.6     What was the most surprising thing which Franz saw in his classroom?

Ans.    Some village people were sitting quietly on the backbenches. Among them were the former mayor, the former postmaster, old Hauser, and several others. Each of them looked sad. Old Hauser was sitting with an old primer (a book on alphabets) holding it on his knees.

Q.7 What information did Mr. Hamel give to the children in his class? How did it affect Franz?

Ans.    Mr. Hamel told his students very politely that it would be his last lesson on that day. French would not be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. German would be taught there in the future. A new teacher was coming the next day. The words fell on Franz’s ears like a thunderclap.

Q.8     What were Franz’s feelings when he came to know that it was Mr. Hamel’s last lesson in his school?

Ans.    He was sorry for not learning his lessons. He felt regret for wasting his time in fun and thinking his books were a nuisance. Books were a burden to him some time ago. Now he forgot about Mr. Hamel’s ruler too.

Q.9     Why did the old men of the village come to school?

Ans.    The old men of the village came to school to thank Mr. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service. It was their way of showing respect for the country.

Q.10   What did Mr. Hamel say about the French language?

Ans.    Mr. Hamel said that the French language was the most beautiful language in the world. It was the most logical and clearest language. He advised the audience to guard (save) it and never to forget it.

Q.11   What happened when the church clock struck twelve?

Ans.    As the church struck twelve, the sounds of the mid-day prayer were heard. The sounds coming from the trumpets of the Prussian soldiers were also heard. Mr. Hamel felt choked. He took a big piece of chalk and wrote in big letters, ““Vive La France!” (Long live France)!”.

Q.12   What did Mr. Hamel say when Franz failed to recite the rules for participles?

Ans.    Mr. Hamel did not scold Franz for not reciting the rules for participles. He blamed himself, his parents for not caring for his studies. He advised never to put off learning till tomorrow. [Notes Prepared by Shish Pal Chauhan]

Q13. What was the importance of the bulletin board? Why had the people gathered there on that day?

Ans. The latest information (almost bad news) like all lost battles, the drafts, the orders of the commanding officer were put on the bulletin board. The people used to read from there about the latest information.

14. How did Franz want to enter the classroom? How did he have to go in and how did he feel?

Ans. Franz wanted to enter the classroom unnoticed. But on that day, everything was so quiet and peaceful, so he had to enter the classroom by opening the door. The class was already full. He felt blushed and frightened.

15. How did M Hamel treat Franz when he reached school late? What did Franz expect?

Ans. M. Hamel treated Franz kindly and asked him to take his seat. He expected harsh treatment from him. But the teacher told him in a polite manner to occupy his seat quickly. Franz jumped over the bench and sat down on his seat.

Q16. As the teacher began to speak, “My children, this is the last lesson…”, the words sounded like a thunderclap to Franz. Why?

Ans. The teacher said that it was his last lesson on that day. The words fell on his ears like a thunderclap. He was in a tizzy (in utter confusion). He could not understand what would be his future.

Long Answer covering several points [Notes Prepared by Shish Pal Chauhan]

A General Question

 Ans. Franz had not learned the rules about participles. So he did not want to go to school that day. He was also afraid of Mr. Hamel’s terrible iron ruler. But he reached school late. There was dead silence in the school. M. Hamel was also polite with him. He was in his special dress.

The village elderly people were also sitting on the backbenches. He could not understand all that. Then Mr. Hamel said that it was his last lesson in the French language. He advised them to keep it alive. Then he talked about the French language. He also spoke about the parents’ carelessness about their children. After that Mr. Hamel delivered his last lesson. Even Franz listened to his teacher very patiently. His outlook on books changed. Then the church bells struck twelve. Mr. Hamel felt choked. He could only write “Vive La France!” (Long Live France)!”

Some more Long Answer-Type Qs

Long Answer-type Question: Word-limit: 100-120)

Q1. What changes did the narrator find in school when the orders from Berlin came?

Ans. A lot of change occurred after the orders had reached Berlin. There was no noise in the school. The class was on and the teacher was there. A few elderly men of the village had also occupied the last benches. M. Hamel, the teacher was silent and in a somber (sad) mood. He wore his special dress that day. The teacher did not scold Franz for entering the class late. He was polite with him. Franz felt shocked to know about his last lesson. The books seemed dear to him all of a sudden. He listened to the teacher with full attention. He felt sorry for the teacher in his heart of hearts. The village elders had come to pay respect to M. Hamel for his forty years of service to the nation.

Q2. What did the teacher say about the general tendency of people about tasks and what did he say about Franz’s parents and himself?

Ans. The teacher talked about the general tendency of people. Students usually put off (postpone) the work for the next day. They think that they have a lot of time. But that habit is devastating (dangerous). That is the reason why they were unable to speak and write their mother tongue properly. He blamed Franz’s parents for not being serious about his studies. He also blames himself for making them busy in other work and giving them holiday. In this way, the teacher not only blames the people in general, but he blames himself also for being negligent (careless) towards their duty.

(Notes made by Shish Pal Chauhan: My YouTube Channel: Shish Pal Chauhan Yamuna Nagar)

Q3. Franz’s attitude towards school and M. Hamel changes when he comes to know about the takeover of his village by Prussian soldiers. Do you agree? Discuss with reference to ‘The Last Lesson’?

Ans. Yes, we agree that Franz’s attitude towards school and M. Hamel is totally changed. Franz’s attitude changes towards his school now. He feels guilty about being careless for his lessons. His attitude towards Mr. Hamel is also changed now. He used to think his teacher to be a crank. But now he has full respect for him. The books on grammar and history were a burden for him. But now, they are no more burden for him.    On the last day, he listened to the lecture very attentively. He was able to understand everything.     Thus we see that Franz undergoes changes in his attitude towards school and M. Hamel.

Very Very Short Answer-type Qs

Q.1     Who is Alphonse Daudet?

Ans.    He is a French novelist and short-story writer.

Q.2     Who is the writer of ‘The Last Lesson’?

Ans.    Alphonse Daudet

Q.3     Why was the narrator late for school?

Ans.    He was afraid of M. Hamel’s scolding.

Q.4     Why was the narrator afraid of M. Hamel’s scolding?

Ans.    He did not know the rules about participles.

Q.5     What were the Prussian soldiers doing?

Ans.    They were drilling.

Q.6     Where were they drilling?

Ans.    In the open field at the back of the sawmill.

Q.7     What did Franz see near the Town Hall?

Ans.    He saw a crowd in front of the bulletin board.

Q.8     What is the name of the blacksmith?

Ans.    Wachter

Q.9     On reaching near his school, what unusual thing did Franz notice about it?

Ans.    There was silence.

Q.10   What did he see through the window?

Ans.    He saw his classmates in their seats and Mr. Hamel was walking up and down with his iron ruler.

Q.11   How did Franz feel while opening the door of his class and entering?

Ans.    He was blushed and frightened.

Q.12   What special thing did Franz see about M. Hamel’s dress?

Ans.    M. Hamel had put on his special dress- his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, the little black silk cap.

Q.13   On what occasion did M. Hamel usually wear his special dress?

Ans.    He wore it on inspection and prize days.

Q.14   What was the thing that surprised Franz most?

Ans.    He saw village people sitting quietly on the backbenches of his class.

Q.15   Who were the main among the villagers sitting in the class?

Ans.    They were old Hauser, the former mayor, and the former postmaster.

Q.16   What was old Hauser wearing?

Ans.    He was wearing his three-cornered hat.

Q.17   How did they look?

Ans.    They looked sad.

Q.18   What did the old Hauser bring with him?

Ans.    An old primer (alphabet book).

Q.19. In what manner did M. Hamel begin his last lesson?

Ans.    In a grave and gentle tone.

Q.20   What were the orders from Berlin?

Ans.    Only the German language would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

Q.21   What words of M. Hamel were thunderclap for Franz?

Ans.    “The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson ......”

Q.22   What made Franz forget all about M. Hamel’s ruler?

Ans.    The idea that he was going away made Franz forget all about M. Hamel’s ruler.

Q.23   Why had the old men of the village come to school?

Ans.    They had come to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of service.

Q.24   What did M. Hamel say about the French language?

Ans     He said it was the most beautiful language in the world- the clearest, the most logical.

Q.25   What advice did he give to the class and people?

Ans.    He advised them to guard and never forget it.

Q.26   Why did Hamel’s lecture seem so easy to Franz?

Ans.    On that day, he listened to the lecture very carefully.

Q.27   How was M. Hamel sitting in the class whenever Franz saw him?

Ans.    He was sitting motionless and gazing at one thing or the other.

Q.28   What time did the church clock strike?

Ans.    It struck twelve.

Q.29   What was heard as the clock struck twelve?

Ans.    The trumpets of the Prussians, returning from the drill were heard.

Q.30   How did M. Hamel look as he stood up from his chair?

Ans.    He looked pale.

Q.31   What did M. Hamel write on the blackboard?

Ans.    He wrote “Vive La France!”

Q.32   What was Wachter doing?

Ans.    He was reading the bulletin.

Q.33   Who was along with Wachter?

Ans.    His apprentice.

Q.34   What was M. Hamel doing in the class as Franz saw him from the window?

Ans.    He was walking up and down the class with his iron ruler.

Q.34 What did “Vive La France!” mean?

Ans. It meant “Long live France”.