Characterstic of M.Hamel

M. Hamel, the French tracher, emerges as an epitome of an ideal teacher in the story "The Last Lesson". He is introduced by the narrator as a ruler-wielding stereotyped teacher, who is strict and domineering. He is very particular that his students learnt their lessons. At this point the reader feels that, like all teachers, he is insensitive to the feelings of his students and takes pride in his affirmative and empathetic tone. M. Hamel, however, emerges as a true facilitator, a guide and a philosopher for his pupils when he teaches his last lesson. His concern about the education of his students becomes more prominent. Like a friend and guide, he advises the innocent villagers to shift their priorities and pay more attention to learning at school. As a patient teacher he makes Franz realise why he insisted on learning in time and not postponing the learning. He is also seen as a true patriot for he loves his country and the language native to it. He calls upon them to shake off their procrastination and safeguard their language as it was the key to their prison. We see him as a man of deep emotions when he proudly writes 'Vive La France' on the blackboard in the end. M. Hamel is, thus, an ideal teacher, true guide, philosopher and patriot to the core.

M hamal was a great teacher of france ...