How difference from ususal was the …

In the short story 'The Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet, the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson was quite different from usual. There was a lot of sadness and solemnity due to the order from Berlin that only the German language would be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The school was unusually still and quiet and there was no sound of the opening and closing of desks and lessons being repeated in unison.
The French teacher, M. Hamel, was wearing his fine Sunday clothes which he wore only on special occasions like inspection and prize days.
There was also a profound change in his behavior and he was more polite than usual.
Lastly, the back benches of the classroom were occupied by the village elders who were attending the class as a mark of respect for their mother-tongue.