"Last Lesson of the Afternoon" is a poem by W.H. Auden that reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment. The poem is narrated by a teacher who is giving a lesson in the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set and the day comes to a close.
As the teacher speaks, he reflects on the many lessons he has given over the years and the countless hours he has spent in the classroom. He realizes that all of this time has passed by so quickly, and that he has never truly appreciated the present moment. He compares the passing of time to the setting sun, which sinks lower and lower in the sky as the day draws to a close.
Despite this sense of loss and regret, the teacher tries to impart one final lesson to his students. He urges them to make the most of their time, to seize the day and live in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. He encourages them to embrace life and all its uncertainties, and to find joy and fulfillment in the present moment.
In the final lines of the poem, the teacher reflects on his own mortality and the fact that he, too, will one day pass on. He hopes that his students will remember his lessons and the wisdom he has imparted, and that they will use this knowledge to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Overall, "Last Lesson of the Afternoon" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to embrace the present moment and make the most of the time we have. It reminds us that life is fleeting and that it is important to live in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Last Lesson Of The Afternoon Summary
READ ALSO: A Poison Tree By William Blake Summary, Analysis, Themes and Question Answers Irony: Irony implies the opposite of what is said — example: A detective who is employed to catch a thief, might himself be arrested for dishonesty. What is the point of this teaching of mine, and of this Learning of theirs? However, in spite of his laziness, Franz likes to play and is of a sensitive nature. The Last Lesson of the Afternoon, on the other hand, follows a regular patten of cadance and poetic rhythm. Give evidence for your choice. Answer: The tax would refer to the way in which he has to pay for or suffer the indifference of his pupils, and also perhaps to when a church bell tolls at the time of a funeral… in this case his own. He says to most of them it is not important if they can write a good description of a dog. An order has come from Berlin after taking over the districts of Alsace and Lorraine in France that the German language rather than the French should be taught in the schools there.
The Last Lesson of the Afternoon
Franz receives a big shock when he learns that this is his last lesson in French. Can you think of other emotions the poet may have been experiencing? In stanza 1, the poet uses the metaphor of a pack of hounds his pupils tugging at their leashes and straining. Moreover, they feel the reason for their defeat is illiteracy. The Best of School is an optimisitc work about the special relationship that can form between teacher and students, even under less than ideal circumstances. The poem begins with a teacher describing his "weariness" and stating that he can no longer teach his students who have no motivation to learn. To us both, it is all my aunt! Pupils who did not care about their work would produce sheets of paper with these blobs all over them — pupils could use blotting paper otherwise the ink would get on clothes. He continues his previous line of thought in this stanza.
Last Lesson of the Afternoon Questions & Answers
Moreover, he pays careful attention and learns everything taught on this last day. I do not, and will not; they won't and they don't; and that's all! The fact that he asks such questions indicates he is frustrated. He is shocked because he does not know French. The poet describes very strongly what he feels and the inner turmoil he suffers. Furthermore, Franz hates his teacher M. But again at the end, he gets a negative response from them and becomes pessimistic again. Of several insults of blotted pages, and scrawl 9.
Last Lesson Of The Afternoon • English Notes
Lawrence, 1928 About the Author: D. There is a reflection of his patriotism in his praise for the French language. I cannot start 4. What good to them or me, I cannot see! Franz is sad and ashamed for being unable to recite his lesson. Furthermore, on learning about the last lesson, a sudden interest arises in him for learning French.
'Last Lesson of the Afternoon' by D.H. Lawrence
In order to write a summary of a poem, one must establish the meaning of the poem. The speaker is feeling angry, impatient and desperate in stanza 2. The poet uses it to make his point and strengthen his argument! In the third stanza, the teacher comments that he will not waste his last bit of energy attempting to teach students who continue to insult him. To us both, it is all my aunt! As stated in the line, "When will the bell ring, and end this weariness? In making the teaching-learning process a success, a teacher should first of all create a home atmosphere in the school that is conducive to learning and not an abnormal environment. He feels that he has been rewarded with punishment their slovenly work.
