Regret, Language, and Irony: Lessons Learned

1. Why was Franz reluctant to go to school?

Ans. His French teacher said that he would ask questions on participles. He had not prepared and learnt the rules about participles.

2. Why had M. Hamel put on his fine Sunday Clothes?

Ans. After the order from Berlin had come, that only German would be taught in schools and not French M. Hamel knew that it was his last French lesson. It was honor of the last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes which he put on inspection and Prize Distribution Day.

3. Why were the villagers sitting there in the back of the classroom?

Ans. The villagers - Old Houser, postmaster and several others were there in the classroom because it was their way of showing respect for their country and thanking M. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service. They too felt sorry that they had not been to school.

Our language is a part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful M. Hamel and the village elders are for having neglected their native language.

Ans. Value Points According to the latest order from Berlin, only German was to be taught in the schools to Alsace & Lorraine This affected everyone badly as everyone was repenting on having wasted the time and not learning French M. Hamel felt guilty for sending his students for his personal tasks The parents of the students never bothered and sent children to work on a farm or at mills Elders showed regret too – they neither learnt French themselves nor did they encourage their children Of course, M. Hamel, villagers and even Franz - all were honest enough to accept the mistake of neglecting French language.

Write a Speech for your morning assembly on the topic 'Significance of language / Mother Tongue in our Life'

Ans. Value Points language empowers countrymen Better understanding of the Subject-matter used as a weapon to fight a cause better expression everyone should feel proud of one's mother tongue.

What is the irony in the name 'Saheb-e-Alam'?

Ans. 'Saheb-e-Alam' means the 'Lord of the Universe' but Saheb was oblivious of what it meant. Contrary to what his name represented, he roamed the streets with his friends, an army of barefooted boys scrounging in the garbage heaps to make both ends meet.

Why have the ragpickers settled in Seemapuri?

Ans. Several families like Saheb have been the victims of nature's fury. They left Dhaka after storms swept away their fields and houses and settled in Seemapuri.

Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? Explain.

Ans. Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. Even though he is paid more and given his meals, but he is no longer his own master. The steel canister seemed to be heavier than the plastic bag.

Explain the significance of the title 'Lost Spring'.

Ans. Spring is the season of optimism and hope. It symbolizes life. But, unfortunately, millions of children in our country waste their childhood in ragpicking and other hazardous industries. The joys of childhood, the vibrance of spring is lost either in the garbage or in dingy cells with furnaces. The grinding poverty and traditions condemn these children to a life of exploitation. They see very little hope of escaping from their impoverished life of misery & deprivation. Moreover, years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream. They are entangled in a spiral that moves from poverty to apathy to greed and to injustice.