Read the following extract from Alphonse Daudet's short story, 'The Last Lesson' and answer the questions that follow: "My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive." What a thunder-clap these words were to me! Oh the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-hall!
What was different on that morning when he arrived late for school?
Topic: The unusual morning
Answer
Everything was still, as quiet as a Sunday morning. Franz could have slipped into his seat unseen, but there was no noise to cover him. M. Hamel, instead of scolding him, spoke kindly and told him to go quickly to his place. The master was wearing his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt and little black silk embroidered cap — clothes he wore only on inspection and prize days. Strangest of all, the back benches, always empty, were filled with the village people sitting silently: old Hauser with his primer, the former mayor, the former postmaster and others, all looking sad.
Four distinct oddities are available — the silence, M. Hamel’s gentleness, his ceremonial clothes, and the villagers on the back benches. Give at least three, with detail. Each is a clue planted before the announcement, and noting that Daudet is building suspense earns credit in a strong answer.