Character Sketch of M Hamel
M. Hamel was a French teacher at a local school in Alsace. Hamel was a stereotypical teacher who was a tough disciplinarian who did not spare his iron ruler. He was a demanding taskmaster. However, after receiving directives from Berlin, this stern-hearted teacher evolved into a peaceful human being. He did not reprimand Franz for arriving late to class, nor did he use the iron ruler on him; instead, a patriotic feeling grew within him. He adored the French language and thought it was the most beautiful language in the world. As a result, he asked everyone in the class to keep it alive within them. He had been a teacher for forty years and had won the respect of the villagers, who had come to his last French class that day, as well as his last day as a teacher in the school.
Alphonse Daudet portrays M. Hamel’s character sympathetically and respectfully. Initially, he is portrayed as a typical schoolmaster. He wielded his dreadful ruler under his arm. Even outside on the street, everyone could hear the knocking of the ‘mighty ruler’ on the table. Franz recalls M. Hamel’s “crankiness.” The students used to despise their teacher. Franz was afraid of being chastised since he hadn’t prepared his lesson on participles. He even considered fleeing school for a brief while. Mr. Hamel was a demanding boss. He kept order in the classroom. After the order from Berlin arrives, we see the other side of Mr Hamel’s character. He had now been altered. He softened and became more gentle with his students. He didn’t chastise Franz for being late. When tiny Franz became mixed up and confused when it was his turn to recite, he didn’t even use his ruler. He announced that it was his final French lesson because German would be taught in Lorraine and Alsace schools the next day. He planned to leave the next day. He would be replaced by a new teacher. In honour of the last lesson, he dressed to the nines.
M. Hamel was regarded favourably not just by his students, but also by the community elders. He was completely dedicated to the cause of education. He had been teaching at the same school for forty years. The elders of the village gathered to pay their respects to such a great teacher. They sat on the back benches to hear his final lesson.
M. Hamel had a deep affection for France and the French language. He thought French was the most beautiful language in the planet. He instructed the people to keep it safe among themselves and to never forget it. Patriotic impulses overcame him when he heard Prussian soldiers’ trumpets under his window. He climbed into the chair and started to talk, but something choked him. He dismissed the students by writing “Vive La France” in chalk on the chalkboard.
