Question

Analyse how freedom is curbed in the context of Franz in ‘The Last Lesson’ and Saheb in ‘Lost Spring’.

Hint:

Link both stories to the theme of lost childhood and denial of basic rights.

Answer 1

In ‘The Last Lesson’, Franz’s linguistic freedom is lost when the invading Prussians ban French. He belatedly comprehends the significance of his language and education. This abrupt restriction of rights signifies political subjugation. In ‘Lost Spring’, poverty and child labor impede Saheb’s freedom. Despite aspiring to education and tennis, he resorts to scavenging and tea stall work. His situation deprives him of fundamental rights to education and dignity. Both narratives highlight how children’s freedoms, whether educational or economic, are restricted by external factors such as colonial governance or societal inequality.