Question

How does the writer bring out the importance of mother tongue in this story?

Answer 1

The writer shows that a mother tongue is an important part of a people’s identity, culture and freedom. When French is banned in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, Franz and the villagers realise its value. M. Hamel says that holding on to one’s language is like having “the key to their prison”, because it keeps their identity and hope alive.