Question

what is the summary of the poem last lesson of the afternoon

Answer 1

The main theme of the poem is about the end of the poet's teaching career when the frustration of the work has gotten to him. The poem is written for the teachers but the students does not show their full potential towards the teacher.

In the poem the narrator says that The learners should be like hunting dogs which searches for its prey with great excitement, except that they should hunt knowledge. That is because his learners are uncontrolled and violent dog who pull themselves apart in different direction without thinking.

His learners also make so horrible mistakes that he cannot bear, so he becomes very angry of them. Although he has dedicated his life to enable his learners to learn, they not only do not utilize this opportunity.
The teacher is westing his time because learners who have no desire to learn and certainly to be at school. They will not receive much of an education and then they will go out.

As a result, he becomes so angry from the educational system which tells him he must give extreme attention to his learners. At last, he decides not to tire himself of teaching them or tire themselves with learning. Instead, he will leave them to their devices and wait for the bell ringing will end both their agonies. 


In the last when alliterated "s's" in "scrawl of slovenly work" forces one to speak the words slowly to pronounce them meticulously and with sarcasm, almost hatred. At last, the poet says "Why should we beat our heads against the wall of each other?" which is a metaphor. He sees a metaphorical wall separating him from the learners against which each is beating his head.

I hope helps you

Answer 2

This poem is all about a teacher who teach her student and the students does not care on teacher.