Question

why did Franz said "I never saw him so tall" (to M.Hamel)??

Answer 1

Here so tall refers to M. Hamel's attitude Because when the order from Berlin came then M hamel become very sympathetic and taught his last lesson with more patience. His attitude changed totally. He told that French is clearest and logical language. He asked them to safeguard it among their hearts

Answer 2

Franz said "I never saw him so tall" to M.Hamel. For the first time, Franz was observing and paying attention to what M.Hamel was teaching to the class. It was the last lesson of the French language to be taught in the school. This thought made everyone feel very bad for themselves and for the country as well. Franz, for the first time, paid much attention in the class and observed the teaching of M.Hamel. It was for the first time that he analyzed even the height of his teacher.