The class
The class is described in one of the first scenes in the book. It is one of the most important scenes because it captures not only the diversity but also the pandemonium within the group. There is no order, no want for knowledge and no discipline. This is also the first scene that brings up what will later become the conflict of the teacher; namely trying to bring peace and order into a group filled with disorder.
What have you learnt this year?
In one of the ending scenes of the book, Marin asks his pupils what they have learned over the year (which happens to be the year the readers have followed the progression of the class and events). All the characters that were frequently noted and commented, from the brilliant one to the dishonest, all had something to say. Then at the end of class, a young unnoticeable girl told the teacher that she had, in fact, not learnt anything new. This shows that the wisdom is given to those that are given focus, which was shown through this young girl.
Marin defending Souleymane
Souleymane is described as one of the most difficult boys in class at the beginning of the story. Though the teacher, Marin has a lot of patience for him, he is strict in trying to teach him how to act. In one incident, during the beginning of a football match, Souleymane insults Marin in front of a hoard of other teachers. This leads him to being taking to the principal’s office. Here is where the events turn surprising; instead of working against Souleymane, Marin defends him. This is one of the only scenes where Marin shows how much he really, truly cares for his pupils, even the difficult ones.
