What impact does M. Hamel’s departure have on the villagers and students?

M. Hamel’s departure has a profound impact on both the villagers and the students, leaving them with a deep sense of loss and regret. For the students, it marks the end of their formal education and the closure of a chapter in their lives, prompting a newfound appreciation for the lessons and knowledge they once overlooked. The villagers, witnessing the farewell, are reminded of their own neglect of the French language and the cultural heritage they are about to lose. Together, this shared experience fosters a collective realization of the importance of education and the urgent need to cherish their language, forging a stronger bond within the community in the face of their impending cultural erasure.