Summary:

The story takes place in France shortly after the end of World War I. A teacher, Mr. Pascal arrives in a small village to replace the previous teacher who retires. It is a traditional village with a patriarchal structure. The teacher has in mind new pedagogical methods that he wishes to apply. He is opposed to strict discipline and memorization. In his system, students are autonomous personalities and the teacher has a duty to lead them to knowledge through the discovery of nature and society.