Final answer:
The term "last" at the end of a sentence usually signifies the final part or conclusion of something and is often used to emphasize an end point in a discussion, narrative, or time period. It can also be the position for the key idea or thesis in written works, where it serves to leave a lasting impression.
Step-by-step explanation:
When referring to the word "last" at the end of a sentence, we are typically indicating the final part or the conclusion of something. This could relate to the last event in a sequence, the closing argument in a discussion, or the end point in a time period. The context given in the examples suggests various interpretations where "last" refers to the finality in different scenarios, like the last of a flock in Wordsworth's poem or the eschatological event, known as the End of Time, in theological discussions.
In one example, the epithet "last" lost its original significance over the centuries, indicating a change in meaning from its earliest usage. In essay writing, the last sentence is notably important as it often contains the thesis or the concluding thought designed to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Additionally, the use of "last" can signify an emphasis in sentence structure, as the most emphatic and memorable part of a sentence is typically its end.