CLASS 10 ENGLISH – FIRST FLIGHT
CHAPTER 2: NELSON MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Author
Nelson Mandela
1. CHAPTER SUMMARY
“Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. It describes the historic inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa on 10 May 1994.
The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Many important international leaders attended the historic occasion. Mandela regarded the day as a victory for justice, peace, human dignity and democracy.
For many years, South Africa had suffered under the system of apartheid, in which the white minority oppressed the Black majority and denied them basic rights and freedom. Mandela remembered the sacrifices made by thousands of freedom fighters who fought against this system.
Mandela explains that courage does not mean the absence of fear. A brave person is one who conquers fear.
He also says that no person is born with hatred. Hatred is learned, and therefore love can also be taught.
Mandela describes his changing idea of freedom. As a child, he thought freedom meant being able to run, swim and play. As he grew older, he realised that true freedom meant dignity, equality, education, employment, family life and political rights.
He joined the African National Congress (ANC) because he realised that his own freedom was connected with the freedom of his people.
According to Mandela, freedom is indivisible. If one person is denied freedom, others are also affected. Even an oppressor is not truly free because hatred and prejudice imprison his mind.
2. IMPORTANT WORD MEANINGS
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Inauguration | Formal beginning/ceremony |
| Apartheid | System of racial discrimination |
| Emancipation | Freedom from control |
| Oppression | Cruel or unjust treatment |
| Deprivation | Lack of something necessary |
| Discrimination | Unfair treatment |
| Domination | Control over others |
| Reconciliation | Restoration of friendly relations |
| Dignity | Self-respect |
| Prejudice | Unfair opinion formed without proper knowledge |
| Courage | Ability to face fear |
| Triumph | Great victory |
| Indivisible | Cannot be divided |
| Transitory | Temporary |
| Rebellion | Resistance against authority |
| Dehumanised | Treated as less than human |
| Obligation | Duty or responsibility |
3. ORAL COMPREHENSION CHECK – I
Q1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Answer:
The ceremonies took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Q2. Can you say how 10 May is an “autumn day” in South Africa?
Answer:
South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, the month of May falls during the autumn season there.
Q3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this?
Answer:
By “an extraordinary human disaster”, Mandela refers to the system of apartheid and the racial oppression suffered by Black people in South Africa.
Q4. What is the “glorious human achievement” Mandela refers to at the end?
Answer:
The “glorious human achievement” refers to the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa and the achievement of freedom and equality for its people.
Q5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa and its people?
Answer:
Mandela wanted South Africa to become a country based on:
Freedom
Equality
Democracy
Justice
Human dignity
Peace
Political emancipation
Freedom from poverty and suffering
An end to racial and other forms of discrimination
4. ORAL COMPREHENSION CHECK – II
Q1. What did the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
Answer:
The military generals saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty to the newly established democratic government.
Their attitude had changed because South Africa had moved from the oppressive apartheid system to a democratic system. The people who had once represented oppression were now accepting the authority of a democratically elected government.
Q2. Why were two national anthems sung?
Answer:
Two national anthems were sung to symbolise the unity and reconciliation of Black and white South Africans.
It showed that the new South Africa belonged to all its citizens.
Q3. How does Mandela describe the system of government in the first decade and the final decade of the twentieth century?
Answer:
During the first decade, the white minority established a system of racial domination over the Black majority.
By the final decade, this system had been replaced by a democratic government that gave equal rights and freedom to all people regardless of their colour.
Q4. What does courage mean to Mandela?
Answer:
According to Mandela, courage does not mean the absence of fear. A courageous person is one who triumphs over fear.
Q5. Which does Mandela think is natural, to love or to hate?
Answer:
Mandela believes that love is natural. Hatred is learned. Therefore, if people can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love.
5. ORAL COMPREHENSION CHECK – III
Q1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Answer:
Mandela mentions two obligations:
An obligation towards his family, parents, wife and children.
An obligation towards his people, community and country.
Q2. What did freedom mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these with his understanding of freedom as a young man?
Answer:
As a boy, Mandela thought freedom meant simple things such as running in the fields, swimming, riding animals and enjoying childhood activities.
As a student, he thought freedom meant staying out at night, reading what he wanted and going wherever he wished.
As a young man, he realised that true freedom meant having the right to live with dignity, develop his potential, earn a living, marry, raise a family and live a lawful life.
Q3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why or why not?
Answer:
No, Mandela does not think that the oppressor is truly free.
A person who takes away another person's freedom becomes a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Therefore, both the oppressed and the oppressor lose their humanity and freedom.
6. THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Q1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration?
Answer:
The presence of international leaders showed the importance of the historic occasion. The inauguration represented the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic and non-racial South Africa.
The leaders came to celebrate a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.
Q2. What does Mandela mean when he says that he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
Answer:
Mandela means that his achievement was not the result of his efforts alone. Thousands of African patriots had sacrificed their lives and freedom in the struggle against apartheid.
Mandela considered himself a representative of all those freedom fighters.
Q3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this?
Answer:
Yes. Severe oppression can produce strong and courageous people who fight for justice and freedom.
Mandela gives the examples of great freedom fighters such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer and Robert Sobukwe. Their struggle against apartheid helped develop extraordinary courage and character.
Q4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Answer:
As a child, Mandela understood freedom as the freedom to play and enjoy life.
As a student, he wanted freedom to stay out late, read books and move freely.
As a young man, he realised that personal freedom was not enough. He understood that his people were also denied freedom.
Therefore, his idea of freedom changed from personal freedom to collective freedom, equality and dignity.
Q5. How did Mandela’s “hunger for freedom” change his life?
Answer:
Mandela's hunger for freedom transformed his entire life.
He joined the African National Congress and began fighting against apartheid. He sacrificed his personal freedom, family life and career for the freedom of his people.
He changed from a frightened young man into a courageous leader. His struggle made him ready to suffer for justice and equality.
7. CHARACTER SKETCH OF NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Mandela was:
1. Courageous
He believed that courage means overcoming fear.
2. Determined
He remained committed to freedom despite great suffering.
3. Selfless
He sacrificed his personal life for the freedom of his people.
4. Democratic
He believed in equal rights and freedom for everyone.
5. Forgiving
He wanted reconciliation rather than revenge.
6. Humanitarian
He believed in human dignity, justice and equality.
7. Visionary
He dreamed of a democratic and non-racial South Africa.
8. CENTRAL IDEAS OF THE CHAPTER
Freedom
Freedom is a basic human right. It cannot be enjoyed by only one group.
Courage
True courage is the ability to overcome fear.
Equality
Every human being deserves equal rights and dignity.
Hatred and Love
Hatred is learned, while love can also be taught.
Sacrifice
Freedom is often achieved through the sacrifices of brave people.
Democracy
A democratic government must protect the rights of all people.
Reconciliation
A peaceful future requires unity and forgiveness rather than revenge.
9. IMPORTANT CBSE SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. What was apartheid?
Answer:
Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination in South Africa. It gave political and social privileges to the white minority while denying basic rights and freedom to the Black majority.
Q2. Why was Mandela's inauguration a historic occasion?
Answer:
It was historic because Mandela became the first Black President of South Africa. It also marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic, non-racial government.
Q3. What did the military display during the inauguration?
Answer:
The military displayed loyalty to the newly elected democratic government. The generals saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty to the new government.
Q4. Why does Mandela call South Africa a “rainbow gathering”?
Answer:
He uses this expression to describe the unity of people of different races and colours. It represents a new South Africa where people live together with equality and harmony.
Q5. What was Mandela's greatest wealth?
Answer:
Mandela believed that the greatest wealth of South Africa was its people, not its minerals or precious stones.
Q6. What is the meaning of “courage was not the absence of fear”?
Answer:
It means that a brave person can also feel fear. True courage is shown when a person faces and conquers fear instead of allowing fear to control him.
Q7. Why does Mandela say that no one is born hating another person?
Answer:
Mandela believes that hatred is learned through social conditions and prejudice. Since hatred can be learned, love can also be taught.
Q8. Why did Mandela join the African National Congress?
Answer:
Mandela joined the ANC after realising that his people were not free. His desire for personal freedom developed into a greater desire for freedom, dignity and equality for all his people.
Q9. Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible?
Answer:
Mandela means that freedom cannot be limited to one person or group. If one person is denied freedom, society as a whole is affected.
Q10. Why is the oppressor also not free?
Answer:
The oppressor is imprisoned by hatred, prejudice and narrow-mindedness. By denying freedom to others, he also loses his own humanity.
10. CBSE 3-MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. Explain Mandela's idea of the two obligations.
Answer:
Mandela had two obligations. The first was towards his family—his parents, wife and children. The second was towards his people and country. Under apartheid, fulfilling both obligations was almost impossible because fighting for freedom required him to sacrifice his personal and family life.
Q2. Explain how Mandela's idea of freedom developed.
Answer:
As a child, Mandela considered freedom to be the ability to play and enjoy himself. As a student, he wanted personal independence. Later, he realised that his people were deprived of basic rights. He therefore began fighting for collective freedom, equality and dignity.
Q3. How did apartheid affect Mandela's life?
Answer:
Apartheid denied Mandela and his people basic freedoms. He could not live the ordinary life he wanted. His struggle against apartheid forced him to sacrifice his family life, career and personal freedom. However, it transformed him into a courageous freedom fighter and leader.
11. CBSE 5-MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. Describe Mandela's concept of freedom.
Answer:
Mandela's concept of freedom changed throughout his life. As a child, he considered freedom to be the freedom to play, run and enjoy himself. As a student, he wanted to read, stay out and move freely.
Later, he realised that these freedoms were temporary and meaningless when his people were denied basic rights. He understood that freedom meant dignity, equality, education, employment, family life and political rights.
Therefore, Mandela's idea of freedom developed from personal freedom to collective freedom. He believed that freedom belonged to everyone and that no person could truly be free while others remained oppressed.
Q2. Describe the transformation of Nelson Mandela.
Answer:
Mandela underwent a great transformation during his struggle against apartheid. He began as a young man who wanted personal freedom and a peaceful family life.
When he realised that his people were oppressed, his desire for personal freedom became a hunger for collective freedom. He joined the ANC and sacrificed his career, family life and personal freedom.
He changed from a frightened young man into a courageous leader. He became willing to suffer for justice, equality and human dignity.
Q3. What message does Mandela give about hatred and love?
Answer:
Mandela says that no person is born with hatred. Hatred is learned from society and circumstances. Therefore, love can also be taught.
He believes that goodness exists inside every human being, even when it is hidden by difficult circumstances. His message is that people should overcome hatred and prejudice and choose love, forgiveness and humanity.
12. EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS
Extract 1
“Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Questions
1. What does courage mean according to Mandela?
It means overcoming fear.
2. Does a courageous person never feel afraid?
No. A courageous person may feel fear but does not allow fear to control him.
3. What quality of Mandela is reflected here?
His bravery and determination.
4. Give the opposite of “courage”.
Cowardice.
Extract 2
“No one is born hating another person.”
Questions
1. What does Mandela believe about hatred?
He believes hatred is learned.
2. What can be taught instead of hatred?
Love.
3. What message does the statement convey?
It conveys the message of love, equality and humanity.
4. Find a word meaning “hostility”.
Hatred.
Extract 3
“The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.”
Questions
1. Who are the oppressed?
People whose freedom and rights are taken away.
2. Who is the oppressor?
A person or group that denies freedom and rights to others.
3. Why does the oppressor lose humanity?
Because hatred and prejudice prevent the oppressor from treating others as equal human beings.
4. What is Mandela's main message here?
Both sides must be liberated from the system of oppression.
13. ASSERTION–REASON QUESTIONS
Q1.
Assertion: Mandela believed that courage means the absence of fear.
Reason: A courageous person never experiences fear.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect. Mandela believed courage means triumph over fear.
Q2.
Assertion: Mandela joined the struggle for the freedom of his people.
Reason: He realised that his personal freedom was connected with the freedom of his people.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Q3.
Assertion: Mandela believed that hatred is natural.
Reason: People are born with hatred for those who are different.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect. Mandela believed hatred is learned.
Q4.
Assertion: The inauguration represented a new democratic South Africa.
Reason: Apartheid had been replaced by a democratic and non-racial government.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
14. COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTION
Case Study
A society has two groups. One group controls political power and denies equal rights to the other group. After years of struggle, a democratic government is established and equal rights are given to all citizens.
Questions
1. Which system does the situation resemble?
Apartheid.
2. What principle is established after the change?
Equality and democracy.
3. What would Mandela support?
Equal freedom, dignity and rights for all.
4. Why is reconciliation important?
It helps different groups live together peacefully after a period of conflict and oppression.
15. VERY IMPORTANT CBSE QUESTIONS
★★★ Most Expected
What is apartheid?
Why was 10 May 1994 an important day?
What does Mandela mean by “extraordinary human disaster”?
What is meant by “glorious human achievement”?
Explain Mandela's concept of courage.
Why does Mandela say that hatred is learned?
Explain Mandela's “twin obligations”.
How did Mandela's concept of freedom change?
How did his hunger for freedom transform him?
Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible?
Why is the oppressor also not free?
Describe Mandela's character.
Explain the importance of the inauguration ceremony.
How did apartheid affect South African society?
What message does the chapter give to humanity?
16. ONE-PAGE REVISION NOTES
Nelson Mandela
First Black President of South Africa.
Date
10 May 1994
Place
Union Buildings, Pretoria
Main Historical Event
End of apartheid and beginning of democratic government.
Apartheid
Racial discrimination and domination of the Black majority by the white minority.
Mandela's Definition of Courage
Triumph over fear.
Mandela's View of Hatred
Hatred is learned.
Mandela's View of Love
Love can be taught.
Twin Obligations
Family
People/Country
Freedom
Personal freedom + collective freedom + dignity + equality.
Main Message
No person is truly free when another person is oppressed.
17. EXAM-READY LONG ANSWER
“Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” is a lesson about freedom, courage and humanity. Explain.
Answer:
The chapter presents Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid and his journey towards freedom. The inauguration of Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa marked the beginning of a new democratic era.
Mandela explains that freedom is not merely the absence of physical restrictions. It includes dignity, equality, opportunity and the right to live peacefully. His understanding of freedom changed as he grew older. He realised that his own freedom had no meaning while his people remained oppressed.
The chapter also presents Mandela's ideas about courage and hatred. He says that courage means triumph over fear and that hatred is learned rather than natural.
Mandela ultimately believes that both the oppressed and oppressor need freedom. His message is that humanity, equality, justice and reconciliation are essential for a peaceful society.
18. QUICK MCQs
1. Who wrote “Long Walk to Freedom”?
A. Leslie Norris
B. Nelson Mandela
C. Robert Frost
D. Carl Sandburg
Answer: B
2. When did Mandela become President?
A. 1990
B. 1992
C. 1994
D. 1996
Answer: C
3. Where did the inauguration take place?
A. Cape Town
B. Pretoria
C. Johannesburg
D. Durban
Answer: B
4. What was apartheid?
A. Economic development programme
B. Racial discrimination system
C. Education system
D. Political election
Answer: B
5. According to Mandela, courage is:
A. Absence of fear
B. Ignoring others
C. Triumph over fear
D. Physical strength
Answer: C
6. What is learned according to Mandela?
A. Love
B. Hatred
C. Freedom
D. Courage
Answer: B
7. Mandela's two obligations were towards:
A. School and society
B. Family and people
C. Friends and government
D. Army and country
Answer: B
8. Mandela believed the greatest wealth of South Africa was:
A. Gold
B. Diamonds
C. Minerals
D. Its people
Answer: D
9. Freedom, according to Mandela, is:
A. Divisible
B. Temporary
C. Indivisible
D. Unnecessary
Answer: C
10. Mandela became:
A. First Black President of South Africa
B. First Prime Minister of South Africa
C. First Army Chief
D. First Chief Justice
Answer: A
19. FINAL MESSAGE OF THE CHAPTER
The chapter teaches us that freedom, equality and human dignity are basic rights of every person. True courage is the ability to overcome fear. Hatred is learned, so love can also be learned.
Mandela's life teaches us that achieving freedom may require great sacrifice, but the struggle becomes meaningful when it is undertaken for the dignity and freedom of all people.
Key Line for Exam:
“A brave man is not one who has no fear, but one who conquers that fear.”
