Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom
Page 18, 19 Questions and Answers
Question 1:
Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Answer:
The ceremonies were held in the campus of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Leaders and dignitaries from many nations attended the event. In India, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Red Fort are two famous public buildings made of red sandstone.
Question 2:
How is 10th May an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Answer:
South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so May falls during their autumn season. That is why 10th May is regarded as an ‘autumn day’.
Question 3:
At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster.” What does he mean? What is the “glorious human achievement” he speaks of at the end?
Answer:
By “extraordinary human disaster,” Mandela refers to apartheid—the system of racial discrimination that plagued South Africa for years. Under apartheid, black people were denied basic rights and suffered greatly. Mandela himself was imprisoned on Robben Island. The “glorious human achievement” is how South Africa overcame this injustice and Mandela, a black citizen, became president—a tremendous victory for equality and human rights.
Question 4:
What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Answer:
Mandela was honored to welcome international leaders at the inauguration. Not long before, South Africans were treated as outlaws. Their presence at the event was a sign of recognition for the new democratic nation. Mandela thanked them for witnessing this important moment—a celebration of justice and dignity.
Question 5:
What ideals does Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa?
Answer:
Mandela sets the ideals of freeing people from poverty, suffering, and discrimination. He envisions a society without gender or racial bias, where everyone enjoys true equality.
Page 21 Questions and Answers
Question 1:
What did the military generals do? How did their attitude change and why?
Answer:
South Africa’s top military generals saluted Mandela and pledged loyalty to the new government—a major change, as they once would have arrested him during apartheid. Their change was due to the long struggle and sacrifices of many heroes, creating new hope in the nation. Mandela believes that love can be taught, and people are naturally drawn to love, not hate.
Question 2:
Why were two national anthems sung?
Answer:
Two national anthems—one for the Whites and one for the Blacks—were sung at the inauguration to symbolize equality and unity between the two groups.
Question 3:
How does Mandela describe government systems
(i) in the first decade,
(ii) and in the final decade of the twentieth century?
Answer:
(i) In the first decade, Whites forged a system of harsh racial dominance, leading to one of the cruellest societies.
(ii) In the last decade, this was replaced by a system recognizing rights and freedom of all, regardless of skin color.
Question 4:
What does courage mean to Mandela?
Answer:
To Mandela, courage isn’t being without fear, but overcoming fear. Brave people don’t lack fear—they defeat it.
Question 5:
Does Mandela think it is more natural to love or to hate?
Answer:
Mandela believes love is more natural to the human heart than hate.
Page 4 Questions and Answers
Question 1:
What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Answer:
Mandela states every man has two obligations—first, to his family, parents, wife, and children, and second, to his people, community, and country.
Question 2:
What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy and student? How does he contrast “transitory freedoms” with “basic and honourable freedoms”?
Answer:
As a boy, being free meant enjoying life and playing. As he grew up, childhood freedoms seemed small compared to adult responsibilities, like earning a living and gaining respect. True freedom means living honorably as a member of society.
Question 3:
Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/why not?
Answer:
No. Mandela says the oppressor is trapped by hate and prejudice; both the oppressed and the oppressor lose their humanity and peace.
Thinking about the Questions and Answers
Question 1:
Why did so many international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify?
Answer:
International leaders attended to show unity for South Africa’s end of apartheid—it was a triumph of good over evil and a vision of a tolerant and just society.
Question 2:
What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” before him?
Answer:
Mandela means he owes his position and opportunities to all those patriots who sacrificed for freedom before him. Their actions paved the way for his efforts and achievements.
Question 3:
Do depths of oppression create heights of character? Give Mandela’s example and your own.
Answer:
Yes. Mandela cites South African freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, whose sacrifice showed noble character. In India, leaders like Gandhi and Bhagat Singh, facing British oppression, also displayed great character.
Question 4:
How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Answer:
As a boy, Mandela thought freedom was being carefree, but with age, he realized real freedom was fighting for everyone’s rights and overcoming fear and prejudice—his perspective widened greatly.
Question 5:
How did Mandela’s “hunger for freedom” change his life?
Answer:
Mandela realized the struggle was bigger than himself—it was about all blacks. He gave up a comfortable family life and became a bold activist, joining the African National Congress and fighting against racial injustice.
Thinking about Language
Question 1:
List verb-noun pairs from the text:
Noun — Verb
Rebellion — rebel
Constitution — constitute
Formation — form
Government — govern
Obligation — oblige
Transformation — transform
Discrimination — discriminate
Deprivation — deprive
Demonstration — demonstrate
Oppression — oppress
Imagination — imagine
Question 2:
Explain these ‘the’ uses:
(i) Mr. Singh invites famous stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.
(ii) Madhuri Dixit is compared as the legendary Madhubala of today.
(iii) History is about not just big leaders but also ordinary people.
Question 3:
Match phrases:
A — B
- I was not unmindful of the fact — (i) had not forgotten; was aware
- When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits — (iii) felt we could not endure suffering any longer
- To reassure me and keep me going — (ii) help me continue to live in hope in this situation
- The basic and honourable freedoms of … earning my keep … — (i) earning enough to live on