Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela, is prepared by expert Teachers of kjv
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Questions Answers
1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Ans: The ceremonies were held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. In India, sandstone buildings include the Red Fort in Delhi and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Answer: The 10th of May is called an autumn day in South Africa because it marks the historic start of the country’s first democratic, non-racial government.
3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?
Answer: Mandela calls the apartheid system “an extraordinary human disaster.” The “glorious … human achievement” he mentions is ending apartheid and starting a democratic, equal society.
4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Answer: Mandela thanked the international leaders for attending the ceremony, which showed support for South Africa’s new democracy and a shared victory for justice and dignity.
Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela
5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Answer: Nelson Mandela set the ideals of ending poverty, deprivation, and suffering. He also envisioned a society without discrimination based on color or gender.
Oral Comprehension Check
1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
Answer: The military generals in South Africa saluted Mandela and pledged loyalty. Their attitude changed from arresting Black people to showing respect.
2. Why were two national anthems sung?
Ans: On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung, one by the whites and the other by the blacks. This symbolized the equality of blacks and whites.
3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country
(i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?
Ans:- The systems of government described by Mandela are given below—
(i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, South Africa had a system of racial domination by white people.
(ii) In the final decade, this system was replaced by one that recognized the rights and freedom of everyone, regardless of color.
4. What does courage mean to Mandela?
Ans:- According to Mandela, courage does not mean the absence of fear but a victory over fear. He believes that brave men need not be fearless but should be able to conquer fear.
5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Ans:- For Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human heart then hate.
Oral Comprehension Check
1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Ans:- Mandela believes that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife, and children, the second obligation is to his people, his community, and his country.
2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?
Answer: As a boy, Mandela saw freedom as having fun. As a student, he saw it as temporary because adults need to work. Later, he realized true freedom means earning respect and having a meaningful role in society.
3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not.
Ans:- Mandela believes that the oppressor is not free because they are trapped by hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. He realizes that both the oppressor and the oppressed lose their humanity and peace.
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Thinking about the Text
1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
Answer: Many international leaders attended the inauguration to show support for ending apartheid. It symbolized the victory of good over evil and the triumph of a fair and tolerant society.
2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?
Answer: When Mandela says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots,” he means he is honoring those who sacrificed for freedom. He is grateful to them for making his achievements possible.
3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?
Answer: Yes, deep oppression can build strong character. Mandela illustrates this by mentioning heroes like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, who sacrificed for freedom. Similarly, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru showed great character through their struggle against British rule. This shows Mandela’s point is true.
4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Answer: Mandela’s view of freedom changed with age. As a boy, he saw it as following rules and customs. As he grew older, he realized true freedom means supporting a family and overcoming fear and prejudice for everyone.
5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
Answer: Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ made him see that everyone’s freedom was at stake. It turned him from a fearful person into a fearless activist, leading the fight against racial prejudice and sacrificing his comfortable life for a greater cause.
Answers By Karaiuni Jatiya Vidyalaya
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