Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: summary and exam-oriented questions answers
Find a complete summary and exam-focused questions with answers for Class 10 English’s Nelson Mandela chapter.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the 2nd chapter from the First Flight textbook for Class 10 under the UP Board syllabus. This post not only provides a detailed summary of the chapter but also includes exam-oriented questions and answers that will help you score high in your exams.
Whether you’re preparing for upcoming tests or simply want to deepen your understanding of Mandela’s extraordinary journey, this post is designed to be your ultimate resource. Stay with us till the end to ensure you’re fully prepared!
Summary of Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Class 10 NCERT First Flight)
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, where he recounts his journey to becoming South Africa’s first black president and his long struggle for freedom from apartheid, a system of racial discrimination.
The chapter begins with Nelson Mandela’s inauguration ceremony on 10th May 1994, a historic day for South Africa. It was a momentous occasion as Mandela took the oath of office, marking the end of the oppressive apartheid regime and the beginning of a new era of democracy. Dignitaries from around the world gathered in Pretoria to witness the establishment of a government that stood for equality and justice.
During the ceremony, Mandela gave a powerful speech in which he expressed his gratitude and hope for a future where freedom, justice, and human dignity would be the core values of the nation. He emphasized that the day was not only significant for South Africa but also for all those who had suffered under racial oppression. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, including political leaders from different countries and representatives of the African National Congress (ANC).
Nelson Mandela reflected on the two obligations every person has in life:
1. Obligation towards one’s family, community, and people.
2. Obligation towards one’s country and society.
Mandela explained that under apartheid, fulfilling these obligations was nearly impossible for black South Africans. They were restricted and oppressed by the laws of the apartheid regime, which denied them the basic rights of citizenship. However, the fight for freedom and equality allowed Mandela and others to fulfill these responsibilities towards their nation and fellow citizens.
Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolved over time. As a child, he believed that freedom was limited to the ability to run and play freely. But as he grew older, he realized that the freedom he enjoyed as a child was not true freedom at all. Apartheid denied black people the right to basic human dignity, equal opportunities, and the ability to lead their lives as they chose.
His realization of what true freedom meant deepened during his youth, particularly when he became involved in the anti-apartheid struggle. Mandela came to understand that his freedom was inextricably linked to the freedom of all South Africans. His personal desire for freedom expanded into a commitment to fighting for the liberation of all oppressed people.
The road to freedom was long and painful. Many people, including Mandela, endured great hardship and suffering. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island, and during that time, he and other freedom fighters continued their struggle through both peaceful and militant means.
Mandela recounts how apartheid’s brutality and injustice affected not just black South Africans but everyone in the country. It was a system designed to oppress and dehumanize, pitting people against one another based on race and dividing the nation. However, despite these efforts, the spirit of resistance grew stronger, leading to the ultimate downfall of apartheid.
As a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela played a pivotal role in organizing protests, campaigns, and negotiations aimed at ending apartheid. He emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation in the struggle for freedom. Mandela believed that true freedom could only be achieved through non-racialism and forgiveness, rejecting hatred and violence in favor of building a peaceful and equal society.
Mandela highlights the courage and sacrifices made by thousands of people during the anti-apartheid movement. Many individuals lost their lives, were imprisoned, or faced persecution, but they remained committed to the cause of freedom. Mandela acknowledges that his achievements were the result of the collective effort of countless men and women who fought for the same ideals.
He also reflects on the legacy of great leaders before him, who laid the foundation for the freedom struggle. Mandela expresses his gratitude towards those who made ultimate sacrifices for the cause of justice, recognizing that their bravery paved the way for the new South Africa.
For Nelson Mandela, true freedom was not just about ending apartheid but about creating a society where everyone could live in peace and harmony, free from oppression, fear, and poverty. He believed that freedom was indivisible—no one could truly be free while others were enslaved. Therefore, the liberation of all people was essential to building a just and fair society.
Mandela’s vision for South Africa was one where all citizens, regardless of race or color, had equal opportunities, and where reconciliation and unity would replace division and hatred. He believed that the future of the country depended on forgiveness and the willingness of all people to work together for the common good.
In conclusion, Nelson Mandela’s "Long Walk to Freedom" is a deeply inspiring story of courage, resilience, and hope. It recounts the incredible journey of South Africa’s fight against apartheid, a system that oppressed millions of people for decades. Mandela’s personal sacrifices, along with the efforts of countless others, helped bring about a new era of democracy and freedom. His legacy continues to inspire people all over the world to fight for justice, equality, and human dignity.
This chapter is a testament to the power of determination, leadership, and moral integrity, showing that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can triumph over oppression.
Exam-Oriented Questions and Answers on Nelson Mandela (Class 10)
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Where did the oath taking ceremony take place?
Ans:The oath taking ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by Union Building in Pretoria.
2. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?
Ans: Nelson Mandela set out the ideals to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination for the future of South Africa in his speech.
3. How according to Mandela, had apartheid policy affected South Africa?
Ans: According to Nelson Mandela, the apartheid policy created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people. Under the policy of apartheid, African blacks were not allowed to vote and participate in important political processes and were denied all political rights.
4. What did Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed?
Ans: Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed that the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.
5. What according to Mandela is true freedom?
Ans: According to Mandela, true freedom is freedom that does not hinder the lawful living.
6. What are the twin obligations referred to by Nelson Mandela?
Ans: Nelson Mandela referred that each person has twin obligations:- the first is for his family, his parents, his wife and his children, and the second is to his people, his community, his country.
7. What was unique in the inauguration ceremony?
Ans: In the inauguration ceremony, it was unique that it was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil after a long time.
8. Describe the inauguration ceremony in simple words.
Ans: The opening ceremony took place at a theater in Pretoria’s sandstone-built Union Buildings. It was in the possession of whites for several decades. But with the arrival of politicians from different countries on the day of the ceremony, it was now a rainbow made up of different colors and nations. The ceremony marked the establishment of South Africa’s first democratic, caste-less government.
9. What did the generals and police officers do on that day?
Ans: On that day, the generals and police officers saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty.
10. What is the greatest wealth of a nation in Mandela’s opinion?
Ans:In Mandela’s opinion, the greatest wealth of a nation is the people of that country.
11. Who was Nelson Mandela ? Why did he fight with white rule of his country?
Ans: Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela fought against white rule, specifically because it imposed racial discrimination and denied basic rights and freedoms to non-white South Africans. He sought to achieve equality, justice, and human rights for all citizens.
12. What was the meaning of Freedom from Mandela?
Ans: According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life. It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated his life.
13. Who, according to Mandela, is not free?
Ans: According to Nelson Mandela, both the oppressed and the oppressors are not free. The oppressed are denied basic human rights, while the oppressors are trapped by their own prejudice and hatred.
14. Who is brave man according to Mr. Mandela?
Ans: According to Nelson Mandela, a brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers his fear.
15. How long was Mandela not troubled by the laws of man or God?
Ans: Mandela was not troubled by the laws of man or God as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. What does Mandela think about the patriots? Can they be repaid?
Ans: Mandela think about the patriots that the day of the freedom in Africa had come about through the unimaginable sacrifice of thousands of patriots.
No, they can never be repaid and their suffering can never be counted.
2. What ideas does Mandela have about courage, love and hate?
Ans: Nelson Mandela shares profound insights on courage, love, and hate:
• Courage: Mandela defines courage not as the absence of fear but as the triumph over it. He explains that brave people are not those who feel no fear but those who conquer their fears.
• Love: Mandela believes that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. He argues that if people are taught to hate, they can also be taught to love, for love is a more fundamental human trait.
• Hate: Mandela views hate as a learned behavior, No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate.
3. Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. Comment.
Ans: Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement, symbolizing the fight against apartheid. As a leader of the African National Congress, he advocated for equality and justice, even enduring 27 years in prison for his activism. Upon his release, Mandela negotiated an end to apartheid, leading to South Africa's first multiracial elections in 1994, where he became the first Black president. His legacy of resilience, reconciliation, and commitment to human rights continues to inspire globally.
4. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?
Ans:Nelson Mandela faced numerous difficulties in achieving freedom for his people:
1. Imprisonment: Mandela spent 27 years in prison, enduring harsh conditions and separation from his family and colleagues.
2. Personal Sacrifices: He had to sacrifice his personal life and family relationships, missing out on his children’s growth and family events.
3. Political Repression: The apartheid regime used brutal measures to suppress the anti-apartheid movement, including banning the African National Congress (ANC) and other opposition groups, and using violence against protestors.
4. Surveillance and Harassment: Mandela and his comrades were constantly monitored, harassed, and targeted by the government.
5. Internal Struggles: Within the ANC and the broader anti-apartheid movement, there were differing strategies and internal conflicts that needed to be managed.
6. Economic and Social Inequality: The systemic inequality and pervasive poverty among the black population made organizing and sustaining the movement challenging.
Despite these difficulties, Mandela's resilience, leadership, and commitment to justice played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid and establishing a democratic South Africa.
5. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as an extraordinary human disaster?
Ans: Nelson Mandela referred to apartheid as an extraordinary human disaster. Apartheid was a system in South Africa where people were treated differently based on their skin color. Black people faced discrimination in many aspects of life, like where they could live, work, and go to school. This unfair treatment caused a lot of suffering and pain for millions of people. Mandela believed that apartheid was not just wrong, but a disaster for humanity because it denied people their basic rights and dignity. He dedicated his life to fighting against apartheid and working towards a South Africa where everyone, regardless of their race, could live in freedom and equality.
6. Who was Nelson Mandela? What ideals did he set out for the future of South Africa in his inauguration speech?
Ans: Nelson Mandela was a leader in the struggle against apartheid and the first black president of South Africa.
In his inauguration speech, he set out ideals of equality, freedom, and justice. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and unity, aiming to build a democratic and non-racial society where all citizens, regardless of race, would have equal rights and opportunities. Mandela envisioned a future of peace, prosperity, and shared humanity for South Africa.
7. How did nelson mandela describe the scene of the inauguration ?
Ans: In "Long Walk to Freedom," Nelson Mandela described the scene of his inauguration as President of South Africa with great emotion and significance. He painted a vivid picture of the day, which took place on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
1. Atmosphere of Celebration: He mentioned that it was a day filled with joy and hope, reflecting the triumph of freedom and democracy over apartheid.
2. Historical Significance: Mandela emphasized the historic nature of the event, marking the end of decades of institutionalized racial oppression and the beginning of a new era for South Africa.
3. Unity and Reconciliation: He described how the inauguration symbolized unity and reconciliation, with the presence of both former oppressors and the newly liberated, standing together to witness the dawn of a new nation.
4. Personal Reflection: Mandela shared his personal reflections on the journey to freedom, recalling the sacrifices made by many and the long struggle against apartheid. He felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.
5. Symbolic Elements: The inauguration included symbolic elements, such as the display of the new national flag and the performance of the new national anthem, representing the country's commitment to equality and unity.
Overall, Mandela's description of the inauguration conveyed a profound sense of achievement, hope, and the promise of a brighter future for all South Africans.
We hope this post on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom for Class 10 has given you a solid understanding of the chapter and equipped you with exam-ready questions and answers. Don’t forget to review the important points before your exam, and feel free to share this resource with fellow students who might find it useful. If you have any questions or need further clarification, leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help.
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