Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Important Questions.
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Summary & Important Q&A
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is an extract from the autobiography of the first black president of South Africa. This chapter isn't just about a ceremony; it’s about the struggle against Apartheid—a system of racial discrimination—and the birth of a new, democratic nation.
Chapter Summary
The story begins on May 10, 1994, a bright and clear day in Pretoria. World leaders have gathered at the Union Buildings amphitheater to witness the inauguration of Nelson Mandela.
Mandela reflects on the past decades of white supremacy and the "extraordinary human disaster" that lasted too long. He pays tribute to the thousands of patriots who sacrificed their lives for freedom. He explains that freedom is indivisible and that both the oppressor (the person taking freedom) and the oppressed (the person whose freedom is taken) are prisoners—one of hatred, the other of suffering. He concludes that "goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished."
Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
1. What did Mandela mean by an "extraordinary human disaster"?
Mandela was referring to the system of Apartheid in South Africa. For decades, the black majority was treated cruelly, denied basic rights, and separated from the white minority. This systemic racial discrimination was the "disaster" he wanted to end.
2. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration?
The presence of international leaders signified the end of Apartheid and the birth of a democratic South Africa. It was a common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity, showing that the world finally recognized South Africa as a respected nation.
3. What "twin obligations" does Mandela mention?
Mandela says every man has two obligations: first, to his family (parents, wife, and children), and second, to his people, his community, and his country. Under Apartheid, a black man in South Africa was punished if he tried to fulfill his duty to his people.
4. What did being "free" mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student?
As a boy, freedom meant running in the fields and swimming in the stream. As a student, it meant "transitory freedoms"—being able to stay out at night or read what he pleased. Later, he realized these were just illusions and the real freedom he needed was for his people.
5. How did Mandela’s "hunger for freedom" change his life?
The desire for the freedom of his people transformed him from a frightened young man into a bold one, from a law-abiding attorney to a "criminal" in the eyes of the law, and from a family-loving husband into a man without a home.
6. Why does Mandela say the oppressor is also a prisoner?
He believes the oppressor is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. He says that anyone who takes away someone else's freedom is himself locked behind the bars of ill-will.
7. What did the spectacular array of South African jets symbolize?
It was not just a display of military power, but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy and a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.
8. Who were the "patriots" Mandela remembered on the day of the inauguration?
He remembered leaders like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and Chief Luthuli. He called them men of extraordinary courage and wisdom whose sacrifices made the new South Africa possible.
9. What does Mandela think about "courage"?
Mandela learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
10. What are the "depths of oppression" according to Mandela?
He says that "depths of oppression" create "heights of character." The extreme suffering faced by his people produced men of such great wisdom and generosity that they could never be matched again.
Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
1. Describe the inauguration ceremony in detail. Why was it a significant event?
Ans:The ceremony took place on May 10, 1994, in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was attended by dignitaries from over 140 countries. It was significant because it marked the end of centuries of white rule and the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government. The event symbolized the victory of humanity over racial prejudice and the beginning of a nation where everyone would be treated equally, regardless of their skin color.
2. "I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free." Explain Mandela’s journey of understanding freedom.
Ans:Mandela explains that as a child, he felt free because he could run and play. As he grew up, he realized this was an illusion. In his youth, he wanted freedom only for himself. However, when he saw that his brothers and sisters were also not free, his personal hunger for freedom turned into a "greater hunger" for the freedom of his nation. He realized that his own freedom was meaningless if his people were still in chains.
3. What are Mandela's views on the "Policy of Apartheid"? How did it affect the people of South Africa?
Ans: Mandela describes Apartheid as a "deep and lasting wound" on his country and its people. It was a system that created a harsh society based on racial hierarchy. It forced people to live lives of poverty and humiliation. However, Mandela also notes that this system unintentionally produced great heroes who fought for justice, proving that the human spirit cannot be crushed by even the most brutal policies.
4. How does Mandela describe the "Price of Freedom"?
Mandela believes that freedom is never free; it is bought with the blood and sacrifice of thousands. He regrets that he cannot thank all the patriots who died before seeing the "fruits" of their labor. He emphasizes that the new South Africa is built on the foundation of these sacrifices and that the responsibility of maintaining this freedom now lies with the living.
5. What is the significance of the two National Anthems being sung?
Ans: On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung: 'Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika' (the black anthem) and 'Die Stem' (the old white anthem). This was a powerful symbol of reconciliation. It showed that the new South Africa was not about one race winning over the other, but about unity and bringing together two groups that were once enemies into a single, unified nation.
6. Discuss Mandela's thoughts on love and hate.
Mandela famously said, "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin...
Ans:People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." He believed that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. This philosophy helped him lead a peaceful transition to democracy instead of seeking revenge.
7. How did the realization of the "Twin Obligations" change Mandela’s perspective?
Mandela realized that in a civilized society, every man should be able to fulfill his duties to his family and his country. However, in South Africa, a man of color was prevented from doing both. If he tried to live as a human, he was ripped from his family. This realization made Mandela join the African National Congress (ANC) and dedicate his life to the struggle for a society where these obligations could be met by everyone.
8. What is the "extraordinary human disaster" Mandela refers to?
Ans:The "disaster" was the policy of Apartheid that lasted for decades. It was a social and political system that legalised racism. Mandela calls it a disaster because it caused immense psychological and physical pain to millions of people. The end of this disaster was a moment of pride not just for South Africa, but for the entire world.
9. Mandela says that "freedom is indivisible." Explain this statement.
Mandela explains that the chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them, and the chains on all of his people were the chains on him. He believed that no one is truly free if someone else is being oppressed. For the country to be free, the cycle of hatred between the oppressor and the oppressed had to be broken completely.
10. How does Mandela view the future of South Africa at the end of the chapter?
Mandela is optimistic but realistic. He knows the "wound" of the past is deep, but he believes in the "goodness" of the South African people. He envisions a nation where "the sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement," where there is no poverty, no discrimination, and where everyone can walk tall without fear.
Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
1. Describe the inauguration ceremony in detail. Why was it a significant event?
The ceremony took place on May 10, 1994, in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was attended by dignitaries from over 140 countries. It was significant because it marked the end of centuries of white rule and the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government. The event symbolized the victory of humanity over racial prejudice and the beginning of a nation where everyone would be treated equally, regardless of their skin color.
2. "I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free." Explain Mandela’s journey of understanding freedom.
Mandela explains that as a child, he felt free because he could run and play. As he grew up, he realized this was an illusion. In his youth, he wanted freedom only for himself. However, when he saw that his brothers and sisters were also not free, his personal hunger for freedom turned into a "greater hunger" for the freedom of his nation. He realized that his own freedom was meaningless if his people were still in chains.
3. What are Mandela's views on the "Policy of Apartheid"? How did it affect the people of South Africa?
Mandela describes Apartheid as a "deep and lasting wound" on his country and its people. It was a system that created a harsh society based on racial hierarchy. It forced people to live lives of poverty and humiliation. However, Mandela also notes that this system unintentionally produced great heroes who fought for justice, proving that the human spirit cannot be crushed by even the most brutal policies.
4. How does Mandela describe the "Price of Freedom"?
Mandela believes that freedom is never free; it is bought with the blood and sacrifice of thousands. He regrets that he cannot thank all the patriots who died before seeing the "fruits" of their labor. He emphasizes that the new South Africa is built on the foundation of these sacrifices and that the responsibility of maintaining this freedom now lies with the living.
5. What is the significance of the two National Anthems being sung?
On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung: 'Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika' (the black anthem) and 'Die Stem' (the old white anthem). This was a powerful symbol of reconciliation. It showed that the new South Africa was not about one race winning over the other, but about unity and bringing together two groups that were once enemies into a single, unified nation.
6. Discuss Mandela's thoughts on love and hate.
Mandela famously said, "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin... People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." He believed that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. This philosophy helped him lead a peaceful transition to democracy instead of seeking revenge.
7. How did the realization of the "Twin Obligations" change Mandela’s perspective?
Mandela realized that in a civilized society, every man should be able to fulfill his duties to his family and his country. However, in South Africa, a man of color was prevented from doing both. If he tried to live as a human, he was ripped from his family. This realization made Mandela join the African National Congress (ANC) and dedicate his life to the struggle for a society where these obligations could be met by everyone.
8. What is the "extraordinary human disaster" Mandela refers to?
The "disaster" was the policy of Apartheid that lasted for decades. It was a social and political system that legalised racism. Mandela calls it a disaster because it caused immense psychological and physical pain to millions of people. The end of this disaster was a moment of pride not just for South Africa, but for the entire world.
9. Mandela says that "freedom is indivisible." Explain this statement.
Mandela explains that the chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them, and the chains on all of his people were the chains on him. He believed that no one is truly free if someone else is being oppressed. For the country to be free, the cycle of hatred between the oppressor and the oppressed had to be broken completely.
10. How does Mandela view the future of South Africa at the end of the chapter?
Mandela is optimistic but realistic. He knows the "wound" of the past is deep, but he believes in the "goodness" of the South African people. He envisions a nation where "the sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement," where there is no poverty, no discrimination, and where everyone can walk tall without fear.
Practice MCQs for Quick Revision
1. When was the inauguration day?
A. 10 May
B. 10 March
C. 20 May
D. 20 March
Answer: A
2. How many deputy presidents were elected?
A. Two
B. Three
C. One
D. None
Answer: A
3. What was the "extraordinary human disaster" Mandela mentioned?
A. Apartheid
B. World War II
C. A flood
D. Slavery
Answer: A
4. What does "Apartheid" mean?
A. Unity
B. Racial separation
C. Freedom
D. Democracy
Answer: B
5. The inauguration ceremony took place in:
A. The Union Buildings
B. The Parliament
C. The Supreme Court
D. A Stadium
Answer: A
6. Who was the first Deputy President?
A. Thabo Mbeki
B. Nelson Mandela
C. Mr. de Klerk
D. Oliver Tambo
Answer: C
7. "Courage is the ______ over fear."
A. Absence
B. Victory/Triumph
C. Presence
D. Failure
Answer: B
8. What changed Mandela from a frightened man into a bold one?
A. His love for his family
B. His hunger for the freedom of his people
C. His education
D. The help of international leaders
Answer: B
9. What are the "Twin Obligations" of a man?
A. Duty to family and duty to country
B. Duty to self and duty to God
C. Duty to work and duty to play
D. Duty to white people and duty to black people
Answer: A
10. What does the "Black" anthem signify in the ceremony?
A. Revenge
B. Supremacy
C. Unity and Reconciliation
D. Sadness
Answer: C
You may like:
Comments
Post a Comment