📘 Class 10 English – Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

 Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

1. What did ‘being free’ mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student?
   [CBSE Term-1 2016-17 Set-B09VSNP]
   As a boy, ‘being free’ meant to Nelson Mandela the ability to run freely in the fields, swim in the stream, and stay out at night. As a student, it meant the freedom to read what he pleased and to go where he chose.

2. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?
   [CBSE Term I, DDE-2014, 2012; Set-EL2 – 043]
   10th May 1994 is significant for South Africa as it marks the day when Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black President, symbolizing the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era.

3. What are the twin obligations Nelson Mandela talks about in his speech?
   [CBSE Term I, 2012; Set-EL2 – 070]
   According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations: one towards his family and the other towards his people and country.

4. What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the future of South Africa?
   [CBSE Term I, 2012; Set-EL2 – 018]
   Mandela dreamt of a South Africa free from poverty and discrimination, where no one would be oppressed based on color or creed.

5. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?
   [CBSE Term I, 2012; Set-EL2 – 031]
   Mandela was pained by his inability to thank his comrades who had sacrificed their lives for freedom but did not live to see the fruits of their struggle.

6. Why did Nelson Mandela say, “The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity”?
   [CBSE Term I, 2012; Set-EL2 – 063]
   Mandela believed that while the oppressed were denied their humanity, the oppressors also lost their humanity by inflicting cruelty, thus both were dehumanized.

7. How does Nelson Mandela define the meaning of ‘courage’ and ‘the brave man’?
   [CBSE Term I, 2012; Set-EL2 – 022]
   According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. A brave man is one who conquers fear, not one who does not feel afraid.

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📖 Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

1. Describe the historical significance of the inauguration ceremony held on 10th May in South Africa.
   The inauguration on 10th May 1994 was a landmark event marking the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government. Nelson Mandela took the oath as the first black President, symbolizing the triumph of justice and equality. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries worldwide, reflecting global support for South Africa's new era.

2. Discuss the concept of freedom as expressed by Nelson Mandela in the chapter.
   Mandela's understanding of freedom evolved over time. As a child, he associated freedom with personal choices. However, as he matured, he realized that true freedom meant the ability for everyone to live with dignity and equality. His hunger for personal freedom transformed into a desire for the freedom of all his people.

3. How does Mandela describe the change in the attitude of the people and government in the new South Africa?
   Mandela observed a significant shift from a regime of racial oppression to one of equality and unity. The new government recognized the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of color. This transformation was marked by mutual respect and a collective commitment to rebuilding the nation.

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📄 Extract-Based Questions

Extract:
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.

Questions:

a) What does the word ‘emancipation’ mean?
Answer: Empowerment or liberation.

b) What kind of liberation is Mandela talking about?
Answer: Liberation from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other forms of discrimination.

c) Which literary device is used in “Never, never, and never again”?
Answer: Repetition.

d) Which country did Mandela hail from?
Answer: South Africa.