Class 10 : English – Lesson 2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

“Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” is an autobiographical excerpt in which Nelson Mandela recounts his journey from a young boy in rural South Africa to the first Black President of the country. The chapter highlights his struggles, sacrifices, and ultimate triumph in the fight against apartheid, as well as the deep values that shaped his character and leadership.

The lesson opens with the historic inauguration of South Africa’s first democratically elected government on May 10, 1994. Dignitaries and leaders from around the world gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marking the end of centuries of white supremacy and the beginning of an era rooted in equality, justice, and human dignity. Mandela describes the joy, pride, and responsibility he felt as he took the oath as President, representing not only his own freedom but that of his entire nation.

Mandela reflects on the oppressive policies of apartheid, under which Black South Africans faced severe discrimination, loss of freedom, and relentless injustice. He recalls that the system not only harmed the oppressed but also dehumanized the oppressors, trapping everyone in a vicious cycle of hatred and division. Mandela acknowledges the courage and resilience of countless unnamed heroes—men and women who suffered, fought, and even gave their lives for the cause of freedom. He humbly recognizes that he is only one among many who contributed to the liberation movement.

As he shares his personal journey, Mandela discusses his early understanding of freedom. As a child, he viewed freedom simply as the ability to run in the fields, swim in the streams, and live without restraint. However, as he grew older, he realized that his freedom was limited by unjust laws. When he saw that his family, community, and country were denied basic rights, his individual desire for freedom became a collective struggle for justice. This realization transformed him from a shy boy into a determined freedom fighter.

Mandela emphasizes that true freedom is not just the absence of oppression, but the right to live with dignity, respect, and equality. He believes that people are not born hating others because of their race or color; rather, hatred is learned, and so is love. He insists that if people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, which is more natural to the human heart.

The chapter concludes with Mandela’s vision for the future. He expresses his hope for a nation where all individuals, regardless of race, can live together in harmony. He is aware that the struggle for freedom does not end with the attainment of political rights; true freedom means liberating oneself from fear, prejudice, and hatred. Mandela’s “long walk” is not just a personal journey, but a collective path toward peace, forgiveness, and the healing of a divided nation.

Through this lesson, readers are inspired by Mandela’s perseverance, moral strength, and unwavering commitment to justice. The story teaches the values of forgiveness, courage, and the belief that even the most difficult struggles can lead to freedom and unity for all.
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PASSAGE

On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. South Africa, once the harshest, most inhumane society, had finally achieved justice and liberty for all. The air was vibrant with hope and dignity. As I stood before the assembled guests, I recalled the decades of oppression and sacrifice. This victory belonged not just to me, but to all those countless men and women who fought for freedom, some of whom did not live to see this glorious day.

Questions and Answers
(Fill in the blank—Synonym, 1 mark)
1. The word “inhumane” in the passage can best be replaced by the synonym __.
Answer:
cruel

(Multiple Choice—Antonym, 1 mark)
2. Select the correct antonym for “overwhelmed” as used in the passage:
A) encouraged
B) composed
C) excited
D) burdened
Answer:
B) composed

(Short Answer, 15 words, 1 mark)
3. What feeling does Mandela recall as he stands before the guests at the inauguration?
Answer:
Mandela feels proud yet humble, recalling decades of struggle, sacrifice, and the shared victory for freedom.

(Long Answer, 40 words, 2 marks)
4. How does the passage highlight the collective nature of South Africa’s victory over apartheid?
Answer:
The passage shows that the victory is not just Mandela’s personal achievement but a result of sacrifices by countless men and women. It emphasizes that the struggle and ultimate success belong to everyone who contributed to the fight for justice and freedom.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

(3 marks, 60 words)
1.Question:
Describe the significance of May 10, 1994, in Nelson Mandela’s life and in the history of South Africa.
Answer:
May 10, 1994, marked South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government inauguration, with Nelson Mandela sworn in as President. It symbolized the end of centuries of racial oppression and the beginning of a new era based on equality and justice. For Mandela, it fulfilled his lifelong struggle for freedom and dignity for all South Africans.

(3 marks, 60 words)
2.Question:
What does Mandela mean when he says, “the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed”?
Answer:
Mandela believes that oppressors are also imprisoned by their hatred, prejudice, and narrowness. Just as the oppressed need freedom from injustice, the oppressors require liberation from their own moral chains. True freedom exists only when both are free—one from fear and suffering, the other from hatred and a closed heart.

(3 marks, 60 words)
3.Question:
How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolve as he grew from a child to an adult?
Answer:
As a child, Mandela saw freedom as the ability to play and live without restraint. With maturity, he realized his own freedom was interconnected with his people’s. He understood that true freedom included dignity, equality, and rights for all, transforming his personal desire for liberty into a lifelong struggle for collective justice.

(3 marks, 60 words)
4.Question:
Why does Mandela call courage “the triumph over fear”? How did this idea help him and others during the struggle?
Answer:
Mandela believed courage was not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. This view helped him and fellow freedom fighters persist despite threats and hardships. Their determination to face danger for a just cause allowed them to continue fighting for freedom, inspiring others to show bravery in adversity.

(6 marks, 120 words, )
5.Question:
In your opinion, what role does forgiveness play in nation-building, as reflected in Mandela’s approach after the end of apartheid? Give examples from the lesson and your own thoughts.
Answer:
Forgiveness was central to Mandela’s vision for a new South Africa. Rather than seeking revenge for years of injustice, he advocated reconciliation between former oppressors and the oppressed. His inclusive approach encouraged unity, national healing, and peaceful coexistence. By forgiving those who enforced apartheid, Mandela set an example, preventing cycles of resentment and violence. This act helped build trust and laid the foundation for a more just, equal society. Personally, I believe forgiveness is vital for nation-building because it transforms anger into empathy, allowing societies to heal and progress. Without forgiveness, old wounds fester, hindering true development and harmony. Mandela’s leadership proves that letting go of hatred is an act of strength that benefits everyone.

(6 marks, 120 words, )
6.Question:
Nelson Mandela writes, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin.” How does this idea shape the message of the lesson, and why is it important in today’s world?
Answer:
Mandela’s statement emphasizes that prejudice is learned, not innate, and can be unlearned. This idea shapes the lesson’s core message: that love and understanding are natural human qualities, and societies can choose to nurture them. In the lesson, Mandela’s hope for a united, multiracial South Africa rests on education, empathy, and changing attitudes. Today, this message remains crucial as the world faces ongoing racism, discrimination, and division. It calls us to confront biases, teach respect for diversity, and build inclusive communities. By believing people can be taught to love, Mandela inspires hope for a better, more just world, reminding us that change begins with open minds and hearts.

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