Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom — Question 18
Back to all questionsMandela realised in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. This changed the fearfulman to a fearless rebel.
He sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for a greater cause. He joined the African National Congress and this changed him from a frightened young man into a bold one who fought against racial prejudice.
Thinking about Language
(Page 24,25,26)
Questions
1. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing – (at)ion or ment. There may be change in the spelling of some verb – noun pairs ; such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.
Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text
Noun
Verb
Rebellion
Rebel
Constitution
Constitute
2. Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’)
(i) Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.
(ii) Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.
(in) History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.
3. Match, the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest meaning in Column B.
(Hint: First look for the sentence in the text which the phrase in column A occurs.)
A
B
1. I was not unmindful of the fact.
(i)
had not forgotten : was aware of the fact
(ii)
was not careful about the fact
(iii)
forgot or was not aware of the fact
2. When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits
(i)
pushed by the guards to the wall
(ii)
took more than our share of beatings
(iii)
felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
3. To reassure me and keep me going
(i)
make me go on walking
(ii)
help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
(iii)
make me remain without complaining
4. The basic and honourable freedoms of… earning my keep…
(i)
earning enough money to live on
(ii)
keeping what I earned
(iii)
getting a good salary
Answers:
1. Ans:
Noun
Verb
Rebellion
Rebel
Constitution
Constitute
Formation
Form
Government
Govern
Obligation
Oblige
Transformation
Transform
Discrimination
Discriminate
Deprivation
Deprive
Demonstration
Demonstrate
Oppression
Oppress
Imagination
Imagine
2. Ans:
(i) : This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities as of the calibre of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.
(ii) This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to a landmark in acting in the form of legendary actress Madhubala.
(iii) This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.
3. Ans:
A
B
1.
I was not unmindful of the fact
(i)
had not forgotten;was aware of the fact not endure the
2.
When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits
(iii)
felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
3.
To reassure me and keep me going
(ii)
help me continue to live in hope in this live in hope in this very difficult situation
4.
The basic and honourable freedoms of… earning my keep…
(i)
earning enough money to live on
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – Comprehensive Web Content
This is an expanded study resource for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (First Flight). Use this alongside the chapter notes for complete board exam preparation.
Detailed Summary
The chapter describes Mandela’s inauguration on May 10, 1994 as South Africa’s first democratically elected president. He reflects on the meaning of courage, twin obligations (to family and country), and freedom. He argues that the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the oppressed, and that true freedom means liberating both sides from prejudice and hatred.
Theme Analysis
Freedom
Mandela traces his understanding from childhood (personal freedom) to political awareness (systemic oppression) to the insight that freedom is indivisible — no one is free until all are free.
Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. Mandela saw this courage in ordinary South Africans who endured apartheid with dignity.
Twin Obligations
Duty to family and duty to country. Under apartheid, fulfilling both was nearly impossible for a Black person.
Reconciliation
The oppressor and oppressed are both robbed of humanity. True liberation frees both from hatred.
Character Study
Courageous, reflective, forgiving, visionary, humble
Resilient, diverse, hopeful — represent collective struggle and triumph
Literary Devices & Techniques
- Antithesis: "The oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity"
- Metaphor: "Long walk to freedom" — freedom as a journey
- Repetition: Emphasis on courage and freedom definitions
- Imagery: Jets in formation, rainbow nation gathering
Board Exam Questions with Model Answers
Q: What does Mandela mean by "twin obligations"? (3 marks)
Model Answer: Every person has dual obligations: to family (parents, spouse, children) and to community/country. Under apartheid, a Black South African could rarely fulfil both. Mandela chose country, sacrificing family life for decades.
Q: How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change? (5 marks)
Model Answer: As a child, freedom was personal — running in fields. As a young man, he realised his freedom was an illusion under apartheid. He then understood freedom is indivisible: no one is truly free until all are free. Finally, he recognised that even the oppressor needs liberation from hatred.
Key Vocabulary
Refer to the chapter notes and teacher aid for a complete vocabulary list. Focus on understanding words in context rather than memorising definitions in isolation.
Revision Checklist
- Can you summarise the text in 80 words?
- Can you name all major characters and their traits?
- Can you identify at least 3 literary devices with examples?
- Can you write a 5-mark answer on the main theme?
- Have you practised all textbook exercise questions?