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

Activity (Page 17)

Question:

In Column A are some expressions you will find in the text. Make a guess and match each
expression with an appropriate meaning from Column B.

A B

(i) A rainbow gathering of different – A great ability (almost unimaginable) to remain unchanged by
colours and nations suffering (not losing hope, goodness or courage)

(ii) The seat of white supremacy – A half-secret life, like a life lived in the fading light between sunset
and darkness

(iii) Be overwhelmed with a sense of – A sign of human feeling (goodness, kindness, pity, justice, etc.)
history

(iv) Resilience that defies the – A beautiful coming together of various peoples, like the colours in a
imagination rainbow

(v) A glimmer of humanity – The centre of racial superiority

(vi) A twilight existence – Feel deeply emotional, remembering and understanding all the past
events that have led up to the moment
Answer:

A B

(i) A rainbow gathering of different – A beautiful coming together of various peoples, like the colours in a
colours and nations rainbow

(ii) The seat of white supremacy – The centre of racial superiority

(iii) Be overwhelmed with a sense of – Feel deeply emotional, remembering and understanding all the past
history events that have led up to the moment

(iv) Resilience that defies the – A great ability (almost unimaginable) to remain unchanged by
imagination suffering (not losing hope, goodness or courage)

(v) A glimmer of humanity – A sign of human feeling (goodness, kindness, pity, justice, etc.)

(vi) A twilight existence – A half-secret life, like a life lived in the fading light between sunset
and darkness
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18-19)

Question 1:

Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made
of sandstone?
Answer:

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings
in Pretoria, which were attended by dignitaries and world leaders of several nations. In India, the
Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are two public buildings that are made of red sandstone.

Question 2:

Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Answer:

Generally, autumn season signifies the harvest season that is associated with abundance and
prosperity and since South Africa lies in southern hemisphere, May is the Autumn time there. 10
May is also one of the ‘autumn days’ in South Africa and it became important because on this
auspicious day, the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government took
place in the presence of the largest gathering ever of international leaders on the South African
soil.

Question 3:

At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does
he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

Answer:

In Mandela’s speech ‘an extraordinary human disaster’, he wanted to express the practice of
Apartheid in South Africa. During this practice, there was a racial segregation of people based on
colour and the Black people suffered the most as they were discriminated by the rest. They could
not enjoy the right to freedom. Mandela was jailed as a prisoner for 18 years on the infamous
‘Robben Island’ where he was mistreated by the authorities. He considered it as “great glorious
human achievement” that he became the first Black President of South Africa where the Blacks
were deprived of basic needs and suffered different kinds of discrimination and were treated
badly.

Question 4:

What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Answer:

Mandela felt extremely privileged to welcome the dignitaries and international leaders at the
swearing-in ceremony because it was not too long ago when the South Africans were considered
outlaws. He therefore, thanked all of them for having come from far and wide to witness the
historical oath-taking ceremony of the first Black President of South Africa. This was a wonderful
gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation. This event could be
considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

Question 5:

What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Answer:

Mandela set the ideals of liberating the people of South Africa from the continuing bondage of
poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He wanted the people of the
country to enjoy the right to freedom from all forms of bondage and prejudice.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 21)

Question 1:

What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed and why?

Answer:

The highest military generals of South African defence force and police saluted and pledged their
loyalty to Mandela. This was of great significance as otherwise during the Apartheid era they
would have arrested him and put him behind bars. Their attitude changed towards Blacks due to
the struggles and sacrifices that were put in by many heroes of South Africa. This struggle for
freedom was not just a struggle with Apartheid, but brought a massive change in mindsets of
many people. Mandela believed that love is something that could be taught and human beings
are naturally inclined towards love more, rather than hate.

Question 2:

Why were two national anthems sung?

Answer:

On the auspicious occasion of the inauguration ceremony, two national anthems were sung – the
Whites sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the Blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ that was the old anthem of
the Republic. Both the anthems symbolized the equality of rights between Whites and Blacks.

Question 3:

How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country –

(i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Answer:

1. In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa
patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-
skinned peoples of their own land. This created the basis of one of the harshest, most
inhumane, societies the world has ever seen or known.
2. In the final decade of the twentieth century, the previous system of government had been
overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all
peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

Question 4:

What does courage mean to Mandela?

Answer:

According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man
is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.

Question 5:

Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Answer:

Mandela thought that love comes more naturally to the human heart rather than hate.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 24)

Question 1:

What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Answer:

Mandela mentions two obligations that every man has in life – (i) obligations to his family, to his
parents, to his wife and children; and (ii) he has an obligation to his people, his community and
his country.

Question 2:

What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these
“transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Answer:

Like any other kid, Mandela felt freedom meant to be happy, make merry and enjoy the blissful
life in his childhood years. However, when a young fellow becomes an adult, the antics of
childhood look transitory because all the childish activities are worthless from an adult’s
perspective. When a person becomes an adult, he learns to earn a livelihood and earn his own
bread and butter. In such a scenario, he understands the basic and honourable freedom in his
family and the society that he lives in.

Question 3:

Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Answer:

Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because in his opinion, an oppressor is like a
victim of hatred who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He
perceives that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and peace of
mind.

Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

Question 1:

Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify
the triumph of?

Answer:

Being a part of the inauguration ceremony, the international leaders showed a gesture of
solidarity from the international community to the concept of end of Apartheid. This signified the
victory of good over evil and the triumph of a tolerant society without any prejudice and
discrimination of caste, colour or creed.

Question 2:

What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who
had gone before him?

Answer:
By saying that he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots”, Mandela offers his tribute to all
the people who had sacrificed their lives in favour of the struggle for freedom. He says that he
shall always remain grateful and thankful to those who had gone before him because those
freedom fighters had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore, Mandela felt
that when he comes to power, he would bring equality among his people along with their support
and co-operation.

Question 3:

Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does
Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Answer:

Yes, I agree with the statement that “depths of oppression” do create ‘heights of character”.
Nelson Mandela illustrates this by citing examples of great heroes of South Africa such as Oliver
Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, Bram Fischers, Robert Sobukwes among
others who inspired other people by sacrificing their lives in the long struggle for freedom.

In India’s pre-Independence era, there was a galaxy of great leaders who didn’t give up to the
oppression of British rule such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, Chandra Shekhar Ajad, Bhagat Singh and many more. Nelson
Mandela seems to be absolutely right, if we compare them with the quality of political leaders
that India is having today.

Question 4:

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Answer:

With age and rich experience, Mandela understood the essence of freedom in everyone’s life. As
a young boy, he always thought that he was born free and could do anything that he wanted. He
strongly believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he
was free in every possible way. However, as he grew older, he started feeling that freedom was
required to raise a family and to earn livelihood, this started dominating his thoughts and views.
In due course of time, he realised that he was selfish and was leading an illusionary life during
his boyhood. He slowly understood that it was not just his freedom alone that was being
curtailed, but the freedom of all the Black people was retrenched. Mandela understood that his
people were being deprived and discriminated and this led him to develop a hunger for the
freedom of his people.

Question 5:

How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Answer:

During his youth, Mandela realised that it was not just his freedom alone that was being
curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people. The hunger for his own freedom became the
hunger for freedom for all his fellow brothers and sisters. In the process, this changed the fearful
man to a bold rebel. Mandela sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for the
freedom of his countrymen. He joined the African National Congress and this changed his
perspective from a frightened young man into a fearless person who fought against racial
prejudice and colour discrimination.
Thinking about Language (Page 24-26)

I. 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 a change in the spelling of some
verb – noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

Question 1:

Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

Noun Verb

rebellion rebel

constitution constitute
Answer:

Noun Verb

rebellion rebel

constitution constitute

formation form

government govern

obligation oblige

transformation transform

discrimination discriminate

deprivation deprive

demonstration demonstrate

oppression oppress

imagination imagine
Question 2:

Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.

Martin Luther King’s _______________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began
when he came to the ______________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up
her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to
positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws
would mean _______________ (subjugate) and ________________ (humiliate) by the police and the
legal system. Beatings, _________________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who
defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent
___________________ (resist) to racial injustice.
Answer:

Martin Luther King’s contribution to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to
the assistance of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white
passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class
citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would
mean subjugation and humiliation by the police and the legal system.
Beatings, imprisonment and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin
Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance to racial injustice.

II. Using the Definite Article with Names

Question 1:

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’.)

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.

2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.

3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary
people as well.

Answer:

1. This implies that Mr. Singh regularly invites prominent personalities of caliber such as Mr.
Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. This implies that in the current generation, Madhuri Dixit is compared to the great actress,
Madhubala.

3. This means history is not only the story of great fighers such as Alexander, Napoleon or Hitler,
but also of other ordinary people.

III. Idiomatic Expressions

Question 1:

Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in Column B. (Hint:
First look for the sentence in the text in 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 (i) pushed by the guards to the wall
limits (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 (i) earning enough money to live on
my keep,… (ii) keeping what I earned
(iii) getting a good salary
Answer:

A B

1. I was not unmindful of the fact (i) had not forgotten; was aware of the fact

2. when my comrades and I were pushed to our (iii) felt that we could not endure the suffering any
limits longer

3. to reassure me and keep me going (ii) help me continue to live in hope in this very
difficult situation

4. the basic and honourable freedoms of…earning (i) earning enough money to live on
my keep,…
Speaking (Page 26)

Question:

In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box below. Then prepare a speech of about two
minutes on the following topic. (First make notes for your speech in writing.)

True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.

 causes of poverty and means of overcoming it

 discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc.
 constitutionally guaranteed human rights

Answer:

Activity to be done by yourself.

Writing (Page 26-28)

Question I: Looking at Contrasts

Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two parts in balance.

Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below.

(i) they can be taught to love. (iv) but he who conquers that fear.

(ii) I was born free. (v) to create such heights of character.

(iii) but the triumph over it.

1. It requires such depths of oppression _________________________________________
2. Courage was not the absence of fear __________________________________________

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid __________________________________

4. If people can learn to hate _________________________________________________

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. ______________________________________

Answer:

1. It requires such depths of oppression (v) to create such heights of character.

2. Courage was not the absence of fear (iii) but the triumph over it.

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid (iv) but he who conquers that fear.

4. If people can learn to hate (i) they can be taught to love.

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. (ii) I was born free.

Question II:

This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated
clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one
part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item.
Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now …

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police …
saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted
_______________

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon
______________

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, _______________________

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but
_______________

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed _______________ into a bold
one, that drove _______________ to become a criminal, that turned ________________into a man
without a home.

Answer:

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now  it was the
site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s
first democratic, non-racial government.

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police …
saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted but
arrested me.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon know the
words by heart.

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known
that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.
5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a
demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely
and fairly elected.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed a frightened young
man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-
loving husband into a man without a home.

Question III: Expressing Your Opinion

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write
a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph
a humorous one. (Read the short verse given below.)

When you were born you were pink

When you grew up you became white

When you are in the sun you are red

When you are sick you are yellow

When you are angry you are purple

When you are shocked you are grey

And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.

Answer:

Activity to be done by yourself.

NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 2 Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

Thinking about the Poem (Page 30-31)

Question 1:

Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.

(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the
wild. Arrange them in two columns.

(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.

Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two
situations.

Answer:

(i)

In the Cage In the Wild

Stalks Lurking in shadow

Few steps of his cage Sliding through long grass

Quiet rage Snarling around houses

Locked in concrete cell Baring his white fangs, his claws

Stalking the length of his cage Terrorising the village

Ignoring visitors

Stares with his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars

(ii)

Cage Wild

Few steps of his cage Shadow

Locked Water hole

Concrete cell Long grass

Behind bars Plump deer

Visitors Houses at the jungle’s edge

Patrolling cars Village

Question 2:

Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:

(i) On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

What do you think is the effect of this repetition?

Answer:

This repetition used by the poet is a poetic effect in order to increase the intensity of the tiger’s
rage and his silent helplessness from the concrete cell of the cage. ‘Velvet quiet’ refers to the
velvet pads of the tiger which are quiet and unable to run or leap. The tiger could do nothing but
just walk around the limited space of his cage. The use of ‘quiet rage’ signifies the anger and
ferocious nature of the tiger that is building up inside him as he wants to run out freely into the
forest and attack a deer. However, the tiger’s rage is quiet as he is locked inside the cage and is
in a helpless condition. The repetition of ‘quiet’ has given a lyrical beauty to the poem. Similarly,
the use of the term ‘brilliant’ for both the tiger’s eyes and the stars also portrays the majestic
nature of these lines. The tiger stares at the brilliant stars with his brilliant eyes as he dreams
about how beautiful and pleasing life, he could have led in the forest. Thus, the repetition depicts
a wonderful effect and brings magnificence to the poem.
Question 3:

Read the following two poems — one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:

Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they
useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?

The Tiger

The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.

Then he thinks.

It would be nice not to be behind bars all

The time

Because they spoil my view

I wish I were wild, not on show.

But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,

But if I were wild, food might poison me,

But if I were wild, water might drown me.

Then he stops thinking

And…

The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.

PETER NIBLETT

The Panther

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,

has grown so weary that it cannot hold

anything else. It seems to him there are

a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,

the movement of his powerful soft strides

is like a ritual dance around a centre

in which a mighty will stands paralysed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupils

lifts, quietly. An image enters in,

rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,

plunges into the heart and is gone.

RAINER MARIA RILKE

Answer:

A zoo is a place where several species of animals are kept. Some of these animals are of
endangered nature and are on the verge of extinction. Likewise, even endangered tigers and lions
are not safe in the forest due to poaching that is mainly done by poachers for illegal trading
purposes. Therefore, zoos are necessary for the conservation and protection of such species.
That way, zoos are a safe haven for animals and the public should be educated about the
importance of wild animals and their key role in maintaining the ecological balance in the
environment. Some other alternatives to zoos could be wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves and
national parks, etc. Having these options available will not just protect or conserve these species,
but also provide these animals with a habitat in the midst of nature.

Question 4:

Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple
of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.

Answer:

Activity to be done by yourself.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Prose)

This story is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom” where he
mentions the historic occasion of his inauguration as South Africa’s first Black President, and his
thoughts on freedom. Mandela always believed that he had an obligation towards his family and
his people. In this piece, he shared a lot of thoughts of how people of colour were mistreated,
and he wished equality for everyone, irrespective of caste, colour or creed. He always thought of
placing his people and country above all obligations and did not want to stick to the customs of
his tribe. He felt every person has the right to achieve political emancipation and he pledged to
liberate all his people from deprivation, bondage of poverty, gender and other forms of
discrimination.