CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature

NCERT Solutions
First Flight 2
Long Walk to Freedom

Page No: 18 Comprehension Check

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

Ans: The ceremonies took place in the amphitheater of the Union Building of Pretoria. The
Parliament House, The Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi
and Madras High Court in Chennai are some examples of Indian public buildings that are
made of sandstone.

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

Ans: 10 May is known as an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because on this day, there was the
largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South
Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

Page No: 19

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?

Ans: By "an extraordinary human disaster" Mandela means the inhuman practice of
apartheid i.e. the racial discrimination suffered by the blacks at the hands of whites in South
Africa.He considered it as "glorious human achievement" because of the establishment of
South Africa's first democratic,non-racial government,where the President was a black man.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Ans: Mandela felt privileged to be the host to the nations of the world because not too long
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ago, the South Africans were considered outlaws. On that day most of the countries’
dignitaries were present to attend the swearing in ceremony. He, thus thanked all the
international leaders for having come to witness his investiture as President, since this event
could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

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

Ans: Mandela sets out the ideals of poverty alleviation, removal of suffering of people. He
also dreams of a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial
origins.

Page No: 21 Oral Comprehension Check

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

Ans: The highest military generals of the South African defense force and police saluted
Mandela and pledged their loyalty.
Their attitude towards blacks has suddenly changed. Instead of arresting a black, they
saluted him. If it was during apartheid era ,they would have arrested Mandela. The change
in their attitude was because of struggle and sacrifice put in by many heroes of South Africa.
This struggle not only ensured the freedom of South Africa but also brought a change of
mindsets for many.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?

Ans: On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung.The interpretation of
national anthem from old republic as well as new republic was sign of the pledge of those
who were laying the foundation of a new nation. As it was a pledge to build a society devoid
of any type of discrimination , symbolizing the equality of blacks and whites, and to show
that it will be a truly multicultural society.

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?
Ans: (i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa

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patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-
skinned people of their own land, thus creating the basis of one of the harshest and most
inhumane societies the world had ever known.
(ii) In the last decade of the twentieth century, the previous system had been replaced by
another more strong pattern ,the one that recognized the rights and freedom of all people,
regardless of the color of their skin.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Ans: For Mandela courage does not mean the absence of fear but a victory over fear.
According to him brave men need not only be fearless but should be able to conquer fear.

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

Ans: For Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate.

Page No: 24 Oral Comprehension Check

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Ans: Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is towards his family,
parents, wife and children; the second obligation is his contribution towards fellow people, his
community and his country.

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 honorable freedoms”?
Ans: Like any other kid, for Mandela also the freedom meant to make merry and enjoy the
blissful life in every possible way. But once an adult, the antics of childhood look like
transitory because in an adults perspective ,most of the childhood activities are waste of
time.As a grown-up, you have to step out of your comfort zone to earn a livelihood to bring
the bacon home.It is only then that you get an honorable existence in the family and in the
society.

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

Ans: Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because according to him an oppressor
is a prisoner of hatred, who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.

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He feels that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed off their humanity.

Thinking about the Text

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What
did it signify the triumph of?
Ans: The presence of a large number of international leaders was a gesture of solidarity
from international community to the idea of the end of apartheid. It signified the triumph of
good over evil, the triumph of the idea of a more tolerant society without any discrimination.

2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African
patriots” who had gone before him?
Ans: Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives for the
sake of freedom. He feels that he is simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone
before him as he only was carrying forward the baton of the freedom struggle, the legacy of
leaders of yesteryears who had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore,
he got the support of his people to be able to come to power to bring equality for his own
people.

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?
Ans: Yes, I agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”.Nelson
Mandela illustrates this by giving examples of great heroes of South Africa who sacrificed
their lives in the long freedom struggle. India is full of such examples. During our freedom
struggle ,there was a galaxy of leaders of great characters. Probably the oppression of British
rule created so many men of such characters. If we compare this with the quality of political
leaders India is having today, then Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right.

4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Ans: With age ,Nelson Mandela realized that he had a lot of responsibilities towards his
people, his community and his country. As a boy, Mandela did not have a hunger for
freedom because he thought that he was born free. He believed that as long as he obeyed his
father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. He had

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certain needs as a teenager and then certain needs as a young man.He slowly understands
that it is not just his freedom that is being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It is after
attaining this understanding that he develops a hunger for the freedom of his people. Thus ,
age and experience made his perspective more wide.

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

Ans: Mandela realized in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed,
but the freedom of all blacks. The hunger for his own freedom gradually turned into hunger
for the freedom of his people. This desire of a non-racial society transformed him into a
virtuous and self-sacrificing man. Thus, he joined the African National Congress and this
changed the fearful man to a fearless rebel. He sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life
to fight for a greater cause.

Thinking about Language

I. There are nouns in the text (formation,government) which are formed from the
corresponding verbs (form,govern) by suffixing − (ation or ment.) There may be change
in the spelling of some verb − noun pairs: such
as rebel,rebellion;constitute,constitution.

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

Noun Verb

rebellion rebel

constitution constitute

... ...

... ...

... ...

... ...

Ans:

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 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. 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.

Ans: Martin Luther King’s contribution (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader
began when he came to the assistance (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

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would mean subjugation (subjugate) and humiliation (humiliate) by the police and the legal
system. Beatings, imprisonment (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied
the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance (resist) to
racial injustice.

Page No: 25

II. 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.
Ans: 1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities such as Amitabh
Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to a landmark in acting in the form of
legendary actress Madhubala.

3. 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.

Page No: 26

III. 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

When my comrades and I were pushed

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2. to our limits (i) pushed by the guards to the wall

(ii) took more than our share of beatings

felt that we could not endure the

(iii)
suffering any longer

3. To reassure me and keep me going (i) make me go on walking

help me continue to live in hope in this

(ii)
very difficult situation

(iii) make me remain without complaining

The basic and honorable freedoms of …

4. (i) earning enough money to live on
earning 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

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

help me continue to live in hope in this

3. To reassure me and keep me going (ii)
very difficult situation

The basic and honorable freedoms of

4. (i) earning enough money to live on
…earning my keep…

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 PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION
Passage-1: (Page 17)
Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world
leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering
ever of international leaders on South African soil.
Word-Meaning: Dawned—(here) presented itself, began, Pleasantly—in a pleasant way, Besieged—(here)
surrounded closely by, Dignitaries—persons of high ranks, high officials their respect—express their
honour/respect, Inauguration—(here) opening ceremony,
Questions:
(a) What was the special importance of 10 May?
(b) Why had the narrator been busy for the past few days?
(c) What was to be inaugurated on that day?
(d) How was the size of the gathering there?
Answers:
(a) The 10th of May was important because on that day the first democratically elected government of South Africa
was to be established.
(b) For the past few days the narrator was busy, in making; the arrangements of receiving world leaders and dignitaries
who were coming there.
(c) The first democratic, non-racial government of South Africa was to be installed on that day.
(d) It was the largest ever gathering of international leaders on South African soil.
Passage-2: (Page 17)
The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre frowned by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For
decades this had been the seat of wilier 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.
Word-Meaning: Ceremonies—rituals, ceremonial activities Amphitheatre—around unroofed building, Decades—
a period of ten years, troika—capital of South Africa, Seat—place, White—white people, Supremacy—
superiority, Rainbow gathering—gathering of people of different colours,Installation—putting in a new position of
authority Non-racial government—government that did not believe in any racial discrimination
Questions:
(a) Where did the ceremonies take place?
(b) What had the place been so far?
(c) What change was brought now?
(d) How was this government different from the previous one?
Answers:
(a) The ceremonies took place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
(b) For decades the place had been the seat of white supremacy.
(c) Now a democratic government headed by a black, Nelson Mandela, was going to be sworn in.
(d) The previous government was run only by the white people following the apartheid policy of racial segregation.
The new government was a democratically elected non-racial government.
Passage-3: (Page 18)
Today, all of us do, by our presence here…confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an
extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.
Word-Meaning: Confer—give, Glory—dignity, greatness, Liberty-freedom,
Questions:
(a) What were the people present in the amphitheatre doing?
(b) What was an extraordinary human disaster?
(c) What was the nature of the new society that was taking its birth that day?
(d) Who are the speaker and the writer of these lines?
Answers:
(a) All of those who were present there were conferring glory and hope to newborn liberty.
(b) The apartheid regime based on racial discrimination and segregation was an extraordinary human disaster.
(c) A new democratic and non-racial society was going to take its birth that day.
(d) Nelson Mandela is the speaker as well as the writer of these lines.
Passage-4: (Page 18)
We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world
on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the
people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

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Word-Meaning: Outlaws-bandits, Privilege—special rights, Host—an innkeeper, Distinguished—(here) honoured,
wain Possession—ownership, Dignity—grace, glory,
Questions:
(a) Who were outlaws not so long ago?
(b) What privilege have they been given?
(c) Whom does the speaker thank?
(d) What is a common victory for all?
Answers:
(a) The blacks in South Africa were considered as outlaws not so long ago.
(b) Now, the same blacks have been given the privilege of hosting the nations of the world on their soil.
(c) Nelson Mandela thanks all the international leaders and dignitaries who have come to this inauguration ceremony.
(d) Getting rid of a racial government and the establishment of a democratically elected non-racial government is a
common victory for all the people of the world.
Passage-5: (Page 18)
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. Never, never, and never again shall it be
that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious
a human achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!
Word-Meaning: Achieved—got, Emancipation—freedom, fetal Pledge—vow, Liberate–free,Bondage–
binding, Deprivation—not getting a thing, Gender—sex, Oppression—cruelty, exploitationGlorious—grand,
Questions:
(a) What have the blacks of South Africa achieve at last?
(b) What do they pledge themselves?
(c) What will this beautiful land never experience again?
(d) What is a remarkable achievement for the people of South Africa?
Answers:
(a) At last, the blacks of South Africa achieved their political freedom.
(b) They have pledged themselves to liberate the people from poverty, sufferings and other discriminations.
(c) South Africa will never have a racial government again.
(d) The installation of a democratic non-racial government in South Africa is a glorious human achievement.
Passage-6: (Page 19)
On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century,
a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patched
up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. The
structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.
Word-Meaning: Overwhelmed—(here) filled with emotions, Bitter—sour, White skinned—people of white
race, Patched-up—repaired, Erect—built, System—way, Racial domination—domination of one race over the
other, Structure—formation, Basis—base, Harshest—most unpleasant, Inhumane—anti-human,
Questions:
(a) Why was Mandela overwhelmed?
(b) What did the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patch up?
(c) What was the structure that they created?
(d) Could Mandela and his people succeed in breaking that structure?
Answers:
(a) Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed as he achieved success in installing a democratic non-racial government in
South Africa.
(b) The white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination
against the blacks of their own land.
(c) The system of apartheid or racial segregation was the harshest and most inhumane system in the world.
(d) Yes, the blacks were able to demolish the apartheid regime and succeeded in installing a democratic non-racial
government headed by Nelson Mandela.
Passage-7: (Page 20)
That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and
courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of
all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and the noble line ended and now began again with me.
I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.
Word-Meaning: Unimaginable—beyond imagination, Sacrifices—voluntarily laying down of life,Counted—to count
numbers, Repaid—to pay the debt, Patriots—loyal to the nation, Noble—a very good person, Wrought—resulted,
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Questions:
(a) How did that glorious day come about?
(b) Can their sufferings be repaid?
(c) Why does Mandela consider himself to be the sum of all African patriots?
(d) Could they see the fruit of their sacrifices?
Answers:
(a) The glorious day of the installation of a non-racial government in South Africa come about through the struggles
and sacrifices of thousands of people. – – –
(b) No, their struggles, sacrifices and sufferings can never be counted or repaid.
(c) Mandela acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices of thousands of black patriots against the apartheid. He himself
only carried forward the batons.
(d) No, many of those great patriots who struggled and sacrificed died before seeing the fruit of their sacrifices.
Passage-8: (Pages 20 & 21)
The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many
years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another,
unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulu, the Chief Luthuli’s, the Yusuf
Dadoos, the Bram Fishers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time — men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and
generosity that their like may never be known again.
Word-Meaning: Apartheid—the policy of segregation based on race and colour, Generations—people of the same
period, Recovering—(here) healing, Profound—deep, Hurt—wound, Brutality—cruelty,Unintended—not
contemplated, Generosity—kindness,
Questions:
(a) What did the policy of apartheid create?
(b) What was the effect of decades of oppression and brutality?
(c) What kind of men were they?
(d) What do these lines show about Mandela’s character?
Answers:
(a) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the blacks of South Africa.
(b) The decades of oppression and brutality produced many brave and fearless patriots like Tambos, Sisulus, Dadoos,
Fishers and Sobukwes of their time.
(c) They were men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.
(d) These lines show that Mandela was grateful to those patriots and heroes who fought against the apartheid in the
past.
Passage-9: (Page 21)
Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. 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.
Word-Meaning: Minerals—elements dug from the earth,
Questions:
(a) What does it require to produce men of such high characters?
(b) What is South Africa rich in?
(c) What has Mandela always known?
(d) What trait of Mandela’s character is reflected here?
Answers:
(a) Only great depths of oppression and torture can create patriots of such high characters.
(b) South Africa is rich in minerals and gems.
(c) Mandela has always known that the greatest wealth of a nation is its people and not its diamonds.
(d) Mandela values patriotism and love for its people higher even than the diamonds.
Passage-10: (Page 21)
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and
women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing
strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumphs
over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Word-Meaning: Comrades—friends/associates, Risk—put to danger, Stand up—face, Torture—bodily
pain, Resilience—ability to recover, Defies—disobeys, Triumphs—victory, Conquer—to win,
Questions:
(a) Who does ‘these comrades’ refer to here?
(b) What defines the imagination?
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(c) Is courage the absence of fear?
(d) Who is a real brave man?
Answers:
(a) ‘These comrades’ refers to the men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity like Oliver Tambo, Walter
Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dodoo and so on.
(b) It defies the imagination of how those patriots could withstand so much oppression and brutality without being
broken.
(c) No, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
(d) A real brave man is he who conquers his fear.
Passage-11: (Page 21)
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must
learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human
heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I
would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me
and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
Word-Meaning: Background—(here) life-history, Grimmest—(here) darkest, cruellest Pushed to our limits—forced
to face limitless tortures, Glimmer—a faint light, Reassure—to give assurance, Flame—a blaze of
fire, Extinguished—blown out,
Questions:
(a) Is hating another person because of his colour, background or religion instinctive nature of humans?
(b) What can people learn if they can learn to hate?
(c) What comes naturally to the human heart: love or hate?
(d) How does the guard show a sign of humanity to Mandela when he was in prison?
Answers:
(a) No, no one is born hating another person because of his colour, background or religion.
(b) If people can learn to hate, they can also learn to love one another.
(c) Love comes naturally to the human heart than hatred.
(d) When Mandela was in prison, one of the guards encouraged him to keep on his struggle and one day he would
achieve success.
Passage-12: (Pages 21 & 22)
In life, every man has twin obligations — obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has
an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible
for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to
live as a human being was punished and isolated.
Word-Meaning: Twin—two Obligations—duty, Community—society (local), Inclinations—liking,Attempted—
tried,
Questions:
(a) What are the twin obligations of every man?
(b) Is it possible in South Africa for a man of Nelson Mandela’s colour and birth to fulfil both the obligations?
(c) Why do you think Mandela was not living in a humane society?
(d) Why were the blacks treated so badly in South Africa?
Answers:
(a) Every man has to fulfil two obligations. He has to do his duty to his family and children and he has a duty to his
people and country.
(b) No, it is not possible for a man of Nelson Mandela’s birth and colour to live as a human being.
(c) Mandela was living in a society where the Blacks were treated badly.
(d) The blacks were treated so badly in South Africa because it was ruled by the apartheid regime based on racial
discrimination.
Passage-13: (Page 22)
I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields
near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealiest under the
stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my
tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God.
Word-Meaning: Roast—roast on fire, Mealiest—maze corn, Abide by—obeyed, Customs—rituals,
Questions:
(a) Was Mandela indeed ‘free in every way’ in his childhood?
(b) How was he free in his childhood?
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(c) Was he troubled by the laws of man or God when he was a child?
(d) Did his concept of freedom remain the same when he grew up?
Answers:
(a) No, Nelson Mandela was not free in every way even in his childhood. He had to abide by the custom of his tribe.
(b) He was free to run in the fields, free to swim and free to ride on the backs of slow-moving bulls.
(c) No, as a child he was not troubled by the laws of man or God as long as he obeyed his father and followed the
customs of his tribe.
(d) No, Nelson Mandela’s concept of personal freedom was broadened into the freedom of his people and race.
Passage-14: (Page 22)
It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion when I discovered as a young man that my
freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for
myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as
a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning
my keep, of marrying and having a family — the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.
Word-Meaning: Illusion—false idea or belief, Transitory—(here) temporary, Potential—capacity,Obstructed—
restricted,
Questions:
(a) How was his childhood freedom only an illusion?
(b) When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom?
(c) What were transitory freedoms?
(d) What did he yearn for as a young man in Johannesburg?
Answers:
(a) In his childhood he could move in the fields near his huts, free to swim in the clear stream, etc. but all their activities
were restricted ones by his parents as per the existing law and order.
(b) Only when he realised that his freedom had already been taken from him, he began to hunger for freedom.
(c) Transitory freedoms consisted of being able to stay out at night, read as pleased or go anywhere.
(d) As a young man in Johannesburg, he yearned for freedom of achieving his freedom, earning, marrying and having
a family.
Passage-15: (Pages 22 & 23)
But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were also not free. I saw that it was not
just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African
National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my
people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my
life, 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, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk.
Word-Meaning: Curtailed—limited, cut shot Animated—(here) inspired, Transformed—changed,Frightened—full
of fear, Bold—brave, fearless, Drove—took, Attorney—a lawyer, Criminal—one who commits crimes, Monk—one
who lives like a saint,
Questions:
(a) What were the Blacks discriminated against?
(b) When did Mandela’s hunger for freedom become the greater hunger for the freedom of his people?
(c) What transformed the life of a frightened young lawyer to become a bold criminal?
(d) Did Mandela want to live like a monk?
Answers:
(a) The Blacks were discriminated against in political and economic freedom.
(b) When he joined the African National Congress then Mandela’s hunger for freedom became the greater hunger for
the freedom of his people.
(c) The strong desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self -respect transformed a
frightened young lawyer to become a bold criminal.
(d) No, Mandela wanted to be a family loving husband.
Passage-16: (Page 23)
I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited
freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my
people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.
Word-Meaning: Virtuous – a sacred person, Indivisible—which can’t be divided, Chains- bondage,
Questions:
(a) Does Mandela think of himself more virtuous than others?
(b) Why couldn’t he enjoy even the limited freedoms he was allowed?
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(c) Is freedom divisible?
(d) What did the chains on all of his people mean to Mandela?
Answers:
(a) No, Mandela didn’t think himself more virtuous or self-sacrificing than any of his people.
(b) He couldn’t enjoy the limited freedoms he was allowed because he felt that his people were not free.
(c) No, freedom is not divisible.
(d) The chains on all of his people meant chains on himself for Nelson Mandela.
Passage-17: (Page 23)
I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s
freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free I
am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The
oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.
Word-Meaning: Oppressor-one who oppresses, Liberated—freed from, Bars—(here) prison bars, Prejudice—ill-
feeling Robbed—stolen,
Questions:
(a) Should the oppressor be liberated?
(b) Who is a prisoner of hatred?
(c) When are we not truly free?
(d) How are the oppressed and the oppressor robbed alike?
Answers:
(a) Yes, even the oppressor should be liberated like the oppressed.
(b) A person who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred.
(c) We are not truly free if we are taking away someone else’s freedom.
(d) The oppressed and the oppressor both are robbed of their humanity alike.
Main Characters of the Story- Nelson Mandela
Character Sketch
Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the
racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first
democratically elected government in South Africa.
He is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their
people.
He had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive and couldn’t be divided.
Short Answer Type Important Questions
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?
Ans. The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa
from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and
justice for all.
2. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?
Ans. Nelson Mandela was sad for not able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and
sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.
3. When did Mandela’s hunger for self-turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people?
Ans. Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the
whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became
a “greater hunger.”
4. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?
Ans. 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because first democratic non-racial government elections were held
on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country.
5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?
Ans. The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa
from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations.
6. What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?
Ans. Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote him to liberate his people from the
bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for
all.
7. What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the Inaugural Ceremony?
Ans. He remembered the history — the birth Apartheid, its effect on his people and long fight for freedom. He
remembered the freedom fighters that suffered and sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant
to him at different stages of life and his hunger for freedom.
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 8. Why was the 10th of May, 1994 a red letter day in the history of South Africa?
Ans. 10th of May, 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the day when the hated regime of
apartheid came to an end. A new democratically elected non-racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be
sworn in. Many international leaders and dignities came to pay their respect to the new government.
9. Where did the ceremonies take place? What had it been for decades?
Ans. The ceremonies of the inauguration of the new government took place at the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in
the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same place had remained the seat of white supremacy for decades.
10. How was that site a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations?
Ans. The end of the apartheid regime was a common victory for peace, justice and human dignity. Leaders and
dignitaries of all nations irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered there to celebrate that victory. So,
the site presented a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.
11. Who were the persons sworn in on the 10th of May? What did Mandela pledge to obey?
Ans. Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy
President. Then, in the end, Mr Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. He
pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well being of the Republic and its people.
12. What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud
of it?
Ans. The apartheid regime was an extraordinary human disaster for the blacks of South Africa. The end of the
apartheid laid down the foundation of a non-racial democratic regime in South Africa. This government based on human
equality and dignity would be an ideal one of which all humanity would be proud.
13. Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on their own soil?
Ans. Those who were outlaws not so long ago were given the rare privilege. They had the privilege of hosting and
welcoming nations of the world on their soul. The blacks were no more outlaws now but enjoyed equality and human
dignity.
14. After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in South Africa?
Ans. South Africa and the blacks have achieved their political emancipation. Mandela pledges to liberate all his people
from the bondage of poverty, want, suffering, gender and other discriminations. South Africa will never ever experience
the oppression of one by another. He wishes the reign of freedom will never die in South Africa.
15. What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?
Ans. There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over the Union Buildings. The highest
generals of the military and police saluted President Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military’s loyalty to
democracy, to a free and fairly elected government.
16. Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him not so many years ago?
Ans. In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many years. After the end of the
apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically elected government of South Africa. The same generals
who would have put him in prison not so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of South
Africa.
17. What did the playing of two national anthems symbolise?
Ans. On the historic day of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of South Africa, two national anthems were
played. The whites song `Nkosi Sikelel-i-Africa’ and the black sang ‘Die Stem’. Neither group knew the lyrics of the
anthem they once despised. They would soon know the words by heart.
18. Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history and what bad thing happened in the first decade
of the 10th century?
Ans. Mandela is overwhelmed with a sense of history and remembers when the hated apartheid policy was introduced
in South Africa. After the Boer war, the white people of South Africa patched up their differences. They set up a system
of racial domination against the black people of their own race.
19. Why was the apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the harshest and most inhuman systems in the
world?
Ans. The apartheid regime was based on the racial discrimination and exploitation of blacks in South Africa. The basic
or fundamental rights were only for the whites and the blacks were deprived of these freedoms. Oppression, torture
and exploitation of the blacks were common features of the apartheid regime.
20. Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African patriots who had gone before
him?
Ans. Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his people who fought against the
apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can never be cemented or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was
simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.
21. How did the policy of apartheid create a deep and lasting wound in South African blacks?

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Ans. No doubt, the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and the blacks. It would take
many years to recover from that profound hurt. The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and
brutality on the blacks of South Africa.
22. How did the policy of apartheid and deep oppression produce patriots of extraordinary, courage, wisdom
and generosity?
Ans. The policy of apartheid unleashed a reign of terror and oppression on the black people but they could not break
their resolution and determination. The deep oppression produced patriot of extraordinary courage, wisdom and
generosity. It produced thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Sadoos, Fischer’s and Sobukwes of their time.
Q23. What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?
Ans. South Africa is rich in the minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the greatest wealth of a nation.
Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a nation is its people. They are finer and truer than the purest
diamonds.
24. How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?
Ans. Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from great patriots and comrades in the struggle. They risked
their lives and stood up to attacks and tortures of the apartheid regime. He learned that courage was not the absence
of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
25. How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to human heart — love or hate?
Ans. No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are taught to hate. And if they learn
to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.
26. What are the twin obligations every man has in life?
Ans. Mandela thinks that every man has twin obligations in life. The first is his obligation to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children. The second duty is his duty to his people, his community and his country. Each man has to
fulfil these two obligations according to his position and abilities.
27. Why was it impossible for a man of Mandela’s birth and colour to fulfil the twin obligations?
Ans. In South Africa, no black could fulfil the twin obligations. If a black who tried to live as a human being was punished
and isolated. A person who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was separated from his family and was forced to live in
secrecy and rebellion.
28. Was Mandela born with a hunger to be free? What did freedom mean to him in childhood?
Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In childhood, freedom has a very limited concept. He felt
that he was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream near his village and ride the broad backs of slow-moving
bulls. As long as he obeyed his father and the customs of his life, he was a free man.
29. What were the transitory freedoms that Nelson Mandela yearned for as a young man? Why did he feel
that his boyhood freedom was an illusion?
Ans. Nelson Mandela felt that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already been taken from him.
Then he began to hunger for it. At first, he wished the transitory freedoms of staying out. Later on, he yearned for basic
needs of earning, marrying and having a family.
30. When and how did Mandela’s hunger for his own freedom become the greater hunger for the freedom of
his people?
Ans. Mandela realised that not only was he not free, but his people were not free. When he joined the African National
Congress, then his hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.
31. What, according to Mandela, is ‘true freedom’?
Ans. When Mandela was a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the streams. As a
young man, he wanted basic and honourable freedoms, e.g. to earn his living, too many and to have a family. According
to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.
32. What animated Mandela’s life and transformed a frightened young lawyer into a bold criminal?
Ans. It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated his
life. It transformed a frightened young man into a bold one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to be a criminal. It turned a
family loving husband to live like a monk.
33. Freedom is “indivisible”, said Mandela. How were the chains on anyone were the chains on all of his
people?
Ans. Mandela thought that he is not more virtuous than the others. He thought that “freedom is indivisible”. The chains
on any one of his people were chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him.
34. Why did Nelson Mandela feel that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity
and hence, both of them must be liberated?
Ans. Nelson Mandela rightly believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. A
man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and hate. A
person can never be free if his freedom is taken away. Hence, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of
their humanity.
Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each
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 Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:
1. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and so
‘glorious a human achievement’. What did he mean by that?
Ans. The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial discrimination brought
oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the
places reserved for the whites. They led a life of humiliation.
At last on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress
Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa. The coming into power of
non-racial government was a glorious human achievement.
2. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?
Ans. In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to undergo
many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was
declared an outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put into jail.
He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger, oppression and injustice
but kept the flame of independence burning in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel
sacrifice bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.
3. Give the character-sketch of Nelson Mandela.
Ans. Nelson Mandela is a great patriot. He loves his country and countrymen. For him, the greatest wealth of South
Africa is her people.
He has a sacrificing nature. He sacrificed his life of comfort, family and home and plunged into the struggle for freedom.
He believes in equality for all. He opposed the rule of Apartheid for which he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed
and tortured in jail for several years but he never broke. It shows his traits of tolerance, courage and perseverance.
4. What different concepts of freedom did Mandela have at different stages of his life?
Or
How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Ans. Mandela had different concepts of freedom at different stages of life. As a boy, he had an illusion about freedom.
He thought he was born free. As long he obeyed his elders he had the freedom to run in the fields swim in the stream
and ride on the back of bulls.
As a student he cared for transitory freedom — freedom to stay out at night, read the books of his choice and go where
he liked.
When he became a young man he yearned for basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his potential, earning his
keep, marrying, having a family and living a lawful life.
Slowly his concept of freedom widened especially when he joined the African National Congress. He realized that true
freedom is not individual freedom but freedom for all.
5. The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity
against the most hated apartheid regime based on racial discrimination. Comment.
Ans. The inauguration ceremony of the installation of a democratically elected government in South Africa was of great
historical importance. After the Boer war, the white ‘peoples’, patched up their differences. They imposed the
domination of the whites through the apartheid based on racial discrimination. The inauguration ceremony attracted
worldwide recognition. International leaders and dignitaries from more than 140 countries assembled at the
amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The whole world hailed it as a common victory for justice, for peace,
for human dignity. The grand struggle of the black patriots against the most hated regime of apartheid succeeded.
There was a spectacular display of jets and the salute by the bedecked generals with ribbons to President Mandela. It
showed the military’s loyalty to democracy. The playing of the two national anthems symbolised a new regime based
on equality irrespective of race and colour.
6. Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? Give the birth and finally the burial of
the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Ans. On the day of the inauguration of the Republic, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. It was
quite natural for a man who taught against the hated regime for decades. After the Boer war, the white groups patched
up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites over the majority population of South Africa. The birth
of the apartheid was the birth of one of the harshest and inhumane regimes in the world. It was based on racial
discrimination and oppression. Deep oppression and atrocities produced thousands of black patriots who were ready
to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their fellow men. The determined struggle of these black heroes ended in their
victory. A democratically elected government headed by President Nelson Mandela was installed on the 10th of May,
1994.
7. The apartheid regime, the whites created in South Africa, was one of the harshest and most inhumane
societies the world has ever known. Elucidate.
Ans. The apartheid regime symbolised oppression, exploitation and an extraordinary human disaster. The white
regime was based on racial discrimination. The blacks in South Africa were deprived of their rights, equality and human
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dignity. After the Boer war, the white groups in South Africa patched up their differences. They imposed a system of
racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. It was one of the harshest and most inhumane regimes
the world has ever known. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people.
Thousands of black patriots sacrificed their lives fighting for the rights and freedom of their people. Thousands of
Tambos, Sisulus, Dads, Fishers and Sobukwes suffered deep oppression and tortures but never gave up their cause.
Ultimately, their struggles and sacrifices led the blacks to victory under Nelson Mandela. Their victory was a common
victory of humanity, for peace, for justice and for human dignity.
8. Which twin obligations does Nelson Mandela mention in the lesson? Why were he and the rest of blacks
able to fulfil those obligations?
Ans. Nelson Mandela that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation of a man is to his family, to his
parents, to his wife and children. He has another obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community
and his country. Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength. But in South Africa, it was
impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those obligations. If a man tried to live as a human being, he
was punished and isolated. If any person in South Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully separated
from his family and his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed his people
above his family. In attempting to serve his people, he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother,
a father and a husband.
9. How was Mandela’s concept of freedom was different in boyhood and youth than what it was in his
mature age? How were ‘transitory freedoms’ changed into his hunger for the freedom of his people?
Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In his boyhood, he felt free until he obeyed his father and
tribe. The concept of freedom was limited only to run in fields, swim in the local stream and ride on the slow-moving
bulls. When he was a youth, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already taken
away from him. He yearned to enjoy ‘transitory freedoms’ like staying out at night, reading and going anywhere as he
pleased. When he joined the African National Congress, only then his own freedom became the greater hunger for his
people. He desired that his people should live their lives with dignity and self-respect. This hunger for freedom forced
him to be a rebel and live in secrecy away from his family.
10. Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible? How are the oppressed and the oppressor alike are
robbed of their humanity?
Ans. Nelson Mandela believes that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger
for the freedom of his people. He couldn’t live his life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in
chains. The chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the
chains on him. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes
away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking
away someone else’s freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from him. Thus the oppressed
and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.
11. Describe the contribution of Nelson Mandela in the struggle for independence of the blacks of his country
against the hated apartheid regime.
OR
Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the apartheid regime for the
human rights of his people.
Ans. Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the racial-regime in
South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically
elected government in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. Later on, he realised that
his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his concept of freedom in his youth was also ‘transitory’ and
was limited to his personal freedom. Only when he joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became the
greater hunger for the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young lawyer was transformed into a bold
`criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to lead the life of a monk in secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in
acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people. Modestly, he
realises that freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a free and honourable life if his people were in
chains.
Nelson Mandela had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive and couldn’t be divided. It
shows his greatness that both the oppressor and the oppressed should be liberated. Both of them alike are robbed of
their humanity.

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