Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answer (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Comprehension Questions – Textbook Answers

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answer

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

Ans.
The ceremonies were held in the grand sandstone amphitheatre located in Pretoria, formed by the Union Buildings. In India, several renowned public structures are made of sandstone, such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Swaminarayan Temple in New Delhi. Other notable examples include the palaces and buildings of Fatehpur Sikri, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, the mosque within the Taj Mahal complex, the Maharaja’s Palace in Jaisalmer, and government institutions like the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Supreme Court building.

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

Ans.
South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, May is an autumn month there. 10 May is called an ‘autumn day’ not only due to the season but also because it marked a historic political transformation—the day Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa’s first black President, symbolizing the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new democratic era.

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3. What does Mandela mean by “an extraordinary human disaster”? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

Ans.
By “an extraordinary human disaster,” Mandela refers to the system of apartheid that institutionalized racial discrimination and oppressed the black majority in South Africa. It was a period marked by injustice, inequality, and cruelty.
The “glorious … human achievement” he mentions refers to the peaceful transition to a democratic government and the end of racial segregation. It celebrates the resilience and unity of the South African people and their victory in establishing equality, justice, and freedom.

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4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Ans.
Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending his inauguration and standing in solidarity with the people of South Africa. Their presence signified global support for the newly formed democratic nation and the end of its isolation caused by apartheid. It marked a new beginning in international relations for South Africa and recognition of its commitment to justice and equality.

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

Ans.
Mandela envisions a South Africa where there is no poverty, suffering, or discrimination. He sets forth ideals of equality, unity, and human dignity. He hopes for a society free from racial and gender bias, where every individual enjoys basic rights and freedoms. His vision includes a united nation where all citizens contribute to its progress and live in harmony.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answer

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🔸 Oral Comprehension Check – I

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

Ans.
The military generals salute Nelson Mandela as he stands on the podium, pledging their loyalty to him and the newly formed democratic government. This marks a significant change from the past, when those same generals might have arrested Mandela under the apartheid regime. Their changed attitude reflects the transformation of South Africa—from a nation of racial oppression to one of equality and democracy.

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2. Why were the two national anthems sung?

Ans.
Both national anthems—one of the blacks and one of the whites—were sung to symbolize unity and reconciliation. It showed mutual respect and the willingness of both communities to embrace each other’s cultures and histories. Singing both anthems was a gesture of equality and marked the birth of a multicultural and inclusive South Africa.

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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, South Africa was governed by a system based on racial discrimination and oppression under apartheid, creating an unjust and inhumane society.
(ii) In the final decade, after years of resistance and struggle, apartheid was abolished, and a democratic government was established. This new government recognized the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of race.

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4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Ans.
To Mandela, courage does not mean the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. A truly brave person is one who conquers fear, not someone who feels no fear at all.

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

Ans.
Mandela believes that love is more natural to humans than hate. People are taught to hate due to external influences, but love comes naturally and can be awakened in the heart more easily.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answer

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🔸 Oral Comprehension Check – II

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1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Ans.
Mandela says that every individual has two main obligations:

• First, the duty towards one’s family—parents, spouse, and children.
• Second, the duty towards one’s people—community and country.
  Fulfilling both obligations equally was impossible under apartheid, especially for black South Africans.

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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”?

Ans.
As a boy, Mandela saw freedom as the ability to run, play, and roam freely. As a student, it meant staying out late, reading what he liked, and going where he pleased.
However, he later realized these were just temporary freedoms. True freedom meant living with dignity, earning a livelihood, raising a family, and having the right to make choices without fear—freedoms denied to black South Africans under apartheid.

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

Ans.
No, Mandela believes that the oppressor is not free either. In denying others their freedom, the oppressor becomes a prisoner of hatred, prejudice, and fear. True freedom means liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor from these chains.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answer

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🔸 Textual Exercises – Thinking about the Text

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

Ans.
A large number of world leaders attended Mandela’s inauguration to support South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. Their presence marked global approval of the new, non-racial government. It symbolized the triumph of justice, equality, and human dignity over a long history of racial oppression.

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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 humbly acknowledges that his achievements are not solely his own but are the result of the sacrifices made by thousands of patriots who came before him. He sees himself as a representative of their courage, suffering, and dedication to freedom.

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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. Mandela explains that extreme oppression in South Africa produced great leaders with remarkable courage, wisdom, and moral strength. Struggle builds character.
A similar example can be seen in India’s freedom movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh rose against British oppression, showing exceptional bravery and commitment to justice.

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

Ans.
As a child, Mandela associated freedom with simple pleasures like playing and moving freely. As he matured, he realized that true freedom involves living with dignity, making independent choices, and having equal rights. His personal desire for freedom evolved into a mission to secure it for all his people.

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5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?Ans.
Mandela’s desire for personal freedom transformed into a deep commitment to fight for the freedom of his people. This hunger led him to join the African National Congress, endure imprisonment, and dedicate his life to ending apartheid. It changed him from a young man seeking personal liberty to a leader striving for collective liberation.