CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 2 - Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

1. Where did the ceremonies take place?
Ans. The ceremonies took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.

2. Why was 10 May described as an 'autumn day' in South Africa?
Ans. In South Africa, May is autumn because it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. What does Mandela mean by 'an extraordinary human disaster'?
Ans. Mandela was referring to the system of apartheid in South Africa, which caused great suffering for many years.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Ans. He thanked them for supporting South Africa’s struggle for freedom and for attending the inauguration of the country’s first democratic government.

5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa?
Ans. Mandela sets the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice for all people, regardless of their race or background.

6. Why were two national anthems sung at the ceremony?
Ans. Two national anthems were sung to represent the unity of the black and white populations of South Africa. ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ was the anthem for black South Africans, and ‘Die Stem’ was the anthem for white South Africans. Singing both anthems symbolised the coming together of different groups to form one united nation.

7. What did the military generals do at the inauguration, and how had their attitude changed?
Ans. The military generals, who once supported apartheid, saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty to the new democratic government. This was a big change because, years before, they would have arrested Mandela instead of supporting him.

8. How does Mandela describe the system of government in the first and final decades of the twentieth century in South Africa?
Ans. In the early 1900s, the government was one of racial domination, where white people oppressed the black population. By the end of the century, the system of apartheid had been overturned, and South Africa had become a democratic country that respected the rights of all its citizens.

9. What does courage mean to Mandela?
Ans. To Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. He believed that a brave person is someone who faces their fears and triumphs over them.

10. Which does Mandela think is natural, to love or to hate?
Ans. Mandela believes that love is more natural than hate. He says that people can learn to hate, but love comes more easily to the human heart.

11. How does Nelson Mandela describe the struggle for freedom in South Africa?
Ans. Nelson Mandela describes the struggle for freedom as a long and difficult journey. Many people made great sacrifices, enduring oppression, imprisonment, and even death. Mandela acknowledges the courage and determination of those who fought for justice, including people like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu. He recognises that freedom came at a high cost, but it was achieved through the united efforts of many brave individuals. The system of apartheid created deep wounds, but the struggle also produced great leaders who fought for the dignity and rights of all people. Mandela himself was transformed by this struggle, going from a young man focused on personal freedom to someone who dedicated his life to the freedom of his people. For Mandela, the fight for freedom was not just about ending apartheid but about building a nation where all people could live with dignity and equality.

12. What role did Mandela's comrades play in the fight against apartheid?
Ans. Mandela’s comrades, like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and Chief Luthuli, played a vital role in the fight against apartheid. They were courageous leaders who inspired others to stand up against the oppressive system. Many of them faced imprisonment, torture, and exile, but they continued to fight for justice. Mandela admired their bravery, wisdom, and dedication. He believed that it was their sacrifices and leadership that made it possible for South Africa to become a free nation. These men and women became symbols of hope for all South Africans, showing that it was possible to overcome injustice through resilience and unity.

13. What is the significance of the two national anthems being sung together?
Ans. The singing of both ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ and ‘Die Stem’ symbolised the unity of South Africa’s black and white populations. For many years, these groups had been divided by apartheid, a system of racial segregation that caused great suffering. By singing the two anthems together, South Africans were showing their commitment to building a new, united country. The moment represented the end of racial hatred and the beginning of a new era where people of all races could live together in peace and equality. This was a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope for the future.

14. How did the policy of apartheid affect the people of South Africa, according to Mandela?
Ans. According to Mandela, apartheid created a deep wound in South Africa, causing suffering, discrimination, and division. Black South Africans were treated as inferior and denied basic rights and freedoms. They were forced to live in poverty, separated from their families, and constantly faced violence and oppression. Mandela acknowledges that it will take many years, if not generations, for the country to heal from the damage caused by apartheid. However, he also recognises that the struggle against this system produced great leaders and heroes who fought for justice and equality. Mandela believed that South Africa’s greatest strength was its people, who showed remarkable courage and resilience in the face of oppression.

15. Why does Mandela believe that both the oppressor and the oppressed must be liberated?
Ans. Mandela believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are harmed by a system of injustice. The oppressed suffer from a lack of freedom, but the oppressor is also trapped in a prison of hatred and prejudice. Mandela felt that true freedom could only be achieved when both groups were liberated from these chains. He understood that a society where one group dominates another is not just harmful to the oppressed but also dehumanising for the oppressor. By liberating both, Mandela hoped to create a country where everyone could live with dignity, respect, and equality.

16. Why does Mandela say that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it?
Ans. Mandela believed that everyone feels fear, but what matters is how you deal with it. True courage is shown when a person faces their fears and overcomes them. He admired those who stood up to injustice despite being afraid, as it took real bravery to fight for what was right in the face of danger.

17. What does Mandela mean when he says 'freedom is indivisible'?
Ans. Mandela means that true freedom cannot exist if even one person is still oppressed. If one group of people is denied their rights, then no one is truly free. For Mandela, the freedom of one person was tied to the freedom of everyone in the country, which is why he fought for the rights of all South Africans.

18. How did the system of apartheid create both suffering and resilience in South Africa?
Ans. The system of apartheid caused immense suffering by oppressing black South Africans and denying them basic rights. However, this oppression also created resilience, as people like Mandela and his comrades fought back with courage and determination. Their suffering made them stronger, and they became leaders who inspired others to join the fight for justice and equality.

19. Why does Mandela believe that love is more natural than hate?
Ans. Mandela believes that hate is something people learn, while love is more natural to the human heart. He saw this even during his time in prison, where he would sometimes see small acts of kindness from the guards. Mandela believed that, given a chance, people would choose love over hate because it is a more powerful and positive force.

20. What is the significance of Mandela's speech at the inauguration?
Ans. Mandela’s speech marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era for South Africa. It symbolised the victory of justice, freedom, and equality over decades of oppression. His speech also celebrated the unity of the country and set out his vision for a future where all South Africans, regardless of race, could live in peace and harmony.

21. Imagine you are Nelson Mandela. Write a diary entry about your feelings on the day of the inauguration.
Ans. Dear Diary, today was the most important day of my life. I stood in front of my people and the world as the first black president of a free South Africa. It was a day I had dreamed of for so long, and I felt the presence of all those who fought before me. The sight of black and white South Africans united in song gave me hope for our future. I know the journey ahead will not be easy, but today I am filled with pride and determination.

22. Write a letter to Nelson Mandela thanking him for his contribution to South Africa's freedom.
Ans. Dear Mr Mandela, I want to thank you for everything you have done for South Africa. Your courage and sacrifice have given us the freedom we all longed for. You have inspired not just South Africans but people all around the world. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of leadership, hope, and resilience. We are forever grateful for your contributions.

23. Imagine you are one of Mandela’s comrades. Describe how you felt on the day of the inauguration.
Ans. On the day of the inauguration, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. After years of fighting for freedom, the day had finally come when we could stand as equals. Watching Nelson Mandela sworn in as president filled me with pride and hope. It was a day I will never forget, a day when all our sacrifices finally paid off.

24. Identify three key themes in "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" and explain how they relate to the characters' experiences.
Ans. The first theme is freedom, as Mandela and his people fought for the right to live as equals. The second theme is courage, shown by Mandela and his comrades, who risked their lives for justice. The third theme is unity, as Mandela's vision was to bring together all races in South Africa to build a peaceful and fair society.

25. Discuss the importance of Mandela’s belief that no one is born hating another person.
Ans. Mandela’s belief that no one is born hating another person shows his hope for a better future. He believed that hate is taught, but it can be unlearned. This idea is important because it means that people can change and that a society built on love and respect is possible if we teach those values.

Benefits of Important Questions for CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 2 - Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

• The questions are prepared by experienced educators who understand the CBSE exam pattern and syllabus.

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Conclusion

In Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, we learn about Mandela's journey, his fight against apartheid, and his belief in equality for all people. His story is one of great courage, sacrifice, and determination to bring freedom to his country. The chapter teaches us about the importance of justice, unity, and standing up for what is right, making it an inspiring read for students. Vedantu's FREE PDF of Important Questions for Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will give you the confidence you need to walk into the examination hall. Designed by expert teachers, it follows the latest syllabus and helps you grasp the main ideas of the chapter. Download it for free to study anytime, anywhere and make your revision sessions easier.

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