Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18)

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

   The ceremonies took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. In India, public buildings made of sandstone include the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Red Fort in Delhi.

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

   10 May is an 'autumn day' in South Africa because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. While May signifies late spring/early summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, characterized by pleasant weather.

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?

   By "an extraordinary human disaster," Mandela refers to the oppressive system of apartheid, which caused immense suffering and racial segregation in South Africa. The "glorious human achievement" he speaks of at the end is the establishment of the first democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, marking the victory over apartheid and the beginning of equality for all.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

   Mandela thanks the international leaders for coming to witness the inauguration. He expresses gratitude that they have come to take possession with the people of South Africa of a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

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

   He sets out ideals to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discrimination. He also pledges to ensure that never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.

II. Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

1. What "two obligations" does Mandela mention?

   Mandela mentions two obligations: the first is to his family, his parents, his wife and children; the second is to his 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 honourable freedoms"?

   As a boy, freedom meant to Mandela the ability to run in the fields, swim in the clear stream, and roast mealies under the stars. As a student, it meant the freedom to stay out at night, read what he pleased, and go where he chose. He calls these "transitory freedoms" because they were temporary and superficial, not true freedom. He contrasts them with "the basic and honourable freedoms" like the freedom to achieve his potential, to earn his living, to marry and have a family, and, ultimately, the freedom for his people from oppression and racial discrimination.

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

   No, Mandela does not think the oppressor is free. He believes that a man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.

III. Thinking about Language (Page 25 - Extracts relevant to the chapter text)

1. Match the items in Column A with the items in Column B:

   Column A

   1. A Government by the people, of the people, and for the people:

   2. A state of being free:

   3. The quality of being impartial or fair:

   4. The action of making amends for a wrong one has done, by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged:

   5. A strong feeling of pride and respect for your own country:

   6. An organized protest by people who share a common cause:

   Column B

   A. Liberty

   B. Patriotism

   C. Democracy

   D. Reparation

   E. Justice

   F. Demonstration

   Matches:

   1. A Government by the people, of the people, and for the people: **C. Democracy**

   2. A state of being free: **A. Liberty**

   3. The quality of being impartial or fair: **E. Justice**

   4. The action of making amends for a wrong one has done, by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged: **D. Reparation**

   5. A strong feeling of pride and respect for your own country: **B. Patriotism**

   6. An organized protest by people who share a common cause: **F. Demonstration**