Class 10 English (First Flight) Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom

Key Concept: Homophones

b) Wear

[Solution Description] The word “wear” is the correct homophone that means to have clothing on one’s body. Therefore, the correct answer is “wear.”

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) Apartheid

[Solution Description] Mandela refers to apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that deeply affected South Africa’s social structure.

Key Concept: Natural Tendencies

b) Love

[Solution Description] Mandela believed that love is more natural to the human heart than hate. He emphasized that people are born with an inclination towards love.

Key Concept: Imagery Analysis

b) Lurking in the shadows

[Solution Description] The imagery of the tiger in the wild is depicted through descriptions of its natural behaviors such as lurking in the shadows, sliding through the grass, and snarling at prey. These imageries highlight the tiger’s agility and strength.

Key Concept: Simple Contrast

c) More freedom in the jungle

[Solution Description] In the zoo, the tiger experiences more confinement, whereas in the wild, it has more freedom. This highlights the impact of captivity on an animal’s natural behavior and lifestyle.

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) The period of systematic racial segregation known as apartheid.

[Solution Description] In his speech, Mandela refers to the era of apartheid, characterized by systemic racial segregation and discrimination primarily against non-white South Africans. The transition to democracy marked the end of this oppressive regime and the beginning of a new era of equality and freedom.

Key Concept: Conceptual Understanding

c) From personal to collective freedom

[Solution Description] As Mandela grew older, his understanding of freedom evolved from a focus on personal freedom to a broader concept involving collective freedom for all people. Initially concerned with his own rights and freedoms, he eventually understood that true freedom could only be achieved if everyone was liberated from oppression.

Key Concept: Mandela’s Gratitude

a) Support from international leaders towards achieving freedom and equality

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela expressed gratitude to international leaders for their support, emphasizing their role in helping South Africa achieve freedom and equality.

Key Concept: ANC’s Victory

b) 252

[Solution Description] In the historic 1994 democratic elections, the African National Congress (ANC) won 252 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly, securing its position as the ruling party.

Key Concept: Symbolism Recognition

c) The unity of different races

[Solution Description] The singing of two national anthems symbolized the unity of different races in South Africa. It represented the coming together of diverse communities to celebrate the nation’s newfound democracy and commitment to equality.

Key Concept: Key Figure Identification

d) Nelson Mandela

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa in 1994 after spending many years fighting against apartheid and advocating for racial equality and democracy.

Key Concept: Historical Context

b) Apartheid

[Solution Description] The system of governance that was dismantled to pave the way for Nelson Mandela’s presidency was apartheid, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination.

Key Concept: Pronunciation Check

b) di-ZERT

[Solution Description] When “desert” means “abandon,” it is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, like “di-ZERT.”

Key Concept: Imagery Recognition

c) Long grass

[Solution Description] Imagery helps paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind about the setting being described. For a tiger’s natural habitat, elements like grass and shadows create a sense of freedom and wildness.

Key Concept: Freedom Concept

c) Equal opportunities and justice for all

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela believed that true freedom cannot be achieved without equal opportunities and justice for all individuals in society. He emphasized that political emancipation alone was insufficient unless accompanied by social and economic freedoms.

Key Concept: Anthem Significance

c) It highlighted unity and reconciliation.

[Solution Description] Playing both national anthems during the inauguration underscored the theme of unity and reconciliation between different racial groups in South Africa. It was a symbolic gesture representing the integration of a diverse cultural heritage into one unified nation.

Key Concept: Mandela’s Twin Obligations

c) He balanced his obligations by sacrificing personal freedom for public responsibilities

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela recognized his twin obligations: his obligation to his family, and his obligation to his community or people. This understanding influenced his actions as he consistently sought balance between these duties. While he deeply cared for his family, he often prioritized the broader struggle against apartheid and pursuit of collective freedom over personal comforts. His awareness led him to make significant sacrifices in his personal life in order to fulfill what he saw as his duty to his people.

Key Concept: Poem Setting

b) Second

[Solution Description] In a poem, stanzas can be categorized based on their descriptive language. When an animal is depicted as being in captivity, words such as “bars” or “cage” are often used to signify this setting.

Key Concept: Simple Contrast

c) Overcoming hardship can lead to strength

[Solution Description] The contrast lies in the fact that despite facing oppression (a negative situation), Mandela became stronger (a positive outcome).

Key Concept: Comparative Analysis

c) From hostility towards democracy to support for democratic leadership

[Solution Description] During the apartheid era, the military was largely seen as a tool of oppression, enforcing the government’s policies. Post-apartheid, under Nelson Mandela’s leadership, there was a significant shift towards supporting democratic processes and stability. The military’s role transitioned from an oppressive force to one that supports the new democratic government, reflecting a change from hostile to supportive attitudes.

Key Concept: Basic Understanding

c) The ability to play and run freely

[Solution Description] Mandela initially perceived freedom as the ability to enjoy basic rights without restrictions, such as being able to run in the fields and swim in the streams.

Key Concept: Cause and Effect

b) Production of extraordinary leaders

[Solution Description] The oppressive system of apartheid led to decades of brutality and discrimination against non-white South Africans. An unintended consequence of this was the emergence of extraordinary leaders who were instrumental in ending apartheid, such as Nelson Mandela and others. These leaders inspired and mobilized both national and international support against apartheid.

Key Concept: Cause and Effect

b) He understood that freedom required the liberation of all South Africans.

[Solution Description] In his youth, Mandela perceived freedom as a personal liberty, such as the ability to move freely without restrictions. As he grew older, his understanding expanded to see freedom as a collective right, crucial for all South Africans. This transformation was driven by his experiences with apartheid and his realization that true freedom encompasses political rights and equality.

Key Concept: Key Figures

d) Thabo Mbeki

[Solution Description] Thabo Mbeki served as Deputy President alongside Nelson Mandela during his presidency, playing an important supporting role in the government.

Key Concept: Symbolism

b) The unity of different races and the reconciliation of past divisions.

[Solution Description] During Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as the first black president of South Africa, two national anthems were played: “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” and “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika.” This act symbolized the unity of different races and the coming together of a divided nation into a single democratic entity.

Key Concept: National Anthems

c) To represent unity between racial groups

[Solution Description] The singing of two national anthems symbolized the unity of both black and white South Africans, acknowledging their shared history and hope for a united future. This act was significant in showcasing reconciliation between previously divided groups.

Key Concept: Symbolism Analysis

c) The constraints of captivity.

[Solution Description] The bars in Rilke’s poem “The Panther” symbolize the constraints and limitations imposed on the panther, representing its captivity and the loss of freedom. The imagery of the bars conveys the idea of a barrier that restricts the panther from realizing its full potential and living freely.

Key Concept: Courage vs. Fear

b) Courage is the triumph over fear

[Solution Description] According to Mandela, courage is not about the absence of fear but rather the ability to triumph over it. This implies that feeling fear is normal, but overcoming it showcases true bravery.

Key Concept: Speech Analysis

b) “We must call on all citizens to join hands.”

[Solution Description] During his inauguration, Mandela made several statements highlighting unity and collective effort in building a new nation free from apartheid and racial oppression. A key point was expressing gratitude towards all South Africans for their support and urging everyone to work together for a harmonious future.

Key Concept: Social Impact

d) Socio-economic disparity between races

[Solution Description] Apartheid created significant racial segregation, affecting the Black population’s access to essential services such as education and healthcare. These racially discriminatory laws led to socio-economic disparities that persisted even after the end of apartheid.

Key Concept: Concept of Courage

d) It is the triumph over fear

[Solution Description] Mandela emphasized that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the triumph over it. He believed true courage involves feeling afraid yet overcoming those feelings.

Key Concept: Indivisibility of Freedom

a) Freedom for one is freedom for all

[Solution Description] Mandela believed freedom is indivisible because true freedom for an individual cannot exist unless all people are liberated, recognizing that the oppression of one affects the freedom of all.

Key Concept: National Anthems

b) As an acknowledgment of the nation’s diverse cultures.

[Solution Description] Both ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and ‘Die Stem’ were sung at the inauguration to represent the reconciliation process in South Africa. This act symbolizes unity between the previously divided racial groups and acknowledges the cultural heritage of all South Africans within the new democratic nation.

Key Concept: Contextual Usage

a) Performance

[Solution Description] The verb in focus here is “perform”. To transform it into a noun, we apply the suffix “-ance”, leading to “performance”.

Key Concept: Inference

c) The leader actively honors and incorporates past sacrifices into current leadership.

[Solution Description] Being ‘not unmindful of’ suggests that the leader recognizes and respects the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before, ensuring these contributions inform current decisions and actions.

Key Concept: Character Motivation

c) His realization that personal freedom is meaningless without communal freedom

[Solution Description] Mandela’s understanding evolved over time from pursuing his personal freedom to recognizing the need for communal freedom. His experiences in prison highlighted how true freedom cannot exist while others remain in bondage. Thus, he was driven by a commitment to ensure all individuals could enjoy equal rights and liberties, reflecting his belief in a collective human dignity.

Key Concept: Symbolism

b) Unity and reconciliation

[Solution Description] The playing of both national anthems symbolized unity and reconciliation between different racial and cultural groups within South Africa, highlighting the country’s transition towards inclusivity under the new democratic government.

Key Concept: Basic Concept Recall

b) Love over hate

[Solution Description] Mandela believes the human heart has a natural inclination towards love rather than hate.

Key Concept: Inference Questions

c) Freedom is a universal right for everyone

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela believed that freedom was a collective struggle, not just for himself or his people but for all individuals facing oppression. His actions demonstrate that he viewed freedom as a universal right worth fighting for tirelessly.

Key Concept: Simple Conceptual

d) One who conquers fear

[Solution Description] Mandela believed that a brave man is not someone who doesn’t feel fear, but rather someone who conquers that fear and continues to act despite it. This emphasizes the importance of facing and overcoming personal fears.

Key Concept: Symbolism Interpretation

d) It embodies both power and longing for freedom

[Solution Description] The tiger serves as a symbol of power and oppression while also representing a deep longing for freedom. Being confined in the zoo portrays the theme of captivity, whereas the natural setting symbolizes the inherent power and liberty associated with the wild.

Key Concept: Contrast Explanation

b) By highlighting the tiger’s majestic walk in the jungle

[Solution Description] The poem depicts the tiger as restless and pacing in the cage, which highlights its desire for freedom. In contrast, the description of the tiger moving silently and majestically through the jungle emphasizes its natural state and freedom in the wild.

Key Concept: Comparison

b) Mandela advocated for love and understanding, whereas the oppressors promoted division and control.

[Solution Description] Mandela viewed humanity through a lens of empathy and reconciliation, believing in the potential for love over hate. In contrast, his oppressors perpetuated a system based on division and subjugation, emphasizing dominance rather than mutual respect.

Key Concept: Courage Definition

b) Triumph over fear

[Solution Description] Mandela defines courage as the triumph over fear, not the absence of it. This means that true courage involves facing and overcoming fear rather than not having any fear at all.

Key Concept: Guest Attendance

b) Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries

[Solution Description] The event was significant with attendance by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries, showcasing international support.

Key Concept: Contrast Recognition

c) Freedom vs. Captivity

[Solution Description] The syllabus highlights that the poem contrasts the tiger’s freedom in the jungle with its captivity in a zoo. This is demonstrated by the emotional tone of quiet rage and longing for freedom when in captivity.

Key Concept: International Presence

c) It showcased international leaders’ support for democracy.

[Solution Description] The inauguration signified the global endorsement and support for South Africa’s transition to democracy, reflecting the end of racial segregation policies and the start of a non-racial society.

Key Concept: Initial Realization

b) As a student

[Solution Description] Mandela began to understand the limitations of his perceived freedom when he became a student and encountered broader social injustices.

Key Concept: Basic Comprehension

c) Apartheid in South Africa

[Solution Description] Historical events such as the apartheid regime and the struggle for freedom were crucial in shaping Mandela’s vision for leadership focused on equality and reconciliation.

Key Concept: Resilience Symbolism

c) The ability to remain unchanged by suffering

[Solution Description] Resilience in Mandela’s context symbolizes the ability to remain unchanged by suffering, highlighting an enduring strength that defies challenges.

Key Concept: Phrase Interpretation

c) It suggests a hint of human emotion amidst detachment.

[Solution Description] The phrase ‘a glimmer of humanity’ suggests a small sign or indication of human emotions and values such as kindness, goodness, or empathy within a society that is otherwise perceived as lacking these qualities due to its focus on technological advancement.

Key Concept: Personal Freedom

a) Being unrestricted in play and movement.

[Solution Description] As a boy, Mandela perceived freedom as being able to run in the fields, swim in streams, and live carefree without restrictions.

Key Concept: Imagery Recognition

b) A thousand bars

[Solution Description] Imagery such as “a thousand bars” often symbolizes confinement and the overwhelming sense of being trapped, conveying the emotional conflict experienced by captive animals.

Key Concept: Simple Contrast

c) A shift from self-interest to communal welfare

[Solution Description] Mandela transformed his personal desire for freedom into a collective struggle by dedicating his life to fighting against apartheid, emphasizing that individual freedom is tied to everyone’s freedom.

Key Concept: Contrast Analysis

c) By illustrating the tiger’s confinement in the zoo and liberty in the jungle

[Solution Description] In the poem, the poet contrasts the tiger’s life in the zoo and the jungle by highlighting different aspects of freedom and confinement. In the zoo, the tiger is confined within a limited space, described through imagery indicating restriction and lack of movement. On the other hand, in the jungle, the tiger is depicted as free to roam, signifying natural habitat and unrestricted movement. This contrast emphasizes the theme of confinement versus freedom, showing the stark difference between the two environments.

Key Concept: Poetic Device Recognition

b) Metaphor

[Solution Description] The comparison of the bars with a “prison” indirectly indicates they serve the same purpose, trapping and confining the tiger. This indirect comparison without using “like” or “as” points towards the use of a metaphor.

Key Concept: Interpretation of Actions

c) Support for the new leadership

[Solution Description]

The salute from the highest generals signified their acknowledgment and acceptance of Mandela’s leadership and the new democratic government. This act marked a significant departure from their previous stance during apartheid, showcasing their loyalty and commitment to supporting the new administration.

Key Concept: Contrast Analysis

b) By comparing the tiger’s body language in different environments.

[Solution Description] The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the tiger’s restricted movement in the zoo, emphasizing its loss of freedom compared to the wild where it can roam freely. Words like “pad” and “quiet rage” highlight the difference, contrasting the confined space with the open wilderness.

Key Concept: Concept of Freedom

a) From individual achievement to societal equality

[Solution Description] Initially, Mandela perceived freedom as a personal journey, limited to self-achievement and individual aspirations. However, over time, he realized that true freedom was collective, encompassing the liberation of all people from oppression. This evolution was marked by his realization that personal success is meaningless without the broader achievement of societal equality.

Key Concept: Contextual Understanding

c) In the fight against social injustice

[Solution Description] The indivisibility of freedom becomes crucial when discussing how one person’s freedom cannot truly exist while another’s is denied. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of human rights.

Key Concept: Indivisibility of Freedom

b) Freedom must be shared equally

[Solution Description] When Mandela says “freedom is indivisible,” he means that true freedom cannot be enjoyed by one if it is denied to others. This concept underscores the necessity for universal freedom and equality.

Key Concept: Symbolic Acts

c) Racial reconciliation

[Solution Description] By appointing F.W. de Klerk as Deputy President, Mandela aimed to symbolize reconciliation and unity between previously opposing factions, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in building a new democratic nation.

Key Concept: Mandela’s Role

d) First Black President

[Solution Description] During the inauguration ceremony, Nelson Mandela assumed the position of the first Black President of South Africa, symbolizing a new era for the country.

Key Concept: Fill in the Blanks

b) illusory

[Solution Description] Racial supremacy is often considered a flawed or erroneous belief. The word “illusory” fits this context, meaning something that is deceptive or misleading.

Key Concept: Basic Understanding

b) Breeding programs for endangered species

[Solution Description] Zoos contribute to conservation through breeding programs aimed at preserving endangered species, which help in maintaining genetic diversity and repopulating these species in their natural habitats.

Key Concept: Personal Sacrifices

c) Left his family

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela made numerous personal sacrifices during his fight for freedom. He gave up his career as a lawyer, spent 27 years in prison away from his family, and endured significant hardships to achieve liberation for South Africa.

Key Concept: Symbolic Actions

c) Loyalty to democracy

[Solution Description] During the inauguration, several symbolic actions such as military displays and the playing of national anthems occurred. These actions represented loyalty to democracy and national unity, reflecting the ideals set for the future of South Africa.

Key Concept: Fill in the Blanks

b) Bite the bullet

[Solution Description] The phrase “bite the bullet” fits well here, indicating that John decided to face a difficult situation bravely.

Key Concept: Symbolic Representation

a) Racial harmony and unity

[Solution Description] During Mandela’s inauguration, the Union Buildings amphitheatre symbolized a rainbow gathering of different colors and nations, representing unity and diversity.

Key Concept: Contrast Identification

c) To emphasize the distinct difference between urban and rural settings

[Solution Description] By repeating these contrasting phrases, the author highlights the stark differences between the hustle of the city and the tranquility of the countryside. This use of repetition helps readers visualize and feel the contrast more vividly, emphasizing the dichotomy between the two environments.

Key Concept: Contrast Analysis

a) Peaceful negotiations vs. direct actions

[Solution Description]

The contrasting elements in the sentence are “peaceful negotiations” and “more direct actions”. These two represent differing approaches to conflict resolution.

Key Concept: Vocabulary Recognition

b) Ritualistic

[Solution Description] The repetitive and ritualistic movement of the animal symbolizes a loss of strength and will, often described using terms like “ritualistic” or “repetitive.”

Key Concept: Basic Recall

c) Stress and depression

[Solution Description] The emotional impact of captivity on animals like tigers may include stress and depression due to restricted freedom, as suggested by their pacing behavior.

Key Concept: Definition of Freedom

c) As indivisible

[Solution Description] Mandela described freedom as indivisible. He emphasized that no one is truly free unless everyone is free, illustrating the interconnectedness of human rights.

Key Concept: Simple Recall

c) Responsibilities both to family and nation.

[Solution Description] Mandela felt he had dual responsibilities: to his family’s welfare and happiness as well as to the larger struggle for freedom for his country.

Key Concept: Role of Comrades

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description]

The assertion states that Mandela’s understanding of courage was heavily influenced by the actions and characteristics of his comrades. The reason given is that these comrades displayed notable bravery and resilience, which indeed supports the idea that witnessing such traits in peers can shape one’s own conceptions of courage. Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason directly explains why Mandela’s perception of courage was influenced by his comrades.

Key Concept: Vocabulary Context

b) Resilience

[Solution Description] Mandela highlights the importance of resilience, which is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Key Concept: Transformation Journey

b) His joining of the African National Congress and leading campaigns against apartheid.

[Solution Description] Mandela’s journey from seeking personal liberty to fighting for the liberation of all South Africans is a testament to this transformation. Initially, his focus was on achieving individual rights, but as he became more involved with the African National Congress and faced societal inequalities, his perspective broadened to encompass the entire community’s freedom.

Key Concept: System Change

c) Democratic

[Solution Description] Nelson Mandela described the transition from apartheid to a democratic government as a significant change in South Africa’s political landscape. This transformation involved moving away from an oppressive system to one where all individuals had equal rights and representation.

Key Concept: Event Recognition

c) Recognition of human goodness

[Solution Description] Mandela recognized human goodness and the potential for love over hate as part of his vision for society.