Nelson Mandela - Answers to Textual Questions

 

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 18,19

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

The ceremonies took place on the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria, which was attended by dignitaries and leaders of many nations. In India; Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are buildings made of red sandstone.

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

Autumn season is the harvest season. It is symbolic of prosperity and new begging. May 10 is the beginning of the new chapter as the first democratic non-racial government is installed on the day.

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 means to state the practice of apartheid in South Africa. During this, there was racial segregation based on colour and the blacks suffered a lot. They were not allowed to demand freedom or any right. Mandela himself did spend many years on the infamous ‘Robben Island’ as a prisoner where he was beaten mercilessly. He considered it as a great glorious human achievement that a black person became the President of a country where the blacks were not even considered human beings and were treated badly.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Mandela felt very privileged to welcome the international leaders at the swearing-in ceremony because not too long ago, the South Africans were considered outlaws. He thus thanks all of them for having come to witness the historical ceremony. This was a gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation and it could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity.

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

Nelson Mandela set the ideals of liberating people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, and suffering. He also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial origins.

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 21

1. What did the military generals do? How did their attitude change and why?

The highest military generals of the South African defense force saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty which was of great significance as during the apartheid era they would have arrested him. The change in their attitude was because of the struggle and sacrifices put in by many heroes of South Africa. This struggle not only ensured the freedom of a nation struggling with apartheid, but also brought a change in mindsets of many. He believed that love can also be taught and human being is naturally inclined towards love rather than hate.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?

One the auspicious occasion of the inauguration two national anthems: one by the Whites and the other by the Blacks symbolising the equality of the Blacks and the Whites were sung.

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?

(i) In the first decade of the century, the whites erected a system of racial domination against the blacks, thus creating the basis of one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world had ever known.

(ii) In the final decade of the 20th century, the previous system had been overturned and replaced by one which recognised rights and freedom of all people regardless of color of their skin.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

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

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

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

Oral Comprehension Check -  Page 24

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife and children; the second obligation 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”?

Like any other kid, for Mandela freedom meant to make merry and enjoy the blissful life. Once one becomes an adult, antics of childhood looks like transitory because most of the childish activities are wasteful from an adult’s perspective. Once you are adult, you have to earn a livelihood to bring the bacon home. Its only then when you get an honourable existence in the family and in the society.

Thinking about the Text

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

To be the part of the inauguration, international leaders showed a gesture of solidarity from international community to the idea of end of apartheid. It was the significance of the victory of good over evil and triumph of a 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?

By saying that he is simply the sum of all those African patriots, Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all the people who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. He says that he is grateful to those who had gone before him because those heroes of past had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore, he could try to come to power to bring equality for his people with their support.

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?

I agree with the statement that depths of oppression create heights of character. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by giving examples of great heroes of South Africa like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and others who were inspired to sacrifice 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 and the oppression of the British rule created and encouraged people of noble characters like Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, JL Nehru, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Bhagat Singh, and many more. If we compare them 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?

With age and experience, Mandela understood the real meaning of freedom. As a young boy, he thought that he was born free and believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. As he grew older, freedom to raise a family and freedom to earn livelihood started dominating his thoughts. Gradually he realised that he was selfish during his boyhood. He slowly understood that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It was the freedom from fear and prejudice. Age and experience widened his perspective of freedom.

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

Mandela realised in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. This changed the fearful man into a fearless rebel.

He sacrificed the comforts of settled family life to fight for a greater cause. He joined the African National Congress and this changed him from a frightened young man into a bold one who fought against racial prejudice.

Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom

Introduction:

‘Apartheid’ is a political system that separates people according to their race. Nelson Mandela and his African National Congress spent a lifetime fighting against apartheid.  Mandela had to spend thirty long years in prison. Finally, democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994, and Mandela became the first black President of the new nation. Mr Mandela’s African National Congress also known as ANC party won 252 of the 400 seats in the elections. The inauguration ceremony took place in the amphitheatre of the Union Building in Pretoria. It was attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world. Nelson Mandela in his address said, “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.” Jubilant scenes on the streets of Pretoria followed the ceremony with blacks, and whites celebrating together. More than 100,000 South African men, women and children of all races sang and danced with joy.

Summary:

10th May was the day when Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black Head of State of South Africa. His anti-racist party came into power after years of struggle. Until then, the seat had always been occupied by white Presidents. Days before this event, many notable personalities started congratulating him for his victory. For the first time in the country’s history, so many international leaders came together for the inauguration ceremony. The ceremony took place in an open circular building made of sandstone consisting of Union buildings in Pretoria. Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani. Mr de Klerk was the first person who took oath as second Deputy President followed by Thabo Mbeki who was sworn in as the first Deputy President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black President of South Africa. After Mr Mandela had taken his oath, South African jets displayed their military power. It also showed the loyalty of the military to democracy. This was followed by the playing of two national anthems. The whites’ sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ and the blacks sang ‘Die Stem’.

Nelson Mandela remembers the days when the whites had formed a system of racial dominance against the blacks. It was the basis of the harsh societies which is now overturned. He says that the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound on his country and its people. Now the newly formed government recognizes the rights and freedom of all people. On the auspicious day Mr. Mandela regretted the loss of thousands of people and remembered their sacrifices they made. He thought of himself as the sum of all those African patriots who sacrificed their lives before him. He was pained that he couldn’t thank them. He recalled great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo as the men of uncommon courage, wisdom and generosity. He said that the country is rich in minerals but its greatest wealth is its people.

Mr. Mandela believes that courageous is not the person who is fearless, but the person who has overcome fear. He also mentioned the two duties that every human has, one is towards his family and the other is towards his country and its people. He says that a civilized society should give to perform these two obligations. But it is not possible in an apartheid society. He says that his obligation towards his family was neglected as he was fighting for freedom. He became a man of people when he realized that the idea of freedom was an illusion for him and people like him. It was then he joined the African National Congress and fought for his rights till he became the first black President of the nation. According to him, the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the oppressed. As soon as the former robs the oppressed of their freedom he, himself gets robbed of his humanity.

Meanings of words and phrases:

besieged  =  surrounded by

dignitaries  =  people considered to be important because of high rank or office

inauguration  =  the beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period

amphitheater =  a circular or oval area of ground around which rows of seats are arranged on a steep slope, for watching plays, sports, etc.

Podium  =  a raised area on which a person stands to speak to a large number of people, to conduct music, or to receive a prize in a sports competition.

non- racial  =  not influenced by a person s race

pledged  =  to make a serious or formal promise to give or do something

uphold  =  to defend or keep a principle or law

confer  =  to grant a title, degree, benefit, or right

outlaws  =  a person who has broken the law, especially one who remains at large or is a fugitive

rare  =  an event, situation, or condition not occurring very often

privilege  =  an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or because they are rich

distinguished  =  describe a respected and admired person

possession  =  the state of having, owning, or controlling something

dignity  =  valuable and worthy of respect

emancipation  =  the act of freeing a person from another person s control

bondage  =  the state of being another person s slave

deprivation  =  a situation in which one does not have things or conditions that are usually considered necessary for a good life

oppression  =  a situation in which people are governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom

glorious  =  deserving great admiration, praise, and honour

reign  =  to be the king or queen of a country

awe  =  a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise

spectacular  =  something beautiful in a dramatic and eye = catching way

array  =  an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing

precision  =  the quality of being exact

bedecked  =  to be decorated

unmindful  =  to not remember, notice, or be careful about something

chevron  =  a V = shaped mark, a V-shaped line or stripe

smoke trail  =  a line = shaped cloud produced by aircraft engine exhaust

despised  =  to feel a strong dislike for someone or something

overwhelmed  =  to have a strong emotional effect

erected  =  to create or establish

inhumane  =  cruel and causing suffering.

overturned  =  to abolish, invalidate, or reverse a previous system, decision, situation

wrought  =  cause something to happen

profound  =  very deep

brutality  =  cruel and violent treatment or behaviour

unintended  =  unplanned

comrades  =  friends or companions

resilience  =  the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties

defies  =  refuses to obey a person, decision, law, situation, etc

triumph  =  victory

grimmest  =  something harsh or formidable in manner or appearance

glimmer  =  a slight sign of something good or positive

reassure  =  comfort someone and stop them from worrying

extinguished  =  put an end to or destroy

obligations  =  duties or responsibilities

humane  =  compassionate or kind

inclinations  =  a feeling that you want to do a particular thing, or the fact that you prefer or are more likely to do a particular thing

isolated  =  having minimal contact or little in common with others

inevitably  =  certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented

twilight  =  a period of decline

secrecy  =  the condition of being hidden or concealed

rebellion  =  the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention

mealies  =  maize kernels or sweet corn

abided  =  to accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation

illusion  =  a false idea or belief

transitory  =  last for only a short time

yearned  =  to wish for something very strongly

curtailed  =  to stop something before it is finished

animated  =  full of interest and energy

attorney  =  a person who has the legal right to act for someone else

monk  =  a member of a group of religious men who do not marry and usually live together in a monastery

virtuous  =  having or showing high moral standards

prejudice  =  an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge

narrow-mindedness  =  a limited outlook of a person who is unwilling to consider alternative ideas, perspectives or thoughts

Theme:

Nelson Mandela fought for the rights and freedom of the blacks in South Africa. In those days, slavery was rampant in Africa and they faced the harshest and the most inhumane conditions. To bring the people out of these conditions was not an easy task. Nelson Mandela and all the members of African National Congress gave up their families and spent years of rigorous imprisonment and torture. Freedom for South Africa did not happen overnight. The freedom that we Indians got from the British was an outcome of a very long struggle. We must cherish and preserve this freedom. As Nelson Mandela rightly said, ‘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.’

Short Answer Questions:

1. What is the meaning of ‘apartheid’?

2. What was the importance of 10-05-1994?

3. Who besieged Nelson Mandela?

4. What were the ceremonies?

5. Where did the ceremonies take place?

6. Who were sworn in before Mandela?

7. What was the pledge of Mandela?

8. Why it was a ‘newborn liberty’?

9. What was the extraordinary human disaster?

10. Why were they outlaws in their own country?

11. What do you mean by political emancipation?

12. What was the pledge of South Africans?

13. What are the meanings of ‘deprivation’ and ‘discrimination’?

14. What did Mandela mean by saying, ‘the sun will never set on so glorious a human achievement’?

15. What are the colors in the South African National Flag?

16. What are the old and new national anthems of South Africa?

17. What was the history that overwhelmed Nelson Mandela?

18. What can never be counted or repaid according to Mandela?

19. What created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people?

20. What was another, unintended effect of decades of oppression and brutality?

21. Who were the men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity?

22. What is the greatest wealth of South Africa?

23. What did Mandela learn about courage from the comrades of struggle?

24. What is courage and who are brave men?

25. How Mandela had reasoned that people can be taught to love?

26. What was enough to reassure Mandela and keep him going?

27. What are everyman’s twin obligations according to Mandela?

28. Why was it difficult to fulfill the twin obligations in countries like South Africa?

29. How was Mandela born in terms of freedom?

30. How was the hunger for freedom developed in Nelson Mandela?

31. What animated Mandela’s life?

32. How was he transformed?

33. Why should be the oppressor liberated according to Mandela?

34. What is the meaning of ‘prejudice’?

35. What was transitory freedom?