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

Alright students, let's focus our attention on Chapter 2 from your 'First Flight' textbook: 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'. This is an important chapter, not just for your Class 10 understanding, but also because the themes and historical context often feature in competitive exams. Pay close attention as we break down the key elements.

This chapter is an excerpt from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa. It describes the historic inauguration ceremony on 10th May 1994, and reflects on his journey and the struggle against apartheid.

Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation:

1. The Inauguration Ceremony:

   • Date: 10th May 1994. (Crucial fact)
   • Location: The Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.
   • Significance: Marked the end of apartheid and the establishment of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government.
   • Attendees: Dignitaries and leaders from more than 140 countries. Described as the "largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil."
   • Swearing-in:
     • Mr. de Klerk: Sworn in as second deputy president.
     • Thabo Mbeki: Sworn in as first deputy president.
     • Nelson Mandela: Sworn in as President.

2. Mandela's Inaugural Address (Key Points):

   • Acknowledgement: Thanks international guests for coming to witness a "common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity."
   • Past vs. Present: Contrasts the past ("extraordinary human disaster" of apartheid) with the present achievement of political emancipation.
   • Pledge: Pledges to liberate all South Africans from the "continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination."
   • Vision for Future: Envisions a society where South Africa will "never again experience the oppression of one by another." Calls for healing, building, and cherishing the newfound liberty.
   • Symbolism: Mentions the beautiful land and vows that the "sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement."

3. The Military Display:

   • Description: A "spectacular array" of South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers flying in formation over the Union Buildings.
   • Symbolism: Not just a display of military precision, but a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy and the newly elected government. Mandela notes the irony that the same generals who would have arrested him years before were now saluting him.

4. Symbolism of the Two National Anthems:

   • The old anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika' (sung by whites) and the new 'Die Stem' (the old anthem of the Republic, sung by blacks) were played.
   • Significance: Symbolised the equality of blacks and whites and the reconciliation efforts of the new nation. Mandela noted that though neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised, they would soon know them by heart.

5. Mandela's Reflections on History and Sacrifice:

   • Sense of History: Feels overwhelmed by the significance of the day, remembering the decades of struggle and the sacrifices of countless African patriots.
   • Apartheid's Deep Wound: Notes that apartheid created a "deep and lasting wound" but also produced men of "extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity" like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, etc. (Remember these names).
   • Source of Strength: Attributes his strength and understanding of courage to these freedom fighters.
   • Definition of Courage: "Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." (Very important quote/concept).

6. Mandela's Understanding of Freedom:

   • Childhood: Freedom meant running in the fields, swimming, roasting mealies – simple, physical freedom.
   • Young Man: Freedom meant staying out at night, reading what he pleased, going where he chose – personal freedom.
   • Later Life (Joining ANC): Realised his personal freedom was an illusion if his people were not free. His desire for the freedom and dignity of his people became paramount. Freedom became indivisible – "the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me."

7. Twin Obligations:

   • Mandela speaks of every man having "twin obligations":
     • Obligation to his family, parents, wife, and children.
     • Obligation to his people, his community, his country.
   • Conflict under Apartheid: In South Africa, a Black man attempting to fulfil his human obligations was punished and isolated. It was impossible to fulfil both obligations simultaneously under the oppressive system.

8. Oppressor and Oppressed:

   • Mandela states that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.
   • "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."
   • The oppressor is not truly free, just as the oppressed is not free.

9. The Long Walk:

   • The title itself is significant. Mandela concludes that he has achieved one milestone but the "long walk to freedom" is not over. Freedom brings responsibilities, and the journey continues.

Key Themes: Freedom, Equality, Sacrifice, Courage, Human Dignity, Reconciliation, Oppression, Responsibility.

Important Vocabulary: Apartheid, Emancipation, Deprivation, Discrimination, Spectacluar array, Chevron, Besieged, Obligations, Resilience, Prejudice, Illusion, Curtail, Transient.

Why this chapter is important for exams:

• Provides historical context about South Africa and the fight against apartheid.
• Showcases leadership qualities (vision, courage, humility, reconciliation).
• Explores deep themes of freedom, oppression, and human dignity.
• Contains memorable quotes and definitions (e.g., courage).
• Vocabulary used is often tested in comprehension sections.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. On what date did the inauguration ceremony described in the chapter take place?
   (a) 10th May 1990
   (b) 10th May 1994
   (c) 4th July 1994
   (d) 27th April 1994

2. Where was the inauguration ceremony held?
   (a) The Parliament House, Cape Town
   (b) The Union Buildings amphitheatre, Pretoria
   (c) Johannesburg Stadium
   (d) Robben Island

3. What did Mandela define as true courage?
   (a) The absence of fear
   (b) The ability to fight physically
   (c) The triumph over fear
   (d) The display of military power

4. According to Mandela, what are the "twin obligations" every man has?
   (a) Obligation to work and obligation to rest
   (b) Obligation to his family and obligation to his people/country
   (c) Obligation to his friends and obligation to his enemies
   (d) Obligation to the past and obligation to the future

5. Why were two national anthems sung on the day of the inauguration?
   (a) To honour the international guests
   (b) To signify the equality of Blacks and Whites and the spirit of reconciliation
   (c) Because they couldn't decide on one anthem
   (d) To test the crowd's knowledge

6. What "unintended effect" did Mandela say the decades of oppression and brutality had?
   (a) It made people lose hope completely.
   (b) It forced many people to leave the country.
   (c) It created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity.
   (d) It led to the immediate collapse of the government.

7. What did freedom mean to Mandela as a young man in Johannesburg?
   (a) The freedom to run in the fields and swim.
   (b) The freedom to achieve his potential and earn his keep.
   (c) The freedom for all his people to live with dignity.
   (d) The freedom to marry and have a family.

8. According to Mandela, who is robbed of their humanity?
   (a) Only the oppressed
   (b) Only the oppressor
   (c) Both the oppressor and the oppressed
   (d) Neither the oppressor nor the oppressed

9. What system did the inauguration ceremony mark the end of in South Africa?
   (a) Monarchy
   (b) Democracy
   (c) Apartheid
   (d) Colonialism

10. What does the phrase "a spectacular array of South African jets" refer to in the chapter?
    (a) An air show celebrating a festival
    (b) A military display demonstrating loyalty to the new government
    (c) A protest by the air force
    (d) The arrival of international leaders by plane

Answer Key:

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (c)
4. (b)
5. (b)
6. (c)
7. (b) - Note: This refers to the 'basic and honourable freedoms' he desired as a young man.
8. (c)
9. (c)
10. (b)

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the context, Mandela's perspective, and the key events is crucial. Good luck with your preparation!