Class 10 English - BIHAR
Prose: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiographical extract from South Africa's first Black president, detailing his historic inauguration on May 10, 1994. It highlights the end of apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation and oppression, and the dawn of a new democratic society based on liberty, justice, and human dignity. For Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 10 students, this chapter is crucial as it inspires patriotism, resilience, and the understanding of the true meaning of freedom, frequently featuring in both objective and subjective board exam questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Apartheid
A brutal political system in South Africa that separated people based on their race, denying basic human rights to the Black majority.
Twin Obligations
Mandela's belief that every person has duties to their family, parents, wife, and children, as well as to their people, community, and country.
True Freedom
According to Mandela, true freedom is not just casting off one's own chains, but living in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
The Inauguration Day
May 10, 1994, marked the historic installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government attended by international leaders.
Courage and Fear
Mandela learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it, and that the brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 10 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) about dates and events, short-answer questions testing comprehension of Mandela's views on freedom and courage, and long-answer questions based on the significance of the inauguration and apartheid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did freedom mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student?
As a boy, freedom for Mandela meant running in fields and roasting meals outdoors. As a student, it meant transitory freedoms like staying out at night and reading books of his choice.
Why were two national anthems sung on the inauguration day?
Two national anthems were sung—one by the whites and one by the blacks—to symbolize the equality of all races and the unity of the newly formed democratic South Africa.
How does Mandela define the brave man?
Mandela defines the brave man not as someone who feels no fear, but as someone who conquers that fear through courage and perseverance.
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