First Flight (Prose): Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom

Topics in this chapter

• Apartheid History and Transition
• Inauguration Symbolism and National Unity
• Mandela’s Twin Obligations and Leadership
• Freedom and the Oppressor–Oppressed Cycle
• Courage, Fear, and Human Nature
• Rainbow Nation and Reconciliation

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-891547

   What does Nelson Mandela mean when he describes the inauguration day as being 'liberated from all bondage'?

   1. A.The end of physical imprisonment of political prisoners
   2. B.The emancipation from the poverty, deprivation, and suffering of apartheid
   3. C.The complete abolition of taxes and economic restrictions
   4. D.The removal of all foreign military troops from South African soil
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-36817A

   According to Nelson Mandela, what is the twin obligation every man has in life?

   1. A.To his God and to his country
   2. B.To his family and to his profession
   3. C.To his family and to his people, community, and country
   4. D.To his education and to his political party
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-D8BCB6

   Why were two national anthems sung during the inauguration ceremony?

   1. A.To satisfy international protocol demands
   2. B.To symbolise the equality and inclusion of both the white and black communities in the new democracy
   3. C.Because the first anthem was interrupted by military jets
   4. D.To honour the British colonial past alongside the African heritage
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-05ECC6

   How did Mandela’s understanding of 'freedom' change from his childhood to his youth?

   1. A.As a child he wanted political rights, but as a youth he wanted religious freedom.
   2. B.As a boy, freedom was an illusion limited to running in the fields; as a young man, he discovered it was transitory and yearned for basic, honorable freedoms for his people.
   3. C.As a child he desired wealth, whereas as a youth he valued solitude.
   4. D.His definition remained constant throughout his life as absolute anarchy.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-411B27

   What does Mandela note about the oppressors and the oppressed regarding humanity?

   1. A.The oppressor is as much a prisoner as the oppressed, locked behind the bars of prejudice and hatred.
   2. B.The oppressor enjoys absolute freedom while the oppressed suffers silently forever.
   3. C.The oppressed eventually becomes a worse oppressor once given power.
   4. D.Both groups share identical economic privileges under democracy.
   See the answer and solution