PG 1 OF 3
Nelson Mandela-Long Walk to Freedom
Critical Appreciation
Background
The extract "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" is taken from the autobiography of this great man. It is a
touching account of the horrible atrocities and oppression inflicted by the heartless white rulers on the innocent
black natives in South Africa. The regime adopted a policy called apartheid that created one of the harshest
systems of racial discrimination in the world. Mandela shares a few of his bitter experiences during his struggle
against apartheid along with the overwhelming emotions he experienced when a democratic era was finally
shere in after years of struggle.
About the Author
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served
as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the
first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy
of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African
nationalist and socialist, he served as the president of the
African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African
anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994
to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic
election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism
and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as the president
of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.
Theme
The chapter explores the idea of struggle, setback, renewed hopes, and ultimate triumph of truth. Its theme
is summed up in the last sentence of the extract, "The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their
humanity." Nelson Mandela shares his experiences to convey the thought that freedom is an individual's
birthright. Oppression is condemnable when it is inflicted as well as when it is tolerated. People all over the
world are equal and deserve respect, irrespective of their caste, creed or skin colour. So, those who look down
upon their fellow beings or mistreat them, behave against the laws of nature. The natural tendency of human
beings is to love and not to hate. This flame of love can never be extinguished. Therefore, the chains of hatred
that bind the oppressor and the chains that deprive anyone of his rights, must be broken.
Genre
Genres in each chapter may include autobiography, biography, history, political commentary, and inspirational
literature.
Message
Nelson Mandela, the legendary South African leader and the author of this extract,clearly advocates the
supremacy of love. He conveys the message that love comes more naturally to living beings than hatred. Love
and compassion are inborn while hatred is acquired. Therefore, the flame of goodness and love in man can
never be extinguished. The author also wants human beings to accept the need for compassion even for one's
oppressor. He believes that liberation from bondage is essential for both the oppresse d and the oppressor
since slavery robs them of their humanity.
Another message that the author wishes to impart is about 'courage'. Courage does not stand for the absence of
fear, but it actually lies in overcoming fear. So, one must struggle fearlessly for a just cause. Courage helps
ordinary people do extraordinary things. It also gives the ability of resilience that helps to fight the adversities
of life.
Mood and Tone:
Mood: Reflective yet resilient, with moments of somberness and hope.
Tone: Earnest and impassioned, with humility and introspection.
Nelson Mandela-Long Walk to Freedom
Critical Appreciation
Background
The extract "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" is taken from the autobiography of this great man. It is a
touching account of the horrible atrocities and oppression inflicted by the heartless white rulers on the innocent
black natives in South Africa. The regime adopted a policy called apartheid that created one of the harshest
systems of racial discrimination in the world. Mandela shares a few of his bitter experiences during his struggle
against apartheid along with the overwhelming emotions he experienced when a democratic era was finally
shere in after years of struggle.
About the Author
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served
as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the
first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy
of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African
nationalist and socialist, he served as the president of the
African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African
anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994
to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic
election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism
and fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as the president
of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.
Theme
The chapter explores the idea of struggle, setback, renewed hopes, and ultimate triumph of truth. Its theme
is summed up in the last sentence of the extract, "The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their
humanity." Nelson Mandela shares his experiences to convey the thought that freedom is an individual's
birthright. Oppression is condemnable when it is inflicted as well as when it is tolerated. People all over the
world are equal and deserve respect, irrespective of their caste, creed or skin colour. So, those who look down
upon their fellow beings or mistreat them, behave against the laws of nature. The natural tendency of human
beings is to love and not to hate. This flame of love can never be extinguished. Therefore, the chains of hatred
that bind the oppressor and the chains that deprive anyone of his rights, must be broken.
Genre
Genres in each chapter may include autobiography, biography, history, political commentary, and inspirational
literature.
Message
Nelson Mandela, the legendary South African leader and the author of this extract,clearly advocates the
supremacy of love. He conveys the message that love comes more naturally to living beings than hatred. Love
and compassion are inborn while hatred is acquired. Therefore, the flame of goodness and love in man can
never be extinguished. The author also wants human beings to accept the need for compassion even for one's
oppressor. He believes that liberation from bondage is essential for both the oppresse d and the oppressor
since slavery robs them of their humanity.
Another message that the author wishes to impart is about 'courage'. Courage does not stand for the absence of
fear, but it actually lies in overcoming fear. So, one must struggle fearlessly for a just cause. Courage helps
ordinary people do extraordinary things. It also gives the ability of resilience that helps to fight the adversities
of life.
Mood and Tone:
Mood: Reflective yet resilient, with moments of somberness and hope.
Tone: Earnest and impassioned, with humility and introspection.
