Chapters
2. Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom | A Tiger in the Zoo |
Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom
Summary
The passage describes the historic day of May 10th, when the speaker was inaugurated as the leader of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government. The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a former symbol of white supremacy, now transformed into a gathering place for unity. The speaker reflects on the deep sense of history, the sacrifices made by countless individuals to end apartheid, and the transformation of South Africa into a nation that honors the rights and freedoms of all its people, regardless of race.
The day was marked by symbolic moments, including the military's display of loyalty to the new government and the singing of both national anthems by people of different races, signaling the beginning of a new era. The speaker also reflects on the personal journey from a childhood of perceived freedom to the realization of the harsh realities of apartheid, which led to a lifelong commitment to the struggle for the freedom of all South Africans. The passage emphasizes the interconnectedness of freedom, the moral necessity of liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor, and the enduring belief in the goodness and humanity of people.
NCERT Class 10 English | Ch-2 | Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom | A Tiger in the Zoo
A Tiger in the Zoo
Summary
This poem captures the tragic contrast between the natural instincts of a tiger and the harsh reality of its captivity. The tiger, once a powerful predator meant to roam the jungle, is now confined to a small cage. The poem highlights the tiger's suppressed rage and frustration as it paces back and forth, its natural behavior stifled by the bars that imprison it. The imagery of the tiger stalking its cage, hearing distant sounds, and gazing at the stars evokes a deep sense of loss and the longing for freedom.
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