Summary.
In Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, an excerpt from his autobiography, Nelson Mandela recounts his personal journey and the larger struggle for freedom faced by Black South Africans. On May 10, 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black president of South Africa, marking a historic shift after centuries of oppressive White rule. The ceremony, held in Pretoria, was attended by many dignitaries, highlighting the significance of this milestone. Mandela’s speech emphasized equality, promising that no group would ever dominate another again, and committed to a democratic future for all South Africans, regardless of race, caste, or creed.
Mandela viewed the day as deeply symbolic. South Africans sang two national anthems, *Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and Die Stem, blending the voices and hopes of Black and White South Africans. This moment reminded Mandela of past injustices, where Black people were subjected to severe oppression by White rulers, leading to one of the harshest societies in history. Mandela believed that people are not born with hatred but learn it, and therefore can also be taught love, which is more natural to human beings. For Mandela, bravery wasn’t the absence of fear but the courage to overcome it.
Mandela also reflected on his belief in two primary obligations each person holds: first, to their family, and second, to their country and community. Under apartheid, however, it was nearly impossible for Black South Africans to fulfil these obligations. Mandela grew up realizing that freedom was an illusion for Black people, as they were oppressed and controlled by a system that viewed them as inferior. He believed that true freedom was universal, and both the oppressed and the oppressor were shackled by the system of tyranny—only through mutual liberation could both be free.
Conclusion
The chapter Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom teaches that courage lies in facing fear and emphasizes each individual’s responsibility towards their country and society. Mandela’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, unity, and the universal right to freedom.
Summary.
In A Tiger in the Zoo, the poet explores the contrasting life of a tiger in captivity versus its natural habitat. The poem opens by describing the physical features of the tiger as it paces within a small cage, symbolizing its restricted life in the zoo. The poet reflects on how the tiger’s life would have been in the wild, where it would roam freely and command respect and fear as a powerful creature. In the forest, the tiger was strong, bold, and its presence evoked terror among villagers.
However, the poem emphasizes how the tiger’s personality has changed due to life in captivity. In the cage, the once majestic animal is now reduced to helplessness, deprived of its natural instincts and freedom. This confinement has transformed the tiger from a formidable creature of the wild into a powerless, subdued animal. Through the tiger’s plight, the poet highlights the loss of freedom and identity that results from captivity and the impact it has on a creature’s spirit.
Conclusion
The poem A Tiger in the Zoo presents a powerful message about the unnatural and tragic consequences of caging wild animals. It reflects on the contrast between a life of freedom and one of confinement, ultimately showing how captivity strips a tiger of its strength and dignity, leaving it a shadow of its former self.