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Invictus: NBSE Class 10 English questions, answers, notes
Get here the summary and solutions of the chapter Invictus of NBSE Class 10 English. However, the given notes/solutions should only
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Table of Contents
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Summary
Textual questions and answers
MCQs
A. Reference to Context
B. Read and Write
C. Think and Answer
Extra MCQs
Extra Questions and Answers
Summary
In the chapter Invictus, which is a part of the English syllabus of class 10 for students studying under Nagaland Board of School
Education, you will learn how the first Black president of South Africa Nelson Mandela united the people of South Africa who were of
different races.
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Invictus tells us the importance of living in harmony with each other despite differences. In the chapter, we see that the blacks did not
have a favourable opinion about the whites as they were seen as oppressors. Even the staff of Nelson Mandela which comprised of both
the blacks and the whites always would tussle amongst themselves. But Mandela found a way to unite the people through the game of
rugby as the country was going to host the world cup.
This South African rugby team comprised mostly of the whites and therefore they would be booed by their own countryman. The team
was an underdog but as the tournament progressed, the team played magnificently and eventually every South African started to support
the team regardless of their colours.
Nelson Mandela who was in jail before becoming the President was seen as a hero for uniting the people through the game and for
motivating the team.
Textual questions and answers
MCQs
1. A political system that existed to the early 1990s in South Africa in which people were divided into racial groups and kept
apart by law was known as
Answer: apartheid
2. The sentence that could best summarise the text is
Answer: how newly elected President Nelson Mandela joined forces with Francois Pienaar to help unite their country through sport and
overcome racial division
3. The poem that was a source of inspiration and strength to Nelson Mandela during his years in prison was
Answer: Invictus
4. Nelson Mandela’s life teaches us that
Answer: if one is determined, one has the power to make a difference and leave their unique imprint on the world
5. To the black people of South Africa rugby symbolised
Answer: racism of past regimes
A. Reference to Context
1. Therefore, Mandela’s immediate challenge was ‘balancing black aspirations with white fears’ tackling crime and
unemployment, the country’s most crucial problems.
a) The biggest challenge Mandela faced was
i) After his release from prison.
ii) During the movement against apartheid.
iii) When he assumed the office of President.
b) Explain what is meant by ‘balancing black aspirations with white fears’.
c) What were two of the most crucial problems in the country?
Answer: a) iii) When he assumed the office of President.
b) By balancing ‘black aspiration with white fears’, the author meant that there was an immediate need to bring the clashing South
African people, which were comprised of both blacks and whites, together for the greater cause of the country. During that time, the
blacks and whites were at loggerheads. The blacks aspired to get more inclusive in every sphere and the whites feared the dominance of
the blacks over them.
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c) To end apartheid and initiate full democratic elections, and tackling crime and unemployment were two of the most crucial problems
in the country.
2. A testimony to that is the image of some white police officers rejoicing by hoisting a young black boy on their shoulders.
a) What does ‘that’ in line 1 refer to?
b) Why were the white police officers rejoicing?
c) Pick out a word in the passage which means ‘proof’.
Answer: a) It refers to the diminishing hatred of the blacks towards their white countrymen and the game of rugby altogether.
b) The white police officers were rejoicing at the phenomenal performance of the national rugby team in the 1995 World Cup.
c) The word ‘testimony’ means proof here.
3. The President and the captain met on the field to celebrate this impossible happening amidst a crowd comprising sixty-two
thousand people of myriad races.
a) What was the occasion being celebrated?
b) Why is it called ‘impossible’?
c) What does the description ‘myriad races’ suggest?
Answer: a) The occasion being celebrated was the winning of the 1995 Rugby World Cup by the South African national team.
b) It is called impossible because the Springbok team was a mediocre team and was not expected to go beyond the quarterfinals. Also,
they faced the New Zealand team, the most triumphant rugby team in the world and the favourites.
c) The description ‘myriad races’ suggests people from different ethnicities and colours who were present during the finale of the world
cup and who witnessed the impossible.
4. Pride has many faces. It could be a noble one, as in the case of Mandela; it could be an obscene, or cruel face too! Mandela
chose the noble face and rose about his conditions, not only from his prison cell but also in the struggle to unite his country.
a) What are the many faces of pride?
b) Cite one instance from the passage to substantiate the observation that Mandela chose the noble face.
c) Mandela was able to rise above his conditions-what quality in his character does this reflect?
Answer: a) Pride can take the face of nobility, cruelty or even can be obscene depending on the person.
b) One of the many instances to substantiate the observation that Mandela chose the noble face is that despite years of struggle and
facing discrimination, he remained determined to unite the country. He also made sure that the aspiration of one community didn’t come
at the expense of others.
c) It reflects his persistence, determination and perseverance in the face of absolute oppositions.
B. Read and Write
1. What was Mandela’s first work after his release from prison?
Answer: Mandela’s first work after his release from prison was to end apartheid and initiate full democratic elections where the black
majority could vote.
2. Why had Mandela been imprisoned?
Answer: Mandela was imprisoned and given a life sentence for attempting to overthrow the apartheid rule in South Africa following the
Rivonia Trial.
3. What did Mandela notice in his own security team?
Answer: Mandela noticed that his security team, comprising both old white and new black officials, were at loggerheads despite sharing
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the same goals and job.
4. Why was it almost impossible to defeat the New Zealand team?
Answer: It was almost impossible to defeat the New Zealand team because the New Zealand team was the most triumphant rugby team
in the world and the favourites. They were almost unconquerable. On the other hand, the Springbok team, mediocre at best, was not
expected to go beyond the quarterfinals.
5. Compare and contrast the attitude of the spectators in the two rugby matches at which Mandela was present.
Answer: In the first match which Mandela attended, the non-white people in the stadium jeered at their home squad because the
Springboks, an all-white team, symbolized the prejudice that marred their lives. Moreover, some of the white people in the crowd had
jeered at him. In the second match, however, the home crowd chanted his name as he came wearing a Springbok jersey with Pienaar’s
number six on it. The whites didn’t jeer at him.
C. Think and Answer
1. People all over the world had said that Mandela’s people needed a leader. He gave them a champion! Discuss.
Answer: Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential leaders that the world has ever seen. He was born in colonized South Africa
where the blacks were looked down upon. He was the key player in the anti-apartheid movement which opposed the apartheid system of
racial segregation that privileged whites. The system was devised by the white-only government of South Africa’s National Party. The
country needed a leader who could end the discrimination that the majority of the people were facing and Nelson Mandela sacrificed his
life for the cause.
He spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid and finally when he did manage to form a government, he worked intensively
towards dismantling the institutionalized racism and brought South Africa to a new morning. The people of the country could not have
found a better leader to lead them than Nelson Mandela.
2. Mandela told Pienaar about the poem ‘Invictus’. How is this significant? What does this show about Mandela?
Answer: Mandela telling Pienaar about the poem ‘Invictus’ was a significant moment as right before that Mandela had watched Pienaar
and his team being jeered at by the non-whites in the stadium despite being the home team. He knew Pienaar and his team was
discouraged and it would reflect in the upcoming World Cup. Mandela wanted to encourage Pienaar and his team to strive for the best
despite the opposition and made him realise that if the team was able to pull off a great tournament, it would go a long way in unifying
the different ethnicities of the country through the sport.
This shows Mandala’s undying spirit, determination, and perseverance during the time of opposing circumstances. He was not someone
who would give up at any cost and he wanted to induct the same spirit in the national rugby team.
3. Did you notice a change in Pienaar towards the end of the story? What is the change? What brought about this change?
Answer: Yes we noticed a change in Pienaar towards the end of the story. Pienaar was thoroughly motivated to give his best in the
matches and win the Rugby World Cup for his country. More than the Rugby World Cup, he wanted to unite the strangled races in
South Africa.
The change in him was brought about by the ambition of Nelson Mandela to bring the country above the racial discrimination, where the
whites and non-whites could have a peaceful coexistence as the citizens of one country with equal rights and honour.
Extra MCQs
1. What political system was abolished in South Africa in the early 1990s?
A. Monarchy B. Communism C. Apartheid D. Democracy
Answer: C. Apartheid
2. What does Nelson Mandela’s life teach us?
A. Determination is key to overcoming hardships B. Leadership cannot change societal norms C. Sports have no role in politics D.
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Poetry has little impact on personal strength
Answer: A. Determination is key to overcoming hardships
3. What symbolised racism and past regimes for the black population of South Africa?
A. The national flag B. Rugby C. The Springbok team D. Nelson Mandela’s presidency
Answer: C. The Springbok team
4. What poem inspired Nelson Mandela during his years in prison?
A. The Road Not Taken B. Invictus C. If D. Ode to Joy
Answer: B. Invictus
5. What immediate challenge did Mandela face upon becoming President?
A. Economic reform B. Balancing black aspirations with white fears C. Establishing a new government D. Winning the rugby world cup
Answer: B. Balancing black aspirations with white fears
6. How did Nelson Mandela view the role of the Springbok rugby team in uniting South Africa?
A. As a distraction B. As a unifying force C. As irrelevant D. As divisive
Answer: B. As a unifying force
7. What event in 1995 is seen as a pivotal moment in South African history under Mandela’s leadership?
A. The general elections B. The Rugby World Cup C. The end of apartheid D. The establishment of democracy
Answer: B. The Rugby World Cup
8. What was the racial composition of Mandela’s security team post-apartheid?
A. Entirely black B. Entirely white C. Mixed, with both black and white officials D. None, as Mandela refused security
Answer: C. Mixed, with both black and white officials
9. What was Mandela’s strategy for addressing racial tensions in South Africa?
A. Ignoring racial issues B. Promoting sports as a way to unite C. Focusing only on economic reforms D. Isolating political opponents
Answer: B. Promoting sports as a way to unite
10. How did the world view Nelson Mandela’s leadership in overcoming apartheid?
A. As unsuccessful B. As divisive C. As inspirational D. As temporary
Answer: C. As inspirational
11. What was the outcome of the 1995 Rugby World Cup for South Africa?
A. Early elimination B. Loss in the final C. Victory D. The event was boycotted
Answer: C. Victory
12. What effect did Mandela’s actions have on international perceptions of South Africa?
A. Increased isolation B. Decreased tourism C. Boosted international relations D. No significant change
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Answer: C. Boosted international relations
13. What was the primary reason for Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment?
A. Financial fraud B. Leading protests against apartheid C. Espionage D. None of the above
Answer: B. Leading protests against apartheid
14. What significant change occurred in South African rugby post-apartheid?
A. Abolishment of the national team B. Integration of players of all races C. Ban on international matches D. Shift to American football
Answer: B. Integration of players of all races
15. How did Mandela personally support the Springbok team during the Rugby World Cup?
A. By coaching the team B. Wearing a Springbok jersey C. Announcing retirement from politics D. None of the above
Answer: B. Wearing a Springbok jersey
16. What was the main goal of Mandela’s presidency in South Africa?
A. To establish a one-party state B. To promote racial segregation C. To unify the nation and end racial divisions D. To focus solely on
economic growth
Answer: C. To unify the nation and end racial divisions
17. How did Mandela influence the Springbok team’s perception among black South Africans?
A. By mandating racial quotas B. Through public criticism C. By showing public support D. None of the above
Answer: C. By showing public support
18. What was Mandela’s view on the importance of the Springboks’ name and colors post-apartheid?
A. They should be changed to reflect the new era B. They should remain as a symbol of unity C. They were irrelevant to national
identity D. They should be decided by public vote
Answer: B. They should remain as a symbol of unity
19. What role did the 1995 Rugby World Cup play in South Africa’s history?
A. It highlighted economic disparities B. It was a step back in racial relations C. It marked a moment of national reconciliation D. It had
no significant impact
Answer: C. It marked a moment of national reconciliation
20. What was the outcome for the Springbok team in the 1995 Rugby World Cup?
A. They were disqualified B. They lost in the semi-finals C. They won the championship D. They did not participate
Answer: C. They won the championship
Extra Questions and Answers
1. What was Nelson Mandela’s first action towards ending apartheid after his release from prison in 1990?
Answer: Upon his release in 1990, Nelson Mandela immediately began working towards ending apartheid and initiating full democratic
elections where the black majority population could vote.
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2. How did Mandela plan to address the racial tensions present in South African society upon becoming president?
Answer: Mandela’s immediate challenge upon becoming president was balancing black aspirations with white fears, alongside tackling
the country’s most crucial problems, including crime and unemployment.
3. What was the significance of Mandela attending a game of the Springboks’ rugby union team?
Answer: Mandela’s attendance at a Springboks’ game was significant because it represented a step towards transforming the sport of
rugby, which was seen as a symbol of apartheid, into a tool for healing the nation’s racial divides.
4. How did Mandela view the potential impact of transforming the sport of rugby in South Africa?
Answer: Mandela felt that transforming rugby, which was a sport marred by apartheid’s legacy and predominantly white, would
significantly contribute to healing apartheid’s residual scars.
5. What steps did Mandela take to ensure the 1995 Rugby World Cup would serve as a unifying event?
Answer: Mandela met with the Springboks’ captain, Francois Pienaar, and emphasized the importance of the team capturing the
nation’s imagination and support, especially from non-whites, to unify the country.
6. What was the composition of Mandela’s security team, and why is it noteworthy?
Answer: Mandela’s security team comprised both old white and new black officials, notable for their initial tensions despite sharing the
same goals, reflecting the broader societal efforts towards integration and reconciliation.
7. How did the poem “Invictus” inspire Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment?
Answer: The poem “Invictus” inspired Mandela during his imprisonment by motivating him to stand firm in the face of adversity,
embodying the poem’s themes of resilience and self-mastery.
8. Describe the change in the Springbok team’s relationship with the black community as the Rugby World Cup approached.
Answer: As the Rugby World Cup approached, there was a gradual change in the relationship between the Springbok team and the
black community, with increased interactions leading to growing support for the team among non-whites.
9. How did the outcome of the 1995 Rugby World Cup affect national unity in South Africa?
Answer: The Springboks’ victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup significantly boosted national unity, with the team’s success serving as
a rallying point for South Africans of all races, culminating in widespread celebration across racial divides.
10. What did Mandela wearing a Springbok jersey symbolize during the World Cup?
Answer: Mandela wearing a Springbok jersey, especially with Pienaar’s number, symbolized a gesture of reconciliation and solidarity,
challenging the historical racial divisions and uniting the nation around a common cause.
11. In what ways did Mandela’s leadership style contribute to reconciling black aspirations with white fears?
Answer: Mandela’s leadership style, marked by empathy, inclusivity, and a focus on reconciliation, played a crucial role in balancing
black aspirations with white fears, fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect among South Africans.
12. Discuss the impact of the Springbok’s victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup on South Africa’s international relations.
Answer: The Springboks’ victory and South Africa’s successful hosting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup had a positive impact on
international relations, marking the country’s return to the global sporting community and ending boycotts against it.
13. How did Mandela’s approach to leadership differ from traditional political strategies?
Answer: Mandela’s approach to leadership, characterized by his emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, differed from
traditional political strategies by prioritizing peace and national cohesion over retribution and division.
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14. What does the poem “Invictus” reveal about Mandela’s personal philosophy?
Answer: The poem “Invictus” reflects Mandela’s personal philosophy of resilience, the power of the human spirit to overcome
adversity, and his belief in being the master of one’s fate and the captain of one’s soul.
15. How did Mandela’s engagement with the Springboks reflect his broader goals for South Africa?
Answer: Mandela’s engagement with the Springboks exemplified his broader goals for South Africa by leveraging a popular national
sport as a means to foster unity, break down racial barriers, and build a shared national identity.
16. What challenges did Mandela face in unifying his security team, and how were they overcome?
Answer: Mandela faced challenges of mistrust and tension within his security team, which was composed of members from previously
opposing factions. These were overcome through shared goals and the symbolic acts of reconciliation Mandela championed, gradually
fostering a sense of unity and common purpose.
17. Why was the Springbok team’s victory considered an “impossible happening”?
Answer: The Springbok team’s victory was considered an “impossible happening” due to their underdog status and the formidable
strength of their opponents, making their win a symbolic triumph that transcended sports to reflect the nation’s overcoming of deep-
seated divisions.
18. Reflect on the significance of Mandela and Francois Pienaar’s interaction post-victory in the context of South Africa’s
history.
Answer: The interaction between Mandela and Pienaar post-victory symbolized the bridging of racial divides, with Mandela’s
leadership and Pienaar’s acceptance reflecting a mutual respect and understanding. This moment served as a powerful image of
reconciliation and unity in a historically divided nation.
19. What was the important observation that Mandela made at the game of the Springboks? What did he deduce?
Answer: The important observation that Mandela made at the game of the Springboks was that the non-white people in the stadium
jeered at their home squad because the springboks, and the all-white team, symbolised the prejudice that marred their lives.
He deduced that a transformation in which sport would go a long way in healing apartheid and its residual scars. Keeping in mind that
South Africa would host the 1995 Rugby World Cup, call a meeting of the newly formed black-dominated South African sports
committee. For this, he even met the captain of the Springboks Francois Pienaar.
20. What did Nelson Mandela suggest Francois Pienaar?
Answer: Nelson Mandela suggested Francois Pienaar that if the Springboks could capture the imagination and support of the non-white
and do well in the Rugby World Cup, it would go a long way in unifying the country. He told Pienaar about a poem called Invictus
which motivated him to stand when all he wanted to do was to lie down.
21. What positive impact did Mandela’s suggestion make?
Answer: The positive impact Mandela’s suggestion made was that the players started to interact with the locals and the locals began to
warm up to the players. As the team progressed further in the tournament, the tension started to ease between the security members in
Mandela’s team. Support for the home team picked up as the black members threw off their hatred for the sport and together with their
white countrymen, enthusiastically supported the national team.
22. What were the most notable achievements of Nelson Mandela?
Answer: Firstly, he had to fight against apartheid. After being elected as the President of South Africa, he observed that racial tension
was rampant in every stratum of society. He but tackled it by balancing black aspirations with white fears.
Secondly, he realised that the non-white people had developed a prejudice against the whites because of the violent history. Therefore,
he felt that a transformation in rugby sport would go a long way in healing apartheid scars. He called a meeting of the newly formed
black-dominated South Africa sports committee and the captain of Springboks and worked towards it.
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Lastly, his ultimate goal to unify the country motivated Pienaar with the message that if the Springboks could capture the imagination
and support of the non-white and do well in the approaching World Cup, it would go a long way in unifying the country, which it did.
23. ‘Pride has many faces.’ What does it signify?
Answer: It signifies that pride and leadership go hand in hand. Prideful nature leads a person to realise his/her capacity and to lead
others in the best possible way, but it has its own demons. While pride could be a noble one as in the case of Mandela, it could develop
an obscene and cruel face too. Mandela chose the noble face and rose above his conditions to unify the country.
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