Question

Mandela in his speech says, “The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people.” Explain the significance of the word “wound” as used by Mandela.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

Hint:

Look for symbolic meanings of physical words like “wound” when used in abstract or emotional contexts.

Answer 1

In his speech, Mandela’s use of the word “wound” is highly significant as it symbolizes the profound and painful impact of apartheid on South Africa and its people.
A wound suggests not just a physical injury, but a deep emotional and psychological scar that affects individuals and communities over a long period.
By calling apartheid a “deep and lasting wound,” Mandela emphasizes the severe injustice, suffering, and division caused by the system of racial segregation.
The word conveys how apartheid inflicted harm that went beyond immediate oppression to damage the very fabric of society.
It reflects the trauma endured by countless people and the enduring challenges of healing and reconciliation.
Mandela’s metaphor of a wound highlights the need for collective effort to address and overcome the legacy of apartheid to build a united and just nation.
Thus, “wound” powerfully captures the lasting pain and the hope for recovery in South Africa’s journey toward freedom.