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Chapter 87
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Long Walk to Freedom, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Racism and Division
Negotiation, Democracy, and Progress
Nonviolent Protest vs. Violent Protest
The Value of Optimism
Summary
Analysis
Mandela feels more connected to the outside world at Pollsmoor and feels that the struggle for freedom is picking up. MK is still planting bombs at power stations and military targets, and while Mandela is horrified whenever he hears of accidental civilian casualties, he believes that there is an unavoidable cost to war. In 1984, Desmond Tutu wins the Nobel Peace Prize, continuing to spread awareness about African liberation struggles. The government begins sending “feelers” to test making a deal with Mandela, but he can sense that they just want to diminish his influence.
Desmond Tutu is a major figure in the South African anti-apartheid movement who was one of the few activists who was not imprisoned during this time period. He gets mentioned only briefly in this book, reflecting how broad and widespread the liberation movement was. Tutu’s Peace Prize, combined with the “feelers” that the government sends to Mandela, all reflect how public support, especially internationally, is turning against the government.
Themes
In January 1985, Botha offers Mandela freedom, but only if he unconditionally rejects violence. Mandela senses it’s just a ploy and rejects it. Mandela drafts a careful response that says he cares more about everyone’s freedom than just his own.
Mandela’s reply to Botha echoes actions he’s taken in the past. He consistently rejects special treatment for himself in favor searching for true equality and helping others improve their lives.
Themes
