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Chapter 28
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’s trial, along with trials for the 91 other accused, will begin in August 1958. The trial looks bad for Mandela, particularly when it gets moved from Johannesburg to Pretoria, forcing their defense team to travel every day. His team succeeds on some risky legal maneuvers before the trial starts, but the case’s outcome still remains in doubt. Meanwhile, Winnie gives birth in February 1958 to a daughter that they name Zenani (“Zeni”). Winnie is still in her mid-twenties and struggles to adjust to both marriage and motherhood, but she soon gets used to it.
The fact that Mandela stands trial united with 91 fellow allies shows once again how he believes in unity in the face of adversity. His team’s risky maneuvers continue to show his optimism that things will work out even when they’re difficult. Additionally, this passage continues to highlight how Mandela’s personal and political challenges intersect, as his family grows, and Mandela struggles to be there to help Winnie.
Themes
