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
News of the Rivonia Trial spreads as far away as London. On June 11, Mandela and the others all gather in the courtroom for the verdict. Judge de Wet announces that almost every one of the accused is guilty, with sentencing to be decided at a later date. This outcome greatly favors the state, and Mandela fears this means the death penalty is imminent.
Even though the judge acknowledged flaws in the prosecution’s argument, Mandela and his allies get convicted anyway. This is yet another example of the absurdity of the South African justice system, which Mandela highlights to show how undemocratic the whole government is.