Thursday, January 27, 2011

Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka

Q1. This poem is full of colours not just that of skin, what do you think these colours signify?
Throughout the story, the poet mentions about the " Red booth, Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered Omnibus squelching tar". This reflects anger of the persona as he was insulted by the racist landlady. This also is a comment on how the red items mentioned above are commonly available all over the world, giving a sense of equality. Ironically, the persona is not at all being treated fairly.

Q2. What does the dialogue in this poem reveal about these two characters?
Although the landlady is rich, she views the persona with contempt for his race. She openly insults him, hoping to prove that she is the superior. In contrast, although the persona is poor, he is well brought up compared to the rude land lady.

Q3. Who wins in the end?
The persona emerges as the winner in the end. He is able to give a fitting reply (along with a whole pile of sarcasm) to the land lady's outrageous remarks, showing her how ludicrous she is by holding on to outdated racist views.

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