16. ‘Telephone Conversation’ by Wole Soyinka
Bio of the Poet
- Wole Soyinka (b. 1934): Nigerian playwright, poet, and Nobel Laureate.
- He often explores themes of colonialism, race, and identity.
- This poem confronts casual racism in everyday life.
Detailed Summary
- A black man calls a white landlady to inquire about renting a room.
- The conversation is polite until the woman asks, “How dark?”
- The speaker is stunned, then responds with sarcastic humour, describing his skin in various absurd shades.
- The poem ends with quiet bitterness, exposing the racism underlying the interaction.
Main Themes
- Racism and Prejudice
- Power and Language
- Cultural Identity
- Irony and Sarcasm
Literary Analysis
- Form: Free verse; conversational tone.
- Tone: Satirical, bitter, ironic.
- Language:
- Colloquial speech contrasts with formal tone.
- Irony: exaggerated colour descriptions mock the racist assumption.
- Colloquial speech contrasts with formal tone.
- Structure: Builds from polite negotiation to sharp sarcasm, revealing underlying tension.
Main Message
- The poem highlights how racism is embedded in ordinary interactions.
- Soyinka uses wit to expose prejudice and challenge societal norms.
Expected Exam Questions
- How does Soyinka present racial prejudice in ‘Telephone Conversation’?
- Explore the use of irony and humour in the poem.
- How is language used to create power dynamics in the poem?
- Compare this poem’s treatment of discrimination with another you have studied.