Telephone Conversation

Telephone Conversation'''(1963) by Wole Soyinka (“Telephone Conversation” is a lyric poem written by Nigerian poet/dramatist/novelist/activist Wole Soyinka. It was published in Modern Poetry in Africa in 1963. At this time, Soyinka had written and produced a multitude of plays, but this was one of his first published poems. It predominantly features dialogue and strong characterizations of the two people speaking, bringing to light themes of racism and power dynamics. Soyinka wrote the poem after Nigerian independence from England and his time studying in Leeds but before the Nigerian civil war, a transitional period in which he was engaging politically and expressing his views in various written genres

Quotes

• The price seemed reasonable,location Indifferent.The landlady swore she lived Off premises. Nothing remained But self confession. “Madam,” I warned, “I hate a wasted journey–I am African.”
  • Lines 1-5
• Silence. Silenced transmission of Pressurised good-breeding. Voice, when it came,HOW DARK ?’… I had not misheard… ‘ARE YOU LIGHT OR VERY DARK ?’ Button B. Button A. Stench
  • Lines 6-11
• Of rancid breath of public hide-and-speak.Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
  • Line 12-16
• Considerate she was, varying the emphasis ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?’ Revelation came.“down in my passport.” Silence for spectroscopic Flight of fancy, till truthfulness changed her accent
  • Lines 17-24
• Hard on the mouthpiece.‘WHAT’S THAT?’ conceding Are a peroxide blonde. Friction, caused
  • Lines 25-30
• Foolishly madam—by sitting down, has turned My bottom raven black—One moment madam!’—sensing Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap About my ears—‘Madam,’ I pleaded, ‘wouldn’t you rather See for yourself ?’
  • Lines 31-15

External links

• super summary
• poem analysis