English Literature project

Name: Ashish Jha

Grade: 12
Div: C
Roll no.: 4
How does Wole Soyinka use the medium of a telephone conversation
in his play "Telephone Conversation" to highlight the theme of racial
prejudice?
This question encourages me for exploring of how Wole Soyinka uses
the structure and dynamics of the telephone conversation to expose
and critique the irrationality of racism.
Wole Soyinka's "Telephone Conversation" tackles several significant
themes, primarily through its sharp dialogue and the absurdity of the
situation. Here are the key themes:
1. Racial Prejudice and Discrimination: The primary theme is the
irrationality and absurdity of racial prejudice. The play highlights
how deeply ingrained and irrational racism can be, particularly
through the landlady’s reaction when she discovers the caller's
race.
2. Identity and Stereotyping: The play explores how racial identity
is perceived and stereotyped. The landlady’s response reflects
her preconceived notions and biases about race, revealing how
superficial and damaging such stereotypes can be.
3. Communication and Misunderstanding: The telephone
conversation itself serves as a metaphor for communication
barriers. The misunderstanding and lack of genuine dialogue
between the caller and the landlady reflect broader issues of
miscommunication and the challenges of truly understanding
one another.
4. Social Class and Privilege: Although the focus is on racial
prejudice, the play also touches on themes of social class and
privilege. The landlady’s attitude reveals an underlying sense of
superiority and entitlement, which intersects with her racial
prejudice.
 5. Absurdity and Satire: The play uses satire to underscore the
absurdity of racism. The exaggerated and humorous elements of
the conversation highlight how irrational and baseless racial
prejudices can be.
These themes are interwoven throughout the play, creating a powerful
commentary on the nature of racism and the complexities of human
interactions.
In "Telephone Conversation," the two main characters are:
1. The Nigerian Man (the Caller):
Characteristics:
Polite and Courteous: He maintains a respectful and composed
demeanor throughout the conversation, despite the racial prejudice
he encounters.
Confident: He is assured of his right to inquire about the apartment
and doesn’t let the landlady’s prejudiced comments completely
undermine his dignity.
Assertive: He responds directly to the landlady’s queries and
challenges her discriminatory assumptions with a blend of humor and
firmness.
Victimized: His primary role in the play is to reveal the impact of racism
on the individual level, showcasing how his identity and worth are
diminished by the landlady’s prejudice.
2. The British Landlady:
Characteristics:
Racist and Prejudiced: Her reaction to the Nigerian man’s race
highlights her deep-seated racial biases. Her attitude shifts from
welcoming to dismissive once she learns the caller’s race.
Condescending: She exhibits a sense of superiority and entitlement,
assuming that she has the right to judge potential tenants based on
racial prejudices.
Superficial: Her concerns about the Nigerian man's race rather than
his qualifications for renting the apartment reveal a shallow
understanding of individuals, focusing on race rather than character or
capability.
Insecure: Her reaction can also be seen as a reflection of her own
insecurities and societal influences that shape her prejudiced views.
The interaction between these two characters is central to the play’s
critique of racism, illustrating how prejudice can pervade even
mundane situations like renting an apartment.
Wole Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a
prominent Nigerian playwright, poet, essayist, and critic. His historical
and cultural background is rich and multifaceted, influencing his
literary works and activism. Here are some key aspects of his
background:
1. Early Life:
Colonial Nigeria: Soyinka grew up during the period of British colonial
rule in Nigeria. This colonial backdrop deeply impacted his views on
politics, identity, and social justice.
2. Political Activism:
Anti-Colonial and Anti-Dictatorial Stance: Soyinka was an outspoken
critic of colonial rule and later, various Nigerian military regimes. His
activism often put him at odds with political authorities, leading to
several periods of imprisonment and exile.
Role in Nigerian Politics: He was actively involved in Nigerian politics,
advocating for democratic governance and human rights. His political
engagement is reflected in his literary works and public speeches.
4. Literary Contributions:
Diverse Genres: Soyinka’s work spans various genres, including drama,
poetry, and prose. His plays, such as "A Dance of the Forests," "The
Man Died," and "Death and the King's Horseman," explore themes of
tradition, colonialism, and social justice.
Influence of Yoruba Culture: Yoruba mythology, religion, and
traditional practices are prominent in Soyinka’s work. His plays often
incorporate traditional Yoruba elements to address contemporary
issues.
5. Nobel Prize:
Nobel Laureate: In 1986, Soyinka became the first African laureate of
the Nobel Prize in Literature. This recognition was due to his work’s
profound impact on literature and his commitment to social and
political justice.
6. Cultural and Intellectual Influence:
Global Impact: Soyinka’s writing and activism have had a significant
influence on both African and global literary and political landscapes.
His works are studied and revered for their exploration of African
identity, colonialism, and the complexities of modern Nigerian society.
Soyinka's background reflects a blend of traditional Yoruba heritage
and modern influences, with a deep engagement in the political and
social issues of his time. This unique combination of experiences has
profoundly shaped his literary voice and his contributions to global
literature and political discourse.
The poem begins with the African man seeking to rent a flat. He calls
a potential landlady, who is initially polite and accommodating.
However, the tone of the conversation changes when the man
reveals that he is African. The landlady awkwardly asks about the
color of his skin, showing her racist attitude. The man responds
sarcastically, describing various shades of his skin, from his face to
the soles of his feet, highlighting the absurdity of her question. The
conversation ends with a palpable tension, leaving the reader to
reflect on the deep-seated racism in society.
The alternate ending for this poem could be After the African man
sarcastically describes the different shades of his skin, the landlady,
sensing his frustration, tries to backtrack, awkwardly stating that she
didn't mean to offend and that she is just "being cautious." The man
pauses, then calmly says, "I appreciate your honesty, but I deserve to
live in a place where I’m judged by my character, not my
complexion." He politely ends the conversation, choosing not to rent
from her, and walks away with his dignity intact.
As he hangs up, the landlady is left in silence, staring at the phone,
reflecting on her own prejudices. The man, on the other hand, feels a
sense of empowerment, knowing that he has stood up for himself.
He walks out into the vibrant city, determined to find a home where
he is welcomed for who he is, not just for the colour of his skin.