Reflect on the moral lesson conveyed by "Telephone Conversation’.

What broader insights about

Ans Telephone Conversation' by Wole Soyinka conveys an overarching message about the damaging
effects of racism and prejudice. Through the poet's wit, irony, and use of vivid imagery, the poem
provides broader insights into the nature of discrimination and the need for understanding and
empathy.

One of the key insights is the absurdity of racial prejudice. The poem highlights the arbitrary and
baseless nature of racial categorisation, exposing how judgments based on physical appearance
alone can lead to dehumanisation and misunderstanding. The landlady's questions and the poet's
responses underscore the limitations and harm caused by such stereotypes.

Furthermore, the poem emphasises the importance of genuine communication and personal
connection in challenging prejudice. The poet's plea for the landlady to meet him in person reflects
the need to move beyond superficial judgments and engage in meaningful dialogue. It underscores
the significance of empathy, shared experiences, and the recognition of individuality.

Another insight is the role of humour and wit in addressing serious topics like racism. The poet's use
of irony and wordplay demonstrates the power of humour in confronting prejudice and encouraging
critical reflection. Through humour, the poem invites readers to question their own biases and
societal norms, opening up avenues for introspection and change.

Ultimately, the poem advocates for a more inclusive and understanding society, free from the
constraints of racial stereotypes and discrimination. It urges individuals to challenge their own
biases, actively engage in cultural education, and foster empathy and acceptance. The broader
insights derived from the poem serve as a reminder of the importance of equality, respect, and the
recognition of shared humanity in combating racism and prejudice.

2. Who is the speaker in the poem Telephone Conversation'? How does the poet bring out his
helplesness in an alien society? What do you think about him?

Ans.The speaker in the poem Telephone Conversation is an African, a Black man. He seems to be
quite practical, intelligent and sharp. He wants to have a room on rent. On reading an
advertisement , he calls on the landlady, a white woman. The moment he discloses his racial Identity,
the landlady's attitude towards him changes. Her sudden silence is disconcerting and even
humiliating. Then she starts asking him if his skin colour is 'light' or 'dark. The speaker realizes that he
is not going to be accepted as a tenant. So he tries to confuse her by referring to different shades of
black. His remarks only bring out his own frustration and anger against racial prejudice in a society
where the white people hold all levels of power. We realize how the Black people are maltreated in
this kind of society.

We think that the speaker is quite practical and self-respecting. Being aware of the possible response
of a white landlady, he saves his time and money on a futile journey to meet her. He prefers to make
a telephone call as he is quite aware of the prejudices prevalent in the society. He boldly faces the
negative attitude of the landlady. He feels no shame in declaring his racial identity and talking about
his skin colour. His tone and language in the later part of the conversation suggests that he is making
fun of the lady's prejudices against the Blacks.
3.How and when the language and the tone of the speaker change in the poem ? What does his
change suggest?

Ans. In the poem Telephone Conversation' the speaker is an African. He makes a telephone call to the
landlady whose house he wants to take on rent. The initial part of the conversation is amiable. The
speaker is attracted to her house as the rent is reasonable and the landlady lives off the premises.
But the moment he discloses the fact of his being a Black person, the attitude of the lady undergoes
a sudden change. He silence buffles him. Then she asks coldly how 'dark' his skin-colour is. This
humiliating question makes the speaker change his tone and language. His tone is now sharp and
satirical. He tells her that his skin-colour is "West African Sepia" (red brown in colour). He begins to
confuse her by playing on with various shades of the dark:

"Facially, I am brunette, but madam, you should see The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my
feet Are a peroxide blond..."

The man's tone is bitter and satirical. The lady seems to be unaffected by it. She does not allow a
personal meeting and hangs up suddenly. The poem, thus, underlines the discriminatory and biased
attitude of the lady, the representative of those white people who continue to ravel in their false
superiority, and also depicts the helplessness of the Black people in an indifferent society.

4. Reflect on the landlady's ignorance of "West African sepia, "What does it say about the need for
cultural understanding and education?

Ans.The landlady's ignorance of "West African sepia" speaks volumes about the need for cultural
understanding and education. Her lack of knowledge about this term reflects a broader gap in
understanding and awareness of diverse cultures, particularly those outside of her own. It highlights
the importance of promoting cultural literacy and fostering an environment of learning and
acceptance.

The landlady's ignorance demonstrates how limited exposure and lack of cultural education can lead
to misconceptions, biases, and a narrow perspective. Her unfamiliarity with "West African sepia"
reflects a lack of engagement with different cultures and a failure to recognise the depth and
diversity within racial identities. It illustrates the significance of expanding one's knowledge and
actively seeking to understand and appreciate different cultural backgrounds.

This ignorance also underscores the need for cultural sensitivity and empathy. It serves as a reminder
that assumptions and stereotypes can arise from a lack of exposure or a refusal to acknowledge the
complexity of human experiences. Cultural understanding and education play vital roles in breaking
down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and promoting respect for diverse identities.

The landlady's ignorance of "West African sepia' emphasises the necessity of comprehensive cultural
education in schools and society as a whole. It calls for an active effort to learn about and engage
with different cultures, promoting empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the world's
diverse communities. Cultural education allows individuals to challenge their own biases, dismantle
stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive and harmonious society.

5.How does the poet use humour and wit to address the serious topic of racial prejudice in the poem
.
Ans.The poet skilfully employs humour and wit to address the serious topic of racial prejudice in the
poem. Through clever wordplay and sarcastic remarks, he confronts and challenges the
discriminatory attitudes present in the conversation.

One way the poet uses humour is through his initial warning about being African. By stating,
"Madam, I warned, I hate a wasted journey-I am African," he introduces a touch of irony, playing on
the stereotype that Africans are expected to conform to certain preconceived notions. This
humorous approach influenced by societal norms and beauty standards.

These questions perpetuate the harmful notion that a person's worth is determined by their skin
colour, reinforcing racial prejudices that marginalise individuals and perpetuate discrimination.

Furthermore, the landlady's insistence on categorising the poet based on his skin colour showcases
her tendency to generalise and stereotype individuals based on physical attributes. Her narrow
perspective disregards the complexities and nuances of racial identity, reducing individuals to
simplistic categories.

It reveals her inability or unwillingness to appreciate the rich diversity within racial groups and to
engage with individuals beyond surface-level appearances.

1. Write about the first meeting of Tarapada and Motilal and his family, in close reference to the
story.

Ans. While returning home with his family, Motilal Babu, zamindar of Kathaliya, moored his boat
near a riverside market. A Brahmin boy of not more than fifteen or sixteen asked him whether he
could be dropped at Nandigram on the way. Motilal consented. The fair-skinned boy, Tarapada was
beautiful to look at. His smile and his large eyes carved by a sculptor, or a previous life he had been a
young sage whose pure religious devotion had removed all grossness, honed him to gleaming,
Brahminical perfection. He invited him to eat with them. Without a moment's hesitation he joined in
the cooking. Tarapada took over, and soon had the fish ready, and had cooked some vegetables too
with practised skill. He then took a dip in the river, dressed in a clean white garment, adjusted his
glistening sacred thread, and stepped on to the boat. Zamindar's wife took instant liking for him,
whereas his daughter was full of envy and jealousy.

2. Describe in about 150 words, the childhood experiences of the protagonist.

Ans. Tarapada had run away from home at the age of seven or eight. He was his parents fourth son,
and was still an infant when his father died. Tarapada was the favourite of all; mother, siblings and
neighbours doted on him. His tutor never beat him. There was no reason for him to leave. Even the
half-starved village boys who stole fruit from trees were thrashed by the owners of the trees; but
they never strayed from the village or their scolding mothers. But Tarapada joined a touring yatra-
troupe and left his village without a thought. Search-parties brought him back. In spite of the
pleading of his mother, mild warning of brother and affection from neighbours, he ran away
frequently and the family gave up. It was as if he wanted to explore the world and was as wary of ties
as a young fawn. He was like a deer in his love of music.

3.State in about 100-150 words, Charushashi's reaction to the atithi/guest who came to stay with the
family.

Ans. The nine year old Charushashi was full of envy and jealousy towards Tarapada.. Being her
parents' only child, she was the only claimant on their affection. So, the little girl would throw a
tantrum if anyone praised the boy. It was a puzzle how her "volatile feelings began to concentrate in
fierce animosity" towards Tarapada. She continued to cause great trouble. At meals she would scowl
and push her plate away. she would complain about the food, slap the maid, and object to
everything. "The more that Tarapada's accomplishments impressed her parents and others, the more
angry she became." She would not admit that he had any virtues at all. On the night when Tarapada
sang about Kush and Lav, Annapurna thought, "Wild animals can be tamed by music, so perhaps my
daughter will soften Nevertheless the girl reacted, I didn't like it at all and shall never like it.' She was
full of envy and jealousy

4.But he would not accept ties, even ties of love: his stars had made him a wanderer" explain this
statement in relation to what happens in the story.

Tarapada is a fiercely independent boy who wants to be free from all ties and attachments. He is
endowed with curiosity and wants to explore nature. He is attracted by all those who represent
freedom. The sannyasi, the nomad, animals running freely held a fascination for him.

“Tarapada is as wary of ties as a young fawn, and is also like a deer in his love of music." His stars
have made him a wanderer. If he happens to see strange boats on river, or a sannyasi or gypsies, his
heart stirs with longing to be free, to explore the parentsatside world. He runs away two or three
times, and the family and villagers give up hope after failing to reform him.

The boy is good hearted and amiable. But the moment someone starts developing emotions for him,
he flies away from the scene. This is the reason why he runs away from yatra as the tutor develops
paternal affection for him, the members of the troupe falls for him and the people in the houses
where they performed began to make a special fuss of him. Therefore one day without saying a
word Tarapada disappeared. The same is the reason why he does not answer the questions of
Annapurna about his family .He cleverly evades her questions and does not encourage much
personal talk.

It is this inborn yearning for freedom that makes him run away from his marriage. Although he
develops an attraction for the daughter of the zamindar and all preparations have been made, the
groom leaves the place quietly and makes a quick getaway. In a cloudy monsoon night, "before love
and emotional ties could encircle him completely", this Brahmin boy returns to the "unconstraining,
unemotional arms of his mother Earth."

5. By closely referring to the story, comment on its end.

Tagore's story has a twist in the tale. Although the end, given the nature of the boy. cannot be called
totally unexpected for the readers, it is shocking for the members of his family as well as the loving
hosts who were about to become his family.

From the beginning it is made very clear that Tarapada is not the 'sticking or 'forkeeps'sort. More like
the proverbial rolling stone, he rolls from the monotonous to the more exciting. On top of it, he hates
conformity. He avoids long lasting ties because he does not want to be rooted to a specific place or
specific people. This means restriction, responsibilities and fulfilling expectations. He has been a born
wanderer and he remains the same till the end of the story. The genuine warmth of the zamindar
and his wife, the convenience he gets and the scope of furthering knowledge seem to bring a change
in his attitude. The readers start feeling that he may change, especially because of the influence of
the beautiful daughter of the zamindar. The girl puzzles him and even is a source of constant
fascination, an unconscious influence. Marriage to the girl would have Lbrought happiness and
prosperity to him. But he is 'original' He is a lover of freedom. He is like a bird who loves to fly in the
sky and comes to the nest at its own free will. This is the reason why he runs away on the eve of his
marriage. After a brief period of uncertainty, he decides to return to his own free world .

Complete the Sentences

1. "But he would not accept ties, even ties of love"because his stars had made him a wanderer, he
longed for freedom

2.To Tarapada the whole world seemed like a chariot festival because…he loved the orchestra played
by the monsoon winds and rain

3. The boy was intimately linked to this huge, immovable, mute, unblinking natural world
becausenot for a moment did it try to hold him with its loving embrace.

4. Tarapada was considered a born wanderer because he would not accept ties, not even ties of
love.

5. Like a pet cage-bird, Tarapada learnt a few songs, and then one morning flew away because the
tutor began treating him as his son.

6. It was from Gymnastic troupe that he had most recently absconded because he had heard that
the zamindars at Nandigram had founded, on a lavish scale amateur yatra-group, so he headed for
the place

7. Charurashi was a puzzle because she had her own opinions about food, clothes and hair-styles, but
consistency in them.

8. Tarapada started eating his meals away from the family because he wanted to give full attention to
his studies without any disturbance

9. Tarapada left the marriage ceremony quietly because his love for freedom prevented him from
getting tied up in close relationships.

10. The spirited boy Tarapada loved Nature because it neither constrained nor embraced him tightly
with affection.