Racial Themes in 'Telephone Conversation'

The video provides an analysis of Wole Soyinka's poem 'Telephone Conversation', highlighting the racial discrimination faced by a black man seeking to rent a flat from a white landlady. The poem uses a question-answer format and present tense to emphasize the ongoing nature of racial prejudice. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Soyinka exposes the hypocrisy and stereotypes held by both black and white individuals. The video concludes with a reflection on the persistent social issues of racial inequality.

Who is the author of 'Telephone Conversation'?

• Wole Soyinka

• Chinua Achebe

• Nadine Gordimer

• Ngugi wa Thiong'o

What is the main theme of 'Telephone Conversation'?

• Economic Inequality

• Love and Betrayal

• War and Peace

• Racial Discrimination

How is the poem 'Telephone Conversation' structured?

• In free verse

• As a sonnet

• In rhyming couplets

• In haiku form

What prompts the African-American to call the landlady?

• An advertisement with a reasonable rent

• A personal invitation

• A recommendation from a friend

• A government housing program

What is the landlady's initial reaction upon learning the caller's race?

• She offers a discount

• She asks for more details

• She remains silent

• She immediately hangs up

During what historical period was the poem written?

• The Renaissance

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Apartheid era

• The Civil Rights Movement

Why does the African-American confess his race before visiting the flat?

• He wants to negotiate the rent

• He is required by law

• He is proud of his heritage

• He wants to avoid a wasted journey

What does the African-American suspect about the landlady's advertisement?

• It is a scam

• It is misleading about racial acceptance

• It is outdated

• It is too expensive

How does the African-American imagine the landlady?

• As a strict landlord

• As a kind old woman

• As a stereotypical white lady

• As a young professional

What does the landlady ask about the African-American's skin color?

• If he can pay the rent

• If he has a job

• If he is light or very dark

• If he is from Africa