Chapter telephone-conversation: Telephone Conversation | Summary

Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka is a powerful satirical poem that exposes the absurdity and cruelty of racial prejudice in a modern society. The poem centers on a telephone call between an African man seeking an apartment and a white British landlady. Initially, the interaction seems professional and straightforward. The price is reasonable, and the location is indifferent, making it appear to be a successful transaction. However, the speaker feels a moral obligation to reveal his race, stating simply, 'I am African.' This confession triggers a sudden and dramatic shift in the atmosphere. The landlady, who had previously appeared polite, is silenced by her own deep-seated prejudice. When she finally speaks, her sophisticated, 'lipstick-coated' voice demands to know exactly how dark the speaker is, asking if he is 'light or very dark.' This question highlights the ridiculous nature of racism, as she tries to categorize a human being based on a literal color palette, much like choosing milk or plain chocolate. The speaker, initially stunned by this blunt dehumanization, decides to use irony and wit as a defense mechanism. He describes his complexion using complex terms like 'West African sepia' and explains that while his face is 'brunette,' other parts of his body, like the palms of his hands and soles of his feet, are 'peroxide blonde' due to friction. Through this clever wordplay, the poet mocks the landlady's obsession with superficial appearances. He exposes how racism reduces a person’s entire identity to a mere physical shade, ignoring their character, education, or humanity. The poem also critiques the 'pressurized good-breeding' of British society, where politeness often hides ugly, discriminatory views. By the end of the conversation, the speaker’s tone shifts from defensive to assertive. He invites the landlady to see him for herself, effectively turning the tables on her. Instead of being a victim of her judgment, he becomes the one challenging her narrow-mindedness. Soyinka uses the setting of a public telephone booth—with its red color and metallic buttons—to create a sense of isolation and mechanical detachment. This reflects the cold, clinical nature of the landlady's inquiry. Ultimately, the poem teaches us that racism is not just a social evil but a logical failure. It shows that wit and intelligence can be powerful tools to combat ignorance, and it encourages readers to look beyond the surface to recognize the shared dignity of all individuals regardless of their skin color.