Question

What emotion does the colour 'red', signify in Wole Soyinka's Telephone Conversation?

• A. Helplessness
• B. Anger
• C. Courage
• D. Mockery

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Anger

Understanding the Symbolism of 'Red' in Wole Soyinka's 'Telephone Conversation'

• In Wole Soyinka's satirical poem 'Telephone Conversation', the colour 'red' is used to symbolize the anger and disgust of the landlady when she discovers the prospective tenant is Black.

• The poem narrates a telephone conversation between a West African man and a British landlady concerning a rented room. The landlady's initial politeness quickly turns into blatant racism.

• The line "RED, RED, RED. CONCESSION'S AWFUL DREAD." highlights the landlady's visceral reaction. The repetition of 'red' emphasizes the intensity of her prejudice and rage.

• 'Red' also hints at the racial discrimination and prejudice that the speaker faces, embodying the confrontational and hostile atmosphere created by the landlady's questions.