Introduction

Modernist poetry in English started in the early years of the 20 th

century with the appearance of the Imagists. It broke away from
traditional styles and explored new ways of expression. Two notable
poems that portray the theme of human suffering are “Telephone
Conversation” by Wole Soyinka and Home by Warsan Shire. These two
literary works shed light on the experiences of individuals who face
various forms of adversity, discrimination, and displacement. Through
their powerful verses, Soyinka and Shire invite readers to reflect on the
universal nature of human suffering and the urgent need for compassion
and understanding in the face of such hardships. In this context, I will
explore how the concept of human suffering is portrayed in……&……
In “Telephone Conversation,” by Wole Soyinka, the theme of human
suffering is powerfully depicted through the lens of racial discrimination.
The poem portrays a telephone conversation between a black man and
a white landlady, exposing the painful experiences and injustices
endured by people of color in a society plagued by racism. The speaker’s
quest for accommodation is met with discriminatory questions and
remarks from the landlady, reflecting the deeply ingrained biases and
prejudices that result in the suffering and marginalization of individuals
based on their race. Through this poignant portrayal, Soyinka sheds light
on the profound and enduring impact of racial discrimination on the
human experience. For example, “dark” was repeated to show how much
the landlady cared about the speaker's skin color, because “dark' usually
connects with the dark skin color of Africans. The landlady was obviously
discriminating against other races.
In “Home,” by Warsan Shire, the theme of human suffering reverberates
throughout, painting a vivid portrayal of the pain and anguish
experienced by those who are displaced from their homes. Shire’s
powerful words evoke a sense of longing and desperation, as she delves
into the harrowing experiences of refugees and immigrants who have
been uprooted from their familiar surroundings. Through vivid imagery
and evocative metaphors, Shire exposes the profound loss, trauma, and
uncertainty that accompanies the search for a place to call home. This
exploration of human suffering invites readers to empathize with the
struggles faced by those who yearn for stability, security, and a sense of
belonging. The important theme of Shire’s poem includes the suffering
of refugees, immigration, racism, and helplessness. In this long narrative,
Shire throws light on the journey of the refugees from their homeland to
a different country.