ISC 12 NOTES

TELEVISION CONVERSATION

Logical Reasoning Questions

1. If the speaker warns the landlady about hating a wasted journey, it implies that
Ans. he expects potential discrimination based on his African identity.

2. The silence following the speaker's self-confession suggests that

Ans. the landlady is uncomfortable or prejudiced towards the speaker’s Africa identity.

3. The description of the landlady's voice as ‘lipstick coated, long gold-rolled cigarette-holder pipped' indicates
Ans. a stereotypical portrayal of sophistication or pretentiousness.

4. When the landlady inquires about the speaker's skin colour, it implies
Ans. her judgement and decision might be influenced by racial bias.

5. The speaker's reference to ‘Button B, Button A' symbolises

Ans. choices and decisions shaped by societal attitudes towards race.

6. The 'red booth', ‘red pillar box', and ‘red double-tiered omnibus’ symbolise
Ans. the intense emotions or possibly the racial tension in the situation.

7. The speaker's feeling of being ‘dumbfounded' and needing to 'beg simplification' suggests
Ans. his astonishment and distress at the blatant racial inquiry.

8. The landlady's clinical and impersonal assent to the chocolate comparison indicates
Ans. her detachment and possibly her ingrained prejudices.

9. The speaker's choice of ‘West African sepia? as a description of his skin colour implies
Ans. an attempt to assert his identity in a dignified manner.

10. The landlady's confusion over ‘West African sepia' and her focus on the speaker being ‘dark’ signifies
Ans. her lack of understanding or appreciation for cultural and racial diversity.

11. T The use of 'spectroscopic light of fancy' to describe the landlady's thought process indicates
Ans. her over-analysis or misconstrued perception of race.

12. The speaker's offer for the landlady to 'see for herself at the end of the poem suggests
Ans. his challenge to her prejudices and an invitation to confront reality.

Short Essay-type Questions

1. "Silenced transmission of
Pressurised good-breeding."
Reflect on the significance of this line in relation to the theme of communication and racial prejudice in the poem.
Write your answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. The line “Silenced transmission of Pressurised good-breeding" carries significant meaning in relation to the
theme of communication and racial prejudice in the poem. It highlights the lack of genuine and open
communication between the poet and the landlady due to the presence of racial bias. The phrase "silenced
transmission'" suggests the suppression of honest dialogue and the inability to express oneself freely. The term
"pressurised good breeding" implies the societal expectations of politeness and manners that stifle genuine
conversation and perpetuate racial prejudices.

2. “Caught I was, foully."

Discuss the impact of this line in portraying the poets surprise and discomfort during the conversation. Write your
answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. The line "Caught I was, foully" conveys a sense of surprise and discomfort experienced by the poet during the
conversation. The word 'caught' implies that the poet was unexpectedly trapped or entangled in a situation that
made him uncomfortable. The adverb ‘foully' intensifies the negative emotions associated with this encounter,
suggesting that the landlady's questions were intrusive and offensive. The line captures the poet's realisation of
the unfairness of the situation and the violation of his personal boundaries. It highlights the unease that arise
when confronted with racial prejudice, showcasing the emotional impact of discriminatory encounters and the
challenge of navigating such conversations.

3. “HOW DARK?... I had not misheard.. 'ARE YOULIGHT OR VERY DARK?"

Explore the implications of the landlady's questions about the poet's skin colour. What do these questions reveal
about her mindset and prejudices? Write your answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. The landlady's questions about the poet's skin colour, "HOW DARK? ... I had not misheard….’ ARE YOU LIGHT
OR VERYDARK?" reveal her mindset and prejudices rooted in racial bias. By emphasising the importance of skin
colour, she reduces the poet's identity to a superficial characteristic. Her questions reflect a narrow understanding
of race and a tendency to categorise people based on physical appearances. The landlady's preoccupation with the
poet's skin colour demonstrates her adherence to societal stereotypes and highlights her prejudiced assumptions
about people of different racial backgrounds. It exposes the deeply ingrained biases that can lead to discrimination
and hinder genuine understanding and connection between individuals.

4. "Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered Omnibus squelching tar.”

Analyse the symbolism of the colour red in these lines. Write your answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. The symbolism of the colour red in the lines "Red booth. Red pillar-box. Red double-tiered Omnibus
squelching tar" carries multiple connotations. 'Red' traditionally represents passion, energy, and intensity. In this
context, the repetition of the colour red emphasises the vibrant and lively atmosphere surrounding the poet's
conversation. It evokes a sense of heightened emotions and draws attention to the intensity of the racial prejudice
underlying the interaction. Additionally, red can signify danger or warning, suggesting the potential harm and
discrimination the poet might face due to his skin colour. The presence of the colour red in these lines symbolises
the charged nature of the conversation and serves as a visual reminder of the racial tension present in the poem.

5. "Considerate she was, varying the emphasis -

"ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT? “”
Reflect on the landlady's attempts to categorise the poet based on his appearance. Write your answer in about
100-150 words.
Ans. The line "Considerate she was, varying the emphasis – ‘ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?"" highlights the
landlady's persistent attempts to categorise the poet solely based on his appearance. Her variation in emphasis on
the words “dark” and "very light" indicates her desire to fit the poet into predefined racial categories. Despite her
attempts to appear considerate, the landlady's questioning reinforces the notion that she views individuals
primarily through the lens of skin colour. Her fixation on categorisation based on physical attributes disregards the
complexity and diversity of racial identities. The line underscores the pervasive nature of racial stereotypes and
the tendency to reduce individuals to simplistic labels, thereby revealing the landlady's limited understanding and
perpetuation of racial prejudice.

6. "Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumb foundment to beg simplification."
Reflect on the poet's feelings of shame and surrender in the face of the landlady's prejudiced questions. Write
your answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. The line "Shamed by ill-mannered silence, surrender pushed dumbfoundment to beg simplification" reveals
the poet's complex emotions of shame and surrender in response to the landlady's prejudiced questions. The poet
feels a sense of shame because the landlady's silence, driven by her biases, leaves him feeling disrespected and
invalidated. The word 'surrender' suggests a relinquishment of power and agency, as the poet realises the futility
of trying to challenge the landlady's preconceptions. The phrase "dumbfoundment to beg simplification" portrays
the poet's astonishment and frustration at the need to simplify his identity to fit within the landlady's limited
understanding. This line underscores the impact of racial prejudice on an individual's sense of self-worth and
highlights the unequal power dynamics at play in such encounters.

7. “Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light

Impersonality.”
Discuss the significance of the landlady's response to the poet's description of his skin colour. How does it
reinforce the poet's feelings of dehumanisation? Write your answer in about 100 150 words.
Ans. The line "Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light impersonality" signifies the impact of the landlady's
response to the poet's description of his skin colour. The word 'clinical' suggests a detached and sterile approach,
devoid of empathy or understanding. The term 'crushing' intensifies the negative impact, indicating the landlady's
dismissive and dehumanising attitude. The phrase "light impersonality" implies that she views the poet's
experiences and identity as inconsequential and unimportant. This reinforces the feelings poet's of
dehumanisation, as he is reduced to a mere subject of examination rather than a person with unique experiences
and emotions. The line underscores the harmful effects of racial prejudice, emphasising the devaluation of
individuality and the loss of human connection in the face of discriminatory attitudes.

8. “Facially, I am brunette, but madam, you should see

The rest of me. '"
Analyse the poet's response to the landlady's question about his skin colour. What message is he conveying
through this statement? Write your answer in about 100-150 words.
Ans. In the line "Facially, I am brunette, but madam, you should see the rest of me," the poet responds to the
landlady's question about his skin colour in a playful and sarcastic manner. By highlighting that he is 'brunette only
on his face, he challenges the landlady's narrow focus on physical appearances. The phrase "you should see the
rest of me' suggests that there is more to him than just his skin colour and invites the landlady to look beyond
stereotypes. Through this statement, the poet conveys the message that racial identity is multifaceted and cannot
be reduced to a single characteristic. He emphasises the importance of seeing individuals as complex beings,
rather than making assumptions based solely on external appearances.

9. "The landlady swore she lived

Off premises.”
Discuss the irony in this line and its significance in relation to the landlady's biases. Write your answer in about
100-150 words.
Ans. The line "The landlady swore she lived Off premises " contains irony and holds significance in relation to the
landlady's biases. The term 'off premises' typically implies that someone does not reside on the property they
oversee, suggesting a level of detachment. However, the irony is that the landlady's prejudices are a part of her
and not limited to any place. Instead, her biases reside within her mindset and perceptions, influencing her actions
and judgments. This line highlights the hypocrisy of the landlady's claim to live 'off premises' while simultaneously
displaying her biases, illustrating that prejudice and discrimination can exist within individuals regardless of their
physical surroundings. It serves as a reminder that biases are deeply ingrained and can transcend physical
boundaries, emphasising the need for introspection and self-awareness to challenge and overcome such
prejudices.

10. “Madam, I pleaded, wouldn't you rather

see for yourself?"
Explore the poet's plea to the landlady to meet him in person. What message does this statement convey about
the limitations of judging someone based solely on their physical appearance? Write your answer in about 100-
150 words.
Ans. The poet's plea, "Madam, I pleaded, wouldn’t you rather see for yourself?"" conveys a message about the
limitations of judging someone based solely on their physical appearance. By urging the landlady to meet him in
person, the poet suggests that personal interaction and direct experience provides a more accurate understanding
of an individual than superficial observations. He challenges the idea that skin colour or physical features alone can
define a person's character, highlighting the complexity and depth of human identity. The statement emphasises
the importance of moving beyond stereotypes and assumptions, advocating for deeper connection that goes
beyond outward appearances. It underscores the notion that true understanding and appreciation of others can
only be achieved through genuine engagement and the recognition of individuality beyond superficial attributes.

Long Essay-type Questions

1. How does the poet use humour and wit to address the serious topic of racial prejudice in the poem? Write your
answer in about 200-250 words.
Ans. The poet skillfully employs humnour 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 exposes the absurdity of racial
stereotypes and prompts the reader to question their validity.
Furthermore, the poet's comparison of his skin colour to "West African sepia" and "milk chocolate" adds a playful
and whimsical tone to the conversation. These metaphoric comparisons not only showcase his wit but also
challenge the narrow understanding of racial categorisation. By presenting his skin colour in unconventional terms,
he highlights the diversity and complexity within racial identities, ultimately undermining the simplistic notions of
race-based judgments.
The poet's response to the landlady's questions with sarcastic retorts and sharp comebacks also contributes to the
humorous tone. For instance, when he responds to her query about darkness by saying, "You mean like plain or
milk chocolate?” he subverts her expectations and humorously exposes the limitations of her narrow mindset.
Through the skilful use of humour and wit, the poet deftly disarms the seriousness of the topic, allowing readers to
engage with the poem in a more accessible and thought provoking manner. The use of humour serves as a
powerful tool to critique and challenge the prevailing racial prejudices, inviting readers to reflect on the absurdity
of such biases and reconsider their own assumptions. It provides a fresh perspective that fosters greater
understanding and dismantles the barriers created by racial discrimination.

2. Discuss the significance of the landlady's questions about the poet's skin colour. How do they reveal her biases
and prejudices? Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Ans. The landlady's questions about the poet's skin colour hold significant meaning in revealing her biases and
prejudices. By emphasising the importance of his skin colour and seeking to categorise him based on it, the
landlady demonstrates her racial bias and preconceived notions. Her questions reflect a mindset that reduces
individuals to their physical appearances and subscribes to racial stereotypes.
The landlady's focus on the darkness or lightness of the poet's skin suggests her adherence to colourism, form of
discrimination based on skin tone. Her assumption that darkness implies inferiority or undesirability reveals her
intemalised biases 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.

3. Reflect on the poet's playful comparisons of his skin colour to “West African sepia" and “milk chocolate." How
do these comparisons challenge stereotypes and racial categorisation? Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Ans. The poet's playful comparisons of his skin colour to "West African sepia" and "milk chocolate" serve as
powerful tools to challenge stereotypes and racial categorisation. These comparisons defy the simplistic notions
often associated with race and confront the reader's preconceived ideas.
By describing his skin colour as "West African sepia," the poet introduces a rich and evocative term that embraces
his African heritage. The use of "sepia" not only highlights the beauty and diversity of African cultures but also
challenges the dominant narrative that associates darkness with negativity. It disrupts the common perception
that darker skin tones are inherently less desirable or inferior.
Similarly, the comparison to "milk chocolate" brings a touch of light-heartedness to the poem. It presents an
alternative view to the traditional black/white binary and invites the reader to consider the nuances within racial
identities. The metaphorical reference to "milk chocolate" subverts the notion that lighter skin is the standard of
beauty or superiority. lt emphasises that racial identities are complex and multifaceted, resisting oversimplification
and challenging the need for rigid categorisation.
Through these comparisons, the poet showcases the diversity within racial groups and challenges the limited
understandings that perpetuate stereotypes. By presenting alternative and unexpected descriptions, he
encourages the reader to question their assumptions and prejudices. These playful comparisons disrupt the rigid
boundaries of racial categorisation, celebrating the unique experiences and individuality within each person,
irrespective of their skin colour.

4. Reflect on the landlady's ignorance of “West African sepia.” What does it say about the need for cultural
understanding and education? Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
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. Reflect on the moral lesson conveyed by "Telephone Conversation'. What broader insights about racism and
prejudice can be derived from the poem? write your answer in about 200 - 250 words.
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.